The Trainee Handbook

Professor Robert Bor trained in the UK, South Africa and the USA. He is a Chartered Clinical, Counselling and Health Psychologist as well as a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He is a UKCP Registered Family Therapist, having completed his specialist training at the Tavistock Clinic, London and a clinical member of the Institute of Family Therapy, London. He has a special interest in developing psychological support services for those affected by chronic or acute medical conditions, and especially those with cancer.He has published more than 150 articles and chapters in peer-review publications as well as 20 books on the psychological impact of illness and serves on the editorial board of numerous international journals. He is also the Consulting Psychologist to several leading schools in London including St Pauls School, The Royal Ballet School and JFS.He is an active member of the International Psycho-Oncology Society, consults to Chai Cancer Care in London and he is a Churchill Fellow. Mary Watts is emeritus professor of psychology and former pro-vice-chancellor for learning and teaching at City, University of London. She combines her knowledge and experience of academic, professional and business development within current freelance roles. A chartered psychologist and registered member of the Health Care Professions Council, Mary has specialisms in health and wellbeing, coaching, counselling and psychotherapy. She is a Meyler Campbell Business Coach Graduate and currently director of their Mastered Programme, former chair of the British Psychological Society’s Special Group in Coaching Psychology and also the 2015 International Congress in Coaching Psychology.

I found the Trainee Handbook really useful for the students that I work with.  It is well set out from setting the scene to future job role as a counsellor.  I’m aware that it isn’t necessarily for Level 2 students but some aspects are and the students found them to be very useful.  Some specific headings that are used in counselling may help such as contracting.

• Setting the scene - Sheelagh StrawbridgeRoutes into the profession of counselling, counselling psychology and psychotherapy in the United Kingdom - Tony WardThe trainee experience - Susan Maise StraussStudents top tips - Tami Avis, Fran Smith, Genevieve Solomou and Ingrid SorhusGetting the most out of personal therapy - Mark Donati and Charles LeggEffective essay writing - Frances MielewczykHow to write a client case study - John DavyHow to write a process report - Christine ParrottPlanning and preparing your research study - Don RawsonProducing and presenting your research report - Don RawsonGuidelines for professional practice - Tim BondResearch, practice and reflection - Margaret OakesThe clinical placement in therapy training - Victoria E. GalbraithHandling and processing a referral - Mary CreanerDeveloping skills in formulation - Sarah Corrie and David A. LaneThe first session with a new client: five stages - Robert Bor, Sara Chaudry and (the late) Riva MillerAssessing a client′s mental state - Yvette LewisPsychopharmacology: a primer - Diane Hammersley, Jo Sexton and Charles LeggWritten communication and counselling - Peter Du Plessis and Fiona HirstSupervision: making it work for you - Damian McCannWhat do I do if ... ? Questions commonly asked by trainees - Malcolm C. Cross and Linda PapadopoulosPreparing for a job after professional registration - Elaine KasketWorking with diversity: enhancing practice and challenging oppression - Martin MiltonThe reflective practitioner: some personal reflections - Mary WattsSetting the scene for continuing professional development (CPD) and life-long learning - Barabara HanniganThe use of social media, technology and online therapy - Anne StokesLooking to the future - Sheelagh Strawbridge