Podcast: Check-in with CPCAB

CPCAB would like to support learners on their counselling training journey and are pleased to have collaborated with Counselling Tutor with a 10-minute section 'Check-in with CPCAB' within their weekly podcast.

Special Edition: How to Become a Counsellor: CPCAB's Free Counselling Training Taster
Podcast

In this special episode of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes speaks with Derek Cunningham from the CPCAB on our new Training Taster and what it offers prospective learners.

Some of the topics that Rory and Derek discuss in this episode include:

  • Why it's important that you receive training through legitimate routes in order to achieve recognised qualifications.
  • How the CPCAB's free counselling training taster is designed to help you make an informed decision, choosing the route that is right for you.
  • A week-long course that is purely online is unlikely to gain you a legitimate qualification.
  • Why it's essential that you're training in a community with feedback, camaraderie, peers and tutors that can help you during your journey.
  • The idea that you should be able to receive feedback that is open, constructive, and fair, to allow you to improve.
  • How crucial face-to-face time is for counselling training.
  • The importance of learning how to give and receive feedback.

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Special Edition: CPCAB Progression Route
Podcast

In this special episode of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes speaks with Derek Cunningham from the CPCAB on choosing the right courses to become a fully qualified counsellor.

There is more than one way to study counselling, and throughout this episode, Rory and Derek will take us through some of the options available, and the key things to consider when choosing the best progression route for you:

  • Make sure that at the end of whatever course you take, you will be qualified to join a professional membership organisation.
  • Take courses that are Ofqual approved in order to be able to join a professional body.
  • Be sure to join an ethical body that is accredited with professional standards authority.
  • Not all level 2 and 3 qualifications are equivalent – you will need classroom and practical hours in order to progress further.
  • It’s incredibly important that you have been amongst peers and received feedback through discussion.

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Special Edition Podcast - CPCAB Level 5 Qualification: Counselling Children and Young People
Podcast

In this special edition podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes from Counselling Tutor speaks with CPCAB's Heather Price about the exciting introduction of a new level 5 qualification - Counselling Children and Young People (11-18).

The details of this new specialised CPCAB qualification that are discussed include:

  • This specific training is necessary to work with young people, especially due to tricky areas such as confidentiality and consent.
  • Before being able to take this course, a good grounding is needed beforehand. As it is a level 5 qualification, you will already be a qualified counsellor before choosing to specialise - it requires knowledge, skills and training.
  • It includes 20 hours of personal therapy as working with other people’s childhoods may trigger something from your own.
  • It is a regulated qualification.
  • It is in partnership with the Open University.
  • It includes 120 flexible guided learning hours which will take one year to complete.

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Supporting Students to Gain Counselling Placements
Podcast

At CPCAB we want to do all we can to support our students during these challenging times.

In the latest Counselling Tutor podcast Kelly Budd, Head of Qualifications at CPCAB, talks about student placements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kelly explains the letter to placement providers that has been written by CPCAB and may be used by CPCAB centres and candidates when approaching agencies to offer reassurance and outline our commitment to good practice.

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#156 - The new BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification
Podcast

In our last episode of the academic year Ray van der Poel reflects on the way in which our podcasts, in association with Counselling Tutor, have enabled CPCAB to engage with learners and tutors in a new way. He also discusses the new BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification available from September 2020.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast:

Find out more about the new BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification – CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

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#155 - Planning New Counselling Training Courses 2020/21
Podcast

As you start to plan for your next courses, it is possible that not all students or tutors will be able to return to the classroom. In this podcast, Molly Ayre discusses options for a blended approach to teaching and learning.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast:

We have recorded a series of short videos covering tips for tutors delivering CPCAB courses remotely. We hope they will answer common queries or difficulties you may have faced whilst transitioning to remote teaching.

Watch the videos here and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to view all of our video content.

