Applied Relational and Counselling Skills

This course introduces students to applied relational and counselling micro‑skills used in brief helping interactions in the context of mental health and wellbeing. The course aims to strengthen students’ ability to engage purposefully, ethically, and responsively with others in situations that require supportive communication, collaborative problem‑solving, and constructive management of interpersonal challenges. Students will learn a range of evidence‑based counselling micro‑skills, including attending and observation, paraphrasing, summarising, and reflection of feeling, as well as foundational strengths‑based and solution‑focused approaches. The course also introduces basic conflict‑resolution and negotiation communication strategies, and provides structured opportunities to practise difficult conversations and de‑escalation techniques within defined role boundaries. Through reflective activities and guided feedback, learners will develop the ability to apply micro‑skills intentionally, respond constructively to common interpersonal challenges, and plan and conduct brief helping interactions using foundational counselling frameworks. Students will also build self‑awareness and ethical sensitivity by evaluating their own communication behaviours and identifying areas for improvement.