An Introduction to Helping Skills

Jane Westergaard is a senior lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University. She teaches on a range of programmes specifically designed for students who plan to engage in employment with young people, but not in teaching roles. These youth support professionals include school counsellors, pastoral tutors, voluntary sector youth support workers, classroom assistants, learning mentors, careers advisers and personal advisers.

• Part I: Theory, Approaches and SkillsHelping Roles and Professions: Defining the TermsA Helping Model: Counselling, Coaching and MentoringFoundation Skills for Effective HelpingAdvanced Skills for Effective HelpingSkills in ContextThe Reflective and Reflexive HelperThe Ethical Dimension of HelpingWorking with DiversitySupervision and Continuing Professional Development for HelpersPart II: Roles in the Helping ProfessionsCase Study 1: ′Annie′, contributed by a learning support assistant in a mainstream secondary schoolCase Study 2: ′Maggie′, contributed by a life-coach in private practiceCase Study 3: ′Caller′, contributed by a telephone helpline counsellorCase Study 4: ′Diane′, contributed by an NHS community drugs and alcohol workerCase Study 5: ′Kane′, contributed by a teacher in a children′s hospitalCase Study 6: ′Letchme′, contributed by a registered manager of a children′s homeCase Study 7: ′Amy′, contributed by a counsellor and coach therapist in private practiceCase Study 8: ′Joe′, contributed by a trainee probation officerCase Study 9: ′Megan′, contributed by a care manager assistantCase Study 10: ′Kanta′, contributed by a surgical nurse specialist

In this engaging book, Jane Westergaard draws on her extensive knowledge and experience as a helper and educator. Those who are new to counselling, coaching and mentoring are in safe hands here; those who are already familiar with these disciplines will find much to stimulate and provoke fresh thinking.