This course provides an introduction to effective communication in a helping relationship, and provides an opportunity to assess interest in, and readiness for, working in the counselling field.
Prerequisites
Missing prerequisites?
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
What you will learn
- The Helping Relationship (What is Counselling)
- Cultural safety
- Nonverbal Communication
- Introduction to the Practice Sessions
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Active Listening Skills
- Assumptions, Values, and Biases
- Empathy (why we use it and what it is)
- Demonstrating and Applying Empathy
- Opening and Closing Sessions
- Stages of Counselling
- Self-regulation, self-care, and building personal resilience
- Ethics
How to register
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11878 |
January 21, 2026 to April 8, 2026 |
Lecture/Practical | Online | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22260 |
May 13, 2026 to August 5, 2026 |
Lecture/Practical | VCC Downtown Campus | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22302 |
May 20, 2026 to August 12, 2026 |
Lecture/Practical | Online | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22303 |
May 12, 2026 to July 28, 2026 |
Lecture/Practical | Online | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
Contact us
If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.
Additional information
PLAR will be assessed by the Department according to standardized practice and using one or more of the following components: Challenge Exam, Demonstration, Interview, or External Evaluation.
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.