Description
Book SynopsisPersonal development (PD) groups are a key feature of many counsellor training programmes. Personal Development Groups for Trainee Counsellors: An Essential Companion is a comprehensive and accessible study guide written by experienced tutors and lecturers to support students with their PD group work and other personal development activities, helping students to get the most out of these experiences.
This essential resource is aimed primarily at those who are new to counsellor training. It will also be useful for anyone who wants to understand more about the nature of PD groups and how these can be used effectively. Case studies, questions and activities encourage readers to reflect on different topics and on themselves, including looking at how to improve self-care and how mindfulness can help. The book looks at the historical background to PD groups; how they can be used effectively, and also real-life experiences from both tutors and recent students. Other chapters
Trade Review
'This wonderful additional to the field offers an informed and helpful insight into the world of personal development groups. The collaboration of contributing authors, all experienced practitioners, supervisors and academics, provides an engaging and valuable resource to trainee counsellors and therapists and others interested in their own personal development. The rich integration of theory, practice examples, case studies and reflective exercises creates a well-informed companion guide, signposting the reader seamlessly through the often complex, challenging and ultimately rewarding experience of personal development groups.' - Anna Playle, Psychotherapist, Supervisor & Programme Director and Senior Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University
'It is acknowledged that personal development groups, although essential to therapeutic education, can be experienced with some trepidation—not only by students! This book, produced by five experienced and committed practitioners will be welcomed by trainee therapists, their teachers and supervisors. It is a 'go-to' handbook that helps to demystify the purposes and processes involved in PD group membership where the need for good facilitation and active participation is a given. This book is definitive in its broad-spectrum coverage and it is presented in a very accessible format.' - Marjorie Ashdown, BACP Fellow, PD Group Supervisor, Clinical Supervisor and Therapist
'I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who works with people, as it has certainly enhanced my capacity for reflection and broadened my personal development. The exercises were often transformative and encouraged me to look at things from a slightly different perspective. They encouraged self-reflection and I felt my capacity for personal development deepened through the experience. I especially appreciated the vignettes throughout which allowed me to put my learning into context.' - Margo Fourman, Special Education and Learning Development Tutor, University of Huddersfield
Table of ContentsList of contributors
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Section A: Understanding personal development
1. What is personal development?
Carole Smith
2. A historical overview of personal development groups
Carole Smith
3. A historical and personal view of PD groups
Tracy Hitchcock
4. Personal development journeys: Student experiences
Edited by Jayne Godward
Section B: The personal development group
5. Understanding the personal development group
Jayne Godward
6. Experiences of personal development groups: A research base
Carole Smith
7. Experiences of running personal development groups: The facilitator role
Jayne Godward
8. Conflict and difficulties in personal development groups
Jayne Godward
Section C: Developing self-awareness to enhance practice
9. Ethics and personal development: Understanding personal ethics
Heather Dale
10. Personal moral qualities
Heather Dale
11. Attachment styles and relational patterns
Tracy Hitchcock
12. Identity and the counselling relationship: Who do you think you are?
Tara Fox and Jayne Godward
Section D: Other aspects of personal development
13. Personal therapy in counsellor training
Heather Dale, Jayne Godward and Carole Smith
14. Supervision and personal development
Heather Dale and Jayne Godward
15. Self-care and support for trainee counsellors
Heather Dale
16. Mindfulness and self-compassion
Tara Fox
17. Reflecting on and capturing your personal development: Study skills support
Heather Dale and Jayne Godward
Conclusion
Index
