Stroud based Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS) is giving people the chance to focus on developing effective listening skills this August with their Introduction to Counselling & Listening Skills Summer School.

Designed for people who want to take a personal development break over the summer and learn new skills, the GCS Summer School runs for a week in Stroud, from 6th to 10th August. As well as developing the capacity to effectively listen to others, this course is also designed to give people a chance to dip their toe into the world of counselling - ideal for anyone considering counselling as a career, or for those whose job involves working in a caring or managing capacity with others.

Let's face it, we all love the sensation of being listened to. The more fully we feel listened to, the more we respond. It is powerful; we fall in love with people who listen to us; we vote for people who listen to us; we buy the products and services of people who listen to us. The ability to listen is one of the most profound influencing skills available to us.

For those wanting to delve deeper or those seeking to become a professional counsellor there is the opportunity to continue training in the autumn on the year-long Certificate in Counselling Skills either in Cheltenham or Stroud. This part-time course provides a necessary foundation year for diploma-level training at GCS or elsewhere and has proven to be very popular for those whose working life involves managing or listening to others. This includes professionals from education and teaching, social work as well as business managers within organisations large or small.

Joe Patel, who is New Ventures General Manager at Ecotricity has completed both courses and commented on his experience of training with GCS:

'I tell everyone how impacted my life has been by training with GCS. Both of these courses would be beneficial to anyone who is willing to look inwards, backwards and forwards with regards their own life. I have found that being more aware of how I feel and behave has been amazing within my work, my social circle and my family. For me, it's not just about training for a career - it's about living a happier, healthier and more aware life.'

Gloucestershire Counselling Service, who is marking its fortieth year in delivering professional training courses, has developed a reputation for excellence across the county and beyond. GCS provides a training experience on its counselling courses that is both theoretical and experiential. As well as exploring what the counselling process involves and what it takes to truly listen and openly to another, there are chances to put your new-found skills into practice.

Mike Keating, Head of Training at GCS commented:

'Being able to truly listen can be incredibly powerful - it can transform your relationships and for many people, it can open them up to a new way of being. It is the fundamental skill in counselling - and our courses are for anyone considering counselling as a profession - or indeed anyone who wants to develop this skill in their current job or in their life more generally.'

To find out more go to: contact GCS training@gloscounselling.org.uk  call 01453 766 310

www.gloscounselling.org.uk/training