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#154 - Deliberate Practice
Podcast

In this podcast Kelly Budd discusses the use of a Deliberate Practice approach and how it could be beneficial to a student’s educational journey.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast:

Mastering the Inner Skills of Psychotherapy: A Deliberate Practice Manual Paperback (2019) by Tony Rousmaniere

The Cycle of Excellence: Using Deliberate Practice to Improve Supervision and Training (2017) by Tony Rousmaniere

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#153 - COVID-19 - New Assessment Protocols
Podcast

In light of exams being cancelled this summer, Heather Price discusses the new assessment protocols that have been agreed by Ofqual, the regulator in England. These alternative methods of assessment are to enable students to gain a result this summer so they can progress to the next level or graduate as a professional counsellor.  Heather explains the three categories of mitigation – calculation, adaption, or delay and the process and structure of the new adapted Level 4 case review.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast:

CPCAB’s Approach to Mitigation for Regulated Qualifications During the COVID-19 Situation - Guidance for Centres May 2020

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#152 – Adding CBT Skills to your Practice
Podcast

In this podcast Ray van der Poel discusses how counsellors may enhance their employability by completing the CPCAB Level 5 qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The qualification is intended for candidates who want to develop CBT skills and theory as an integral part of their professional counselling work.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast: 

CPCAB and The Counselling Channel have produced an exclusive film titled ‘Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’. This film demonstrates how the theory and skills of CBT can be successfully applied in counselling practice. 

Find out more about the Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory (CBT-L5).

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#151 - Why top up to Level 5?
Podcast

When you have finished your Level 4 Diploma and completed a year of client work you might want to specialise in a particular client group, learn more about independent practice, or work towards the Open University Foundation Degree. In this podcast, Heather Price discusses Level 5 qualifications.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast:

The CPCAB progression route provides a clearly defined pathway to becoming a qualified counsellor.

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#150 - Preparing for Exams
Podcast

Please note: This podcast was recorded prior to the coronavirus crisis.

We understand how nerve-wracking many people find exams, it often brings back the fear and anxiety of sitting in a school exam hall. So when you have signed up for a course that has an examination in it, what are our best suggestions for getting through it and demonstrating what you have learnt? In this podcast we share our top tips on overcoming exam anxiety.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast:

This document provides a complete guide to external assessment for candidates studying for the TC-L4 qualification.

This article from Times Higher Education provides handy tips on how to manage your anxiety.

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#149 - Support Networks
Podcast

In this week’s podcast Heather Price discusses the personal and professional support networks that are available once you have completed your course.

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#148 - Assessment Methods
Podcast

It is CPCAB’s belief that the holistic nature of counselling work is best assessed through a variety of methods to ensure that learners are not only able to explain their theoretical understanding, but also demonstrate their ability to carry out practical skills. It is also important that the student’s ability to self-reflect is included, alongside the ability to give personal feedback to others at similar levels of training, therefore peer-assessment is also a key factor. This podcast discusses the various types of evidence that can be used to meet criteria.

Additional information relating to the topic of assessment methods can be found in this podcast summary by Kelly Budd, Head of Qualifications at CPCAB.

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#147 - Issuing Results
Podcast

You have finished your course, completed your portfolio, and passed the external assessment – what happens next? Heather discusses how results and certificates are issued.

The processes and procedures for issuing exam results differ from centre to centre. Therefore, please contact your tutor, centre manager, or exams department if you have a query related to the release of exam results or certificates.

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#146 - Dealing with Complaints
Podcast

In this week’s podcast Kelly Budd - Head of Qualifications at CPCAB explains the complaints process if an issue were to arise with your learning experience.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

While it would be great to hear that every student’s course experience is a 100% positive one, sometimes issues and conflicts do arise. These are often natural occurrences and learning can be gained from addressing and overcoming these difficulties.

If you do find that you wish to make a complaint about your learning experience, your first port of call is to approach your centre to make use of their complaints process.

CPCAB’s role in regard to complaints is outlined in our complaints policy available at: https://www.cpcab.co.uk/public_docs/complaints_policy

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Accommodating Students and Centres during the Coronavirus Outbreak
Podcast

* Information in this podcast was correct at the time of recording [28/03/2020], however more recent updates can be found here *

In this week's podcast Kelly Budd - Head of Qualifications at CPCAB talks about the guidance CPCAB is providing to centres and candidates during this unprecedented COVID-19 situation. CPCAB are committed to supporting the continuation of counselling training and enabling candidates to complete their studies.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Please find our latest statement statement here which will be updated as the current Coronavirus situation develops.
For specific questions, we have produced a ‘frequently asked questions’ document that can be viewed here.
We have also written detailed guidance for centre closures which includes alternative teaching methods available here.

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#145 – External Verifier Visit
Podcast

What is an External Verifier (EV) and why might they visit your training group? In this podcast Heather discusses the role of EV’s within CPCAB and what they are looking for in a centre.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Guide to Internal Moderation and Verification for Centres
The link provides a guide to internal moderation and verification – this support documentation is designed for centres and tutors.

