ABSTRACT
There are many good things about developing one's communication and listening skills through the use of counselling skills. The use of counselling skills can have a powerful impact on the depth of the helper/client interaction. It is important to have an awareness of language and communications issues and to be insightful of the cultural differences in non-verbal responses and discuss meaning with clients. There is a huge diversity of experience of people who might come from the 'same social group', and it should not be assumed that they share similar personal qualities, skills, experiences or cultural values. Reflexive practice is an integral part of the helping relationship and part of the ongoing learning process. Transactional analysis (TA) acknowledges and integrates the three main theoretical modes of psychology - psychoanalysis, CBT and humanistic. An awareness of TA ego-states can facilitate interactions and improve communication.
