Using live demonstration to prepare students for direct counselling practice

Abstract

Live demonstration is an important pedagogic tool in courses aimed at teaching students how to conduct counselling. It facilitates the integration of theory and practice. In this paper, the elements of live demonstration are outlined, and relate limitations and dilemmas are discussed. It is emphasised that for live demonstration to be effective clients should be pre screened for suitability, informed consent should receive due attention, confidentiality should be strictly guarded, a consent form should be signed and resources should be readily available in case of crises. In addition, faculty need to make arrangements for therapeutic continuity should further counselling be necessary at the end of the course. Clients ’ needs should be of commanding importance throughout the process. The future research is indicated to address these issues and further evaluate how this innovative teaching method may contribute to the training of future counsellors and therapists.
Keywords: Live demonstration, counselling, one -way-mirror, supervision.