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#144 - What Do Tutors Learn from their Students?
Podcast

Have you ever considered how much tutors learn from their students during the counselling teaching journey? In this podcast Kelly Budd, Head of Qualifications at CPCAB, reflects on the positive impact that students had on her growth and teaching practice.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

This podcast summary by Kelly Budd provides an insight into Kelly’s personal experience as a tutor learning from her students, and theories relating to this experience.

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#143 - Minimum Assessment Levels
Podcast

In this podcast Heather discusses CPCAB’s minimum assessment requirements and why they might be different to other awarding bodies.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

To find out more about minimum assessment levels and what else our qualifications cover, please refer to CPCAB’s Qualification Specifications

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#142 - What else does CPCAB do?
Podcast

In this podcast Ray shares information about CPCAB’s associated project - New Vision for Mental Health. The NVMH website looks at new and interesting things happening in mental healthcare and Ray points to the importance of understanding the wider landscape in which counselling sits.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Power Threat Meaning Framework: a slideshow presentation
The framework follows on from work “in conjunction with service users, on developing a multi-factorial and contextual approach which incorporates social, psychological and biological factors.”

A New Vision for Mental Health
A new vision for mental health website aims to explore and suggest various answers to the way we approach mental healthcare today. It also challenges each of the mental health professions to engage constructively with the wider sector.

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#141 - Standardising Assessment Levels
Podcast

In this podcast Heather discusses the importance of standardisation training which CPCAB provides to its tutors to ensure that all courses are delivered and assessed at the same standard.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Standardisation Training
CPCAB host free face-to-face standardisation meetings across the country. They always feature a welcome and an introduction section on what’s new in the ever expanding community of counselling qualifications and then workshops on the standards of the different level qualifications and focus groups.

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#140 - Dual relationships with Tutors
Podcast

In this podcast Heather discusses how dual relationships with tutors might cause a conflict of interest. This covers commonly asked questions including “Why can’t my tutor be my personal therapist?” and “I want my tutor to be my supervisor” which are two examples of dual relationships which may raise this issue.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professionals
Guidance for ethical good practice in counselling, supervision and counselling training. Please refer to sections 33, 37 & 79. www.bacp.co.uk

CPCAB Candidate Guide
Candidate Guide for Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4). Please refer to page 9.

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#139 - Working with long term clients
Podcast

In this Podcast Ray van der Poel discusses some of the nuances encountered in the counsellor - client relationship when working with clients long term.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Person-Centred Counselling in Action
Person-Centred Counselling in Action, Fourth Edition is an invaluable resource for those embarking on their first stages of training. SAGE publishing

Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy
This ground-breaking text goes to the very heart of the therapeutic meeting between therapist and client. Focusing on the concept of 'relational depth', the authors describe a form of encounter in which therapist and client experience profound feelings of contact and engagement with each other, and in which the client has an opportunity to explore whatever is experienced as most fundamental to her or his existence. SAGE publishing

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#138 - Progression routes in counselling
Podcast

Having started on a foundation counselling skills course you may now feel that you want to take the training to the next level. This podcast discusses ways to do this and the benefits of following a defined progression route.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

First Steps in Counselling
This book is for students on basic introduction to counselling courses from around 20 to 100 hours duration. In his highly acclaimed approachable style, Sanders covers all relevant areas of training at this level - theory, personal development and building helping skills. Good Reads.

A Student’s Guide to Therapeutic Counselling
This highly practical book is a comprehensive training guide based around the 7 core processes of practitioner development and will appeal to learners on diploma courses at Level 4 and above.  It offers a firm foundation of knowledge and skills, looks at practice issues, helps with study, and answers the most common questions students have when training. SAGE Publishing

CPCAB’s Progression Route
This is a useful infographic showing CPCAB's modular system of qualifications.

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#137 - Taking a year off between Diploma Years 1 and 2
Podcast

When embarking on a two-year CPCAB Diploma course it would be expected that you make that commitment for the full two years. However sometimes life gets in the way, this discussion centres around what you can do if you need to take time out.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

TC-L4 Tutor Guide (page 16)
Tutor Guide for Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)

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#136 - Student support networks during the course
Podcast

While studying counselling your peer student network can be an incredible support. There are clear benefits from connecting with those going through the same challenging journey as you, however sometimes when difficult emotions are triggered your peers can bear the brunt of this emotional ‘fallout’. In this podcast we discuss the importance of kindness in counselling training, and in life.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Why being kind could help you live longer.
‘What can kindness do for you? Give you a warm glow perhaps, or a feeling of well-being? While that may be true, scientists and academics at a new research centre say it can do much more - it can extend your life’. BBC News, Washington.

