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Do you ever find yourself concerned about being at a loss when a client becomes emotional? Do you wonder how you'll maintain the flow of a session? Or are you unsure of how to manage those awkward silences?
Unlock your potential as a competent and confident counsellor with this essential guide for students navigating the complexities of counselling skills. It is written from a humanistic perspective and offers a humanistic base from which to build your self-awareness and relational skills. Written by an experienced BACP (person-centred and pluralistic) accredited counsellor and university lecturer, this resource answers many pressing questions and concerns raised by students training within humanistic modalities. Covering all the core counselling skills from developing a client relationship, listening, asking questions, dealing with emotions to establishing boundaries, the book tackles the real-world challenges students face in their counselling journey. It provides a straightforward introduction to working relationally and collaboratively, offering insights gained from years of teaching and hands-on experience.
Practical Counselling Skills is packed with practical exercises, in-session examples, and insightful tips that demystify key counselling techniques, all designed to support you in a practical way. In addition, there are links to exclusive video demonstrations, which means you're not just reading; you're actively engaging with the material and bringing your learning to life.
This book is more than a guide - it's like having your own dedicated lecturer at your fingertips, providing you with the support and confidence necessary to excel in your counselling journey. It is a perfect choice for trainees embarking on their humanistic training, which prioritises client-counsellor collaboration and the strength this brings to the therapeutic relationship. It will equip you to develop and adapt your skills to what the client needs - when they need it.
Foreword by Kate Smith
Introduction
1. The relationship
2. Listening
3. Saying it back
4. Asking
5. Presence
6. Working with emotions
7. Symbolism and representation
8. Limits
9. Developing and reflecting on counselling skills
10. Frameworks for helping
References
Index
'I really love this contemporary, informed, and eminently practical guide to counselling skills. It describes, in plain English, the relational techniques needed to help clients feel understood and valued, and to find ways forward in their lives. The question-and-answer format keeps the book engaging and lively - responding to key questions and concerns that trainees might have. A super new guide.'
Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling Psychology, University of Roehampton
'This book is an excellent resource for trainee counsellors and psychotherapists. It bridges the gap between theory and practice with clear explanations, real-world examples, video demonstrations, and practical exercises that build both confidence and competence. The writing is accessible and brings clarity to essential counselling topics. Its FAQ-style approach makes it especially helpful, addressing the very questions trainees most often ask. Tom Meaney should be applauded for bringing the key concepts of counselling skills and training to life in such a clear, practical and supportive way. Engaging, relevant, and encouraging, it is a text I would strongly recommend to anyone starting their counselling training journey.'
Dr Faisal Mahmood, Head of Counselling, Psychotherapy & Talking Therapies, Birmingham Newman University; BACP (Accredited); UKCP (Registered); SFHEA
'Practical Counselling Skills is a refreshing and accessible resource that speaks directly to the needs of trainees. Tom Meaney writes with clarity, warmth and encouragement, offering a reassuring voice that bridges the gap between theory and practice. I particularly value the emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and the grounding of every skill in empathy, presence and authenticity. The inclusion of trainee FAQs, real-world examples and practical exercises makes this book highly relatable and confidence-building for students. As a course lead, I can see how much this text will support learners throughout their training, while also reminding experienced practitioners of the enduring importance of relational skills in counselling.'
Lindsay Horsley, Course Lead, University Centre Colchester, Counsellor and Supervisor
Tom Meaney is a Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Lancashire where he teaches across the counselling and psychotherapy undergraduate programme. He is a BACP accredited counsellor with his own private practice and also practices as an EMDR therapist.
