ONGOING TRAINING AND QUALITY IN COUNSELLING Presented by Torsten F. Sonne M.A. Psychology Head of Quit-Line Barcelona, September 2001

Overview Introduction to STOP-Line counselling Educating, recruiting and training counsellors Ongoing supervision The use of Reflecting Teams in supervision

STOP-Line Counselling Open since october Two lines are open 19 hours a week. The service is reactive calls were answered during the first year. Counselling is also provided on the internet.

Educational Level of Staff Counsellors are educated or undergoing an education as health professionals For example –Midwife, nurse, doctor, psychologist.

Education as STOP-facilitator In order to apply for a job as a counsellor it is necessary to: –follow a three days course (25h) in the art of supporting smokers who want to quit. –have experience with cessation courses and/or individual counselling.

STOP-facilitators are Trained in: Using the methods by Prochaska, Norcross, and Diclemente (the six different stages in the process of quitting). Showing empathy when supporting smokers who are in the difficult process of living an every day life without smoking.

Some of the Subjects are: Smoking cessation and health advantages The psychology of smoking Discussion and group excercises Role playing excercises in small groups Weight and smoking cessation NRT and Zyban

Hiring the Counsellors About 300 persons have been educated as STOP-facilitators at the Copenhagen Centre of Smoking Cessation many of whom are now working for the Centre. So far it’s been possible to hand-pick telephone counsellors among this group of experienced counsellors

All counsellors are additionaly trained in 14 hours in special skills needed before answering the phone on their own Listening as a trainee to different experienced counsellors on-line is important Training of New Staff

Further Educational Programs Motivational Interviewing. Based on the work by Miller and Rollnick (13h). Appreciative Inquiry (3h) Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (3h) A one day seminar in the fall 2001

Frames of Supervision Offered twice a month (2h) The counsellors participate once a month Takes place in small groups Is given a high priority The counsellors receive full payment

Supervision should: Focus on enhancing skills and providing new means Be appreciative and focused on stimulating desired skills rather than uncovering weak points

Supervision Parallels Counselling Should always be done in a respectful manner. Empathy is important. It provides the means for a good daily support between counsellors and thus enhances further growth.

Use of Reflecting Team in Supervision One case is chosen from the counsellor’s ”books” The counsellor is interviewed for min The other counsellors reflect on the case in an appreciative manner. The counsellor is interviewed for another 5-10 min