This interactive workshop will expand and build upon basic counselling skills that are used in working with clients within the housing system. The session is divided into two parts: the morning will be spent examining the essentials of counselling and communication skills; while the afternoon focuses on the application of these skills in specific areas. These areas include: diverse client populations; women’s issues; people with mental health or concurrent disorders; working with groups; and other areas identified by participants in the workshop. Drawing on a variety of theoretical and practice-based approaches, this session introduces counselling for those new to the field, and an opportunity for continued development and practice for more experienced participants. You are asked to come to the workshop with your own case examples for discussion and “troubleshooting”.

Learning Objectives:

• Review effective communication skills used in many service settings.
• Examine how these skills are used within the context of agencies with specific sub-populations like street involved, Aboriginal and LGBT communities.
• Practice exercise utilizing these skills and review relevant case examples from participants’ setting.