A course for lay counsellors to help people with tinnitus

The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) recognises the need to provide some training to enhance the skills of those who wish to help people with tinnitus. As an organisation we have a commitment to support everyone with tinnitus and we are very aware of the importance of counselling in this regard.

We have obtained the help of a professional trainer to offer, with consultation, lay counselling training to enable participants, who may already have some experience, to build on this experience and so become better equipped to help people with tinnitus as well as to support other helpers.

The two-day course takes place at the Westminster Hotel, Nottingham, a venue that provides participants with excellent facilities and surroundings to make the most of the training.

Aims of the Training

• to raise participants’ awareness and increase their understanding of the use of counselling skills and the counselling process, with focus on specific issues of loss and the process of adjustment to living with tinnitus
• to provide an opportunity to practise counselling skills
• to evaluate personal strengths, concerns and issues when working as a helper with tinnitus sufferers.
• to increase participants understanding of the medical background to the condition of tinnitus, and introduce them to some of the practical coping aids available at present.

Trainer

Roly Fletcher BA(Hons), MSc, PsychD, MBPsS, HPC registered.

Roly works in Surrey for the NHS and also runs a private practice. He works on a voluntary basis with special needs children and their families in any spare time he has.

Course Director

Eric Trowsdale BA Hons. (Psychology) BTA Training Adviser

Course Co-ordinator

Krystyna Klytta - BTA Events Manager

Cost

BTA Member £315

Non BTA Member £365

The cost covers:

• course materials and handouts
• certificate on completion
• all refreshments
• all meals, including a three course dinner on Friday evening, lunch both days and Saturday breakfast
• overnight accommodation on Friday.

Any additional accommodation, food etc is not covered in the cost and must be paid to the hotel before departure. If extra accommodation is required either side of the course - please ring Krys and she can organise it for you at a reduced rate

Due to the nature of the training, places are limited to 16 per course, therefore it is important to apply as soon as possible.

Participants who complete the training will receive a certificate of attendance and the BTA will maintain a list of registered helpers who have completed the course.

However, the BTA also reserves the right to withdraw any name from the list if it is felt that the person concerned is not acting in the best interests of the BTA. We expect that members will want the BTA to maintain standards and this is an effort to undertake that task.

The training consists of input on basic counselling and listening skills coupled with how to respond appropriately to the many enquiries that are received. There will also be some input on tinnitus as a medical condition and the audiological services available, so that you have knowledge to share with the people you help.

We welcome applications from professionals such as hearing therapists, audiologists etc.

This course has been accredited with 8 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points from the British Academy of Audiology and 8 BSHAA CPD points

Booking Conditions

• a place cannot be confirmed unless the booking form is accompanied by a cheque, credit card details or a purchase order number
• payment is due in full prior to the start of the course
• cancellations for the course received 4 weeks before the start date will be refunded, less a £10.00 administration fee
• cancellations for the course received less than 4 weeks of the start date will not be refunded. Substitutions may be made at any time by informing the BTA office