Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service praise Training for Counsellors’ Listening Skills course

Blackburn based Training for Counsellors have shared that the latest cohort of their Introduction to Counselling: Listening Skills course, delivered for Blackburn with Darwen (BwD) Carers Service is now complete.

This enriching eight-week programme was designed to enhance listening skills, self-awareness, and the ability to support clients effectively.

BwD Carers Service provides invaluable support for family members and friends caring for loved ones experiencing illness, addiction, or disabilities.

The course equipped the team with the skills needed to offer even greater support as they deeply engaged with the course content.

Throughout the course, participants explored essential topics crucial to their professional and personal development.

These included active listening and empathy-building, effective communication strategies for collaborative problem-solving, and the importance of self-awareness and self-care.

Owner and course facilitator, Samantha Crapnell said: “Working with the BwD Carers Service team was a pleasure. It was evident during the course that the team are truly committed to their work in helping others. Awarding them a certificate in Listening Skills was a small way to recognise their willingness to learn and their dedication to caring for others.”

This dedication to growth and improvement was reflected in the feedback from participants which was overwhelmingly positive. They described the experience as transformative and thought that this training would be beneficial to all professionals in caregiving roles.

Sam Morris, CEO of BwD Carers Service, said: “There were six staff members participating in the course.

"They were enthusiastic and provided feedback after each session, commenting that the course was interactive, thought-provoking, and easy to apply in their daily lives, both personally and professionally. I can see their new awareness and understanding of the benefits of effective listening in their everyday work.”

Join The Next Cohort!

Training for Counsellors are now accepting applications for their next Introduction to Counselling: Listening Skills cohort. Held at Haydock House in Blackburn on Wednesday mornings from 30 April to 18 June 2025, with sessions running from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Facilitated by Samantha Crapnell and Emily Clarke, this programme provides a supportive and engaging learning environment to help develop essential listening skills. The course aims to enhance the participants’ ability to offer empathetic support, improve communication techniques for both personal and professional settings, and build self-awareness and resilience to maintain a positive well-being while supporting others.

This course is perfect for anyone who is already in the helping profession wanting to enhance their listening skills, making it a valuable addition towards their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Although this course is not only for qualified professionals, it also offers an excellent opportunity for anyone considering a first step into a possible career in counselling, as well as individuals looking to improve their personal or professional relationships.

With an interactive approach to learning, the course combines practical exercises, discussions, and reflective activities to help apply knowledge in real-world situations.

At the end of the course participants are invited to complete a written reflection on how they have implemented their learning, following which delegates will receive a Certificate in Listening Skills.  

For more information or to sign up for this course, contact Samantha on 01254 476 704 or email [email protected].