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#135 - Placement Nerves - The First Client Hour
Podcast

The first ever counselling hour at a placement can be a nerve-wracking experience for any student. In this podcast we consider what thought processes might be hiding underneath those nerves, and how to prepare practically and emotionally for the first session.

This podcast summary by Kelly Budd, Head of Qualifications at CPCAB gives insightful advice and tips on how to prepare for your first client hour.

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#134 - Giving and Receiving Feedback
Podcast

In this podcast Heather discusses how giving and receiving feedback can often trigger fear and apprehension. Giving feedback is a skill to be learnt like other skills and when done properly can be very effective. 

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Counselling Skills and Studies – 2nd Edition.
‘Are your students looking to use counselling skills to enhance their existing helping role? Are they taking the first steps towards becoming a professional counsellor? This practical guide will provide readers with the ideal ‘way-in’, showing them what helping, and counselling is all about.’ SAGE Publishing.

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#133 - A Student's Guide to Therapeutic Counselling - the new CPCAB Book!
Podcast

CPCAB has just published the exciting follow up book to its popular Counselling Skills & Studies book with SAGE Publishing.

In this podcast Kelly discusses the new book entitled ‘A student’s Guide to Therapeutic Counselling’ which is written to support and guide students on their Level 4 diploma and above, including chapters on placement hunting, integrating theory into practice, and dealing with difficult scenarios.

The books authors would like to invite you to purchase the book with a fantastic 25% off the purchase price. The discount code to use is UKCPCAB25 and is valid on SAGE's website until the end of December 2019.

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#132 - Real Play VS Role Play
Podcast

Do you hate role play? Do you wonder why it tends to be a common ingredient of counselling training? This podcast discusses the pros and cons of using role play scenarios or working with own real-life issues.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Becoming a counsellor – A student companion
A one-stop reference book for all new counselling trainees. Whether starting out on an introductory course or tackling a postgraduate diploma, this book will make the journey to professional qualification that little bit easier. It addresses the complexities and challenges of counselling training by confronting and unpicking the many potentially daunting issues and questions faced by students throughout their training. SAGE Publishing

Counselling skills and theory
This introductory textbook is suitable for a wide range of Foundation, Certificate, and Diploma courses at levels 2 and 3 as well as Higher Education studies. Amazon.co.uk

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#131 - Personal therapy during training
Podcast

Many practitioner level courses include a requirement for the learner to attend personal therapy. In this podcast we explore the purpose behind this requirement, and what might be challenging for a learner in this situation.

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

A Student's Guide to Therapeutic Counselling
This highly practical book is a comprehensive training guide based around the 7 core processes of practitioner development and will appeal to learners on diploma courses at Level 4 and above.  It offers a firm foundation of knowledge and skills, looks at practice issues, helps with study, and answers the most common questions students have when training. SAGE Publishing

Personal Therapy for Future Therapists: Reflections on a Still Debated Issue. Maria Malikiosi-Loizos
This article discusses how the issue of personal therapy in the training of counsellors and counselling psychologists has long been debated and is still being discussed. Although some people believe that trainees’ processing of personal issues helps increase their self-understanding, they do not consider it mandatory. Others argue that personal therapy is an integral part of training for future therapists revealing the characters and personalities of those who are fit or unfit to practice this profession.

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#130 - Placement Hunting
Podcast

The requirement for a learner to achieve client hours in an agency placement setting is a frequent feature of diploma level training and above. Here we offer some hints and tips around what makes an effective placement hunt.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

A Student's Guide to Therapeutic Counselling
This highly practical book is a comprehensive training guide based around the 7 core processes of practitioner development and will appeal to learners on diploma courses at Level 4 and above. It offers a firm foundation of knowledge and skills, looks at practice issues, helps with study, and answers the most common questions students have when training. SAGE Publishing.

The Trainee Counsellor Handbook
Written by a team of leading trainers, practitioners and supervisors, this bestselling classic is the trainee therapist’s best friend. It identifies and guides trainees through the practical skills and knowledge they'll need to make a success of their training - from writing essays through to case formulation and on to preparing for their first meeting with a client. SAGE Publishing.

