Changes in counsellor trainee responses to client's message after Peer Group Consultation (PGC) training

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in counsellor trainees' ways of responding to clients' messages after four weeks of Peer Group Consultation (PGC) training [Soini, Jämsä, & Kuusisto, 2006. Scaffolding and consultation of skilled performance. In K. Thompson J. Liukkonen, & T. Jaakkola (Eds.), Promotion of motor skills in sports and physical education (pp. 70-80). Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, Department of Sport Sciences. Publications 6/2006]. PGC training focuses on learning-specific client-centred skills; applying practice sessions with feedback; specific skills training; and a group review of videoed performances of the trainees. Pre-training results show that trainees use self-disclosure and suggestion as their primary way of communicating with the client, focusing on explanations behind the client problems. Post-training results show a significant decrease in the use of self-disclosure, and an increase in the use of reflection; indicating improvement in the counsellor trainees' client-centredness. Overall, results indicate that PGC training can be an effective method in increasing trainees' client-centred responses and reducing counsellor-centred responses.