Product Description

The first and second editions of this best-selling book became standard texts in universities, colleges and training institutes all over the UK. This third edition is a further timely update in the fast-changing world of counselling and helping, with additional material on counselling and helping skills for a range of contexts from teaching through volunteer helping to citizenship.

This book is for students on basic introduction to counselling courses from around 20 to 100 hours duration. It covers all relevant areas of training at this level — theory, personal development and building helping skills. Intended as a support for tutors and a companion for course participants, the text emphasises personal development and good practice, and can be used with confidence as a focus for training or a supplement to it.

First Steps in Counselling has set the standard for approachable entry-level books, mapping out the ground of contemporary counselling for those with little or no prior experience. Teachers, nurses, social workers, police officers, managers and volunteers have all been supported in the development of their context-specific helping skills. Rich in down-to-earth examples, quotations and activities, First Steps in Counselling stimulates thought, builds confidence and develops self-awareness.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1874 in Books
• Published on: 2002-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

Peter Mickleborough, Counselling Tutor
I've seen First Steps…and I think it's excellent. I've put it on all my students' reading lists. Congratulations.

From the Publisher
Now in its eleventh year and third edition, 9000 students a year choose First Steps in Counselling as an introductory text to helping skills.

About the Author
Pete Sanders completed his full-time diploma in counselling at the University of Aston in 1974. He worked as a counsellor, trainer and supervisor in further education and private practice for over 25 years. Pete was the lead tutor in three BACP recognised training courses and was instrumental in the Trainer Accreditation Scheme. He has written, edited and/or contributed to over a dozen books on counselling and psychotherapy, specialising in person-centred therapy.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Starter Book
This book is very good for beginners who maybe starting a course in couselling. It teaches basic concepts and skills using a down to earth common sense approach. I found this book very useful prior to commencing my diploma course in professional counselling. Even if you are not planning on taking a course it is also helpful in developing listening skills.

An excellent book. Buy it!
An ideal introduction to Counselling, whether you are taking a course, or simply interested in Counselling and what it is all about. Pete Sanders uses a very personal approach which leaves you feeling at the end of the book that you have actually met and talked to him. Lots of thought provoking exercises and interesting personal insights. The book is an easy read and achieves it's purpose with style and professionalism.

Pete Sanders First Steps in Counselling
Fantastic in depth book, but written so basically that anyone can understand the first steps of counselling. I have been using it in conjunction with a college course and have found it highly useful. Like the many references to songs and quotations. Pete Sanders obviously a good sound round guy who understands the need of counselling and straight talking plain English.