Integrating theory and practice in counsellor training

A training programme for counsellors, based on the principle that counselling is a behavioural skill, is described. The programme aimed to improve client-centred skills, though the methods used could also be applied to other approaches to counselling. The pre- and post-course measures of skill were based on (a) a 45-minute recorded interview with a client, and (b) recorded responses to simulated clients, using a language laboratory. During the programme the skills were practised, with feedback on progress, using a behaviour category language. This enabled trainees to become more sensitively aware of others, to become aware of the discrepancies between their intentions and their actions, and to monitor their own progress in learning the skills. Striking changes were observed between the pre- and post-course measures. The results are discussed in relation to counselling training.