Course info

This is a follow-up course which complements the ‘Emotional Support in the Community: Basic Skills’ course. This course focuses on and encourages the participants to engage in reflective practice, and to enhance the skills of self-awareness. It takes an in-depth look at issues related to transference and countertransference, and how these influence the individuals receiving the service.

The course then delves into the topic of mental health, focusing on supporting people with mental health issues, particularly when it comes to depression and anxiety. The course also aims to create an opportunity to discuss self-care practices, which are crucial to providing the best possible care.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the importance of self-awareness and how to apply it to themselves in a personal and pastoral care context.
• Define and describe transference and countertransference and what prompts them.
• Comprehend the meaning of reflective practice, and hence begin to analyse their practices to gain a better understanding of quality service, which ensures a safe and positive working environment.
• Grasp the concepts of mental health and mental health issues and how they affect daily life.
• Explore what depression is (and is not) and highlight the difference between ‘normal’ anxiety and anxiety disorders.
• Understand the importance of taking care of themselves as service providers.