ABSTRACT
Some people are more comfortable acting in a counselling and supporting capacity than are others. When a child or a young person comes to a teacher for help, the teacher can advise, give information and practical help, or suggest counselling: counselling is only one of a range of facilities which could be offered. Theories of counselling also reflect the differing nature of these relationships and the basic philosophical stance of the counsellor. Most counselling approaches focus on feelings and, though the emphasis may vary, operate on the principle that, by arousing the client's emotions, change is more likely to occur. Counselling skills need to be acquired and learned, and once learned need to be supervised. Supervision and training help to consolidate skills and approaches being practised. Skills are needed in order to engage in effective counselling. Beginners in counselling often have difficulty with this: they lack the confidence to find their own 'voice' in the counselling relationship.
