They are issues I must think about as I train, but more importantly, if I can follow their inspiration, I will be able to stand up for what’s right and help make the world a better place.

Enhanced Learning Credits are designed to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces and ex-service personnel. It is for anyone thinking of becoming a counsellor, working or volunteering in a role that requires helping and listening skills, or simply caring for someone. First Steps in Counselling is essentially a book about helping and this fifth edition has been updated and revised with the help of two co-authors; Paula J Williams and Andy Rogers. The authors offer the trainee and novice helper a rich overview of the role, purpose and value of counselling skills in contemporary helping roles.Pete Sanders, Paula J Williams and Andy Rogers position counselling in contemporary society and render the theory, practice and origins of counselling understandable to all. He has written, co-written and edited numerous books, chapters and papers on many aspects of counselling, psychotherapy and mental health. This is a welcome update that will continue to provide an excellent foundation text for counselling, counselling skills and mental health training, as well as an invaluable resource for those who use counselling skills as part of a helping role.

Most books about training focus on the training; this book is about you, the trainee and student, and your needs.First Steps will introduce you to and guide you through the counselling profession, modalities and skills, and your professional and self-development. As I started my journey on the Counselling road, I found this a very useful tool to guide me through the first ideas on what counselling involves.