ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the essential elements of setting up a helper relationship. The essential framework of a helping relationship is setting up the contract and working alliance, building rapport, and providing a safe and conducive climate. Underpinning all counselling skills training is the emphasis on the human relationship and how this is set up, developed, established and maintained. As people develop their counselling skills practice, they will begin to realise how powerful and evocative these simple skills can be, and potentially open to manipulation and exploitation of others. A large percentage of people's communication is silent, through their faces, eye contact and physical posture and mannerisms, they convey subtle messages through their interaction with others. As people build up trust with their learning partner, they may wish to explore some deeper value-based issues. Consideration of the initial core skills of what constitutes good listening can develop our awareness of the barriers to active listening.