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#129 - Learning from observing
Podcast

In this Podcast we discuss the value of observing experts to inform learning.

The resources below are suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Nothing is smooth or perfect
‘An article focusing on what students can learn from intensively reviewing psychotherapy conducted by experienced therapists whilst being focused on emotional processes?’ Wiley Online Library

The Counselling Channel
The Counselling Channel produces videos about self-help, counselling, psychotherapy and a range of other talking therapies.

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#128 - Logging Client Hours
Podcast

This discussion centres around how to manage the practical and emotional effects on a trainee when clients don’t turn up for their arranged appointment – often known as DNAs

The resource below is suggested as further information relating to this podcast.

Read our TC-L4 guide.

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#127 - Reasonable adjustments in counselling training
Podcast

For learners to truly flourish in their counselling training it is important to identify any barriers to learning, or difficulties when taking the assessment required for the qualification. Learners can work together with their centre to explore their learning needs and put into place any appropriate Reasonable Adjustments.

Read the CPCAB policy ‘Application of Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration’

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#126 - Authenticity
Podcast

Being genuine or authentic comes up a lot in counsellor training. Dr. Gabor Maté’s YouTube clip on authenticity is the discussion topic for the ‘Check-in with CPCAB’ podcast.

Watch the video of Dr. Gabor Maté’s talk on authenticity.

Blink – The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
"This book is about those moments when we 'know' something without knowing why. It shows that honing your instincts could change the way you think about thinking forever." Penguin Publishers.

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#125 - What can I do with a level 4 diploma?
Podcast

Learners often ask what level qualification gives them the right to consider themselves a ‘qualified counsellor’. Here we consider what the average level 4 diploma enables you to do in terms of practice, and whether completing this level provides all the competencies you would need to enter private practice.

Read our TC-L4 webpage

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#124 - Using the CORE assessment tool effectively
Podcast

In this Podcast we discuss how to use assessment tools effectively treating them as a clinical skill NOT an administrative exercise.

The resources below are suggested as further information regarding the use of assessment tools in counselling work.

Read our TC-L4 Candidate Guide

Watch the video Interview with John Mellor-Clark founder of the CORE assessment tool ‘How can CORE IMS improve clinical effectiveness?

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#123 - Dual relationships in the training group
Podcast

Why can’t I study in the same group as my partner/mother/son? This podcast looks at what is meant by a dual relationship and discusses the effects on confidentiality boundaries, personal development and group dynamics if two people in the same group are closely related.

The resources below are suggested as further information regarding the ethical effects of dual relationships i.e. two or more people in a training group who already have a close relationship.

Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018)
‘Guidance for ethical good practice in counselling, supervision and counselling training’ www.bacp.co.uk

Dual Relationships in Counselling & Psychotherapy
‘This book examines the circumstances in which such relationships arise and provides guidelines on how to ethically manage or avoid’ Sage Publishers

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#122 - Why do we 'check-in' at the beginning of a training session?
Podcast

In this Podcast we talk about the possible underpinning reasons why learners are asked to ‘check-in’ at the beginning of a teaching session on their course.

The resources below are suggested as further information regarding the authentic/genuine self, self-awareness and group work agendas.

Person-Centred Counselling in Action
‘This book offers the definitive exposition of the theory and practice of the person-centred approach. Since then the book has supported and inspired hundreds of thousands of trainees and practitioners worldwide’ Sage Publishers.

How to look after your mental health using mindfulness
Download your free guide to looking after your mental health.

Group Leadership Skills – Interpersonal Process in Group Counselling Therapy
‘This group counselling textbook helps counsellor/therapist trainees bring together the concepts of group work with the reality of working with complex group phenomena’ Goodreads.com

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#121 - The difference between a Learning Outcome and Assessment Criteria
Podcast

In this podcast we discuss the difference between a Learning Outcome (LO) and Assessment Criteria (AC). By looking at the LO and AC a learner will get an understanding of what they will learn and the sort of activities they will undertake.

Read our CSK-L2 Candidate Guide

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#120 - Purpose of Counselling Awarding Bodies
Podcast

In this podcast we talk about CPCAB as an Awarding Organisation and discuss the video interview which was filmed with Rory from Counselling Tutor, when he visited our head office this summer.

Watch the video interview below.

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