Counselling Skills

ITI Counselling Skills Trade Syllabus

The ITI "Counselling Skills" trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with foundational skills in counseling, including communication, empathy, active listening, and basic psychological techniques, to assist individuals in personal, educational, or career-related challenges. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical counseling skills, and employability training to prepare students for roles such as counseling assistants, career guides, or support staff in educational, corporate, or social service sectors.

Course Overview

• Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
• NSQF Level: Level 4
• Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass (or equivalent), preferably with an interest in psychology or social work
• Objective: To train individuals in basic counseling techniques, interpersonal communication, and emotional support provision, enabling them to assist diverse groups effectively.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in counseling and interpersonal skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Introduction to Counselling
    
    • Definition, scope, and importance of counseling.
    • Role and responsibilities of a counselor in various settings.
    • Types of counseling: personal, career, educational, group counseling.
  • Human Psychology Basics
    
    • Overview of human behavior and emotions.
    • Stages of human development: childhood, adolescence, adulthood.
    • Common emotional and psychological challenges (stress, anxiety, low self-esteem).
  • Communication Skills
    
    • Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.
    • Active listening: principles and practices.
    • Building rapport and trust with clients.
  • Ethics in Counselling
    
    • Confidentiality, boundaries, and ethical guidelines.
    • Respecting diversity: cultural, gender, and socioeconomic factors.
    • Legal aspects of counseling in India.
  • Tools and Techniques
    
    • Introduction to basic counseling tools: questionnaires, observation.
    • Understanding body language and its role in counseling.
    • Stress management techniques for clients.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Counselling Skills
    
    • Problem-solving and decision-making techniques.
    • Handling emotional distress: grief, anger, depression.
    • Career counseling: assessing aptitudes, interests, and skills.
  • Group Counselling
    
    • Dynamics of group counseling: facilitation and participation.
    • Managing group conflicts and fostering collaboration.
    • Activities for group therapy (e.g., role-playing, discussions).
  • Counselling in Specific Contexts
    
    • Counselling in educational institutions: academic and behavioral issues.
    • Workplace counseling: stress, work-life balance, conflict resolution.
    • Community counseling: addressing social issues (e.g., addiction, domestic challenges).
  • Mental Health Awareness
    
    • Recognizing signs of mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders).
    • Referral processes: when to involve psychologists or psychiatrists.
    • Promoting mental well-being and resilience.
  • Emerging Trends
    
    • Role of technology in counseling: online platforms, tele-counseling.
    • Introduction to peer counseling and community support systems.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical application of counseling techniques.

• Semester 1
  
  • Communication Practice
    
    • Role-playing exercises for active listening and empathy.
    • Practicing verbal and non-verbal communication with peers.
    • Conducting mock interviews to build rapport.
  • Observation Skills
    
    • Observing and interpreting body language in simulated scenarios.
    • Recording observations of client behavior and emotions.
    • Using basic assessment tools (e.g., mood checklists).
  • Basic Counselling Sessions
    
    • Conducting one-on-one counseling practice with peers.
    • Applying stress management techniques (e.g., breathing exercises).
    • Documenting session outcomes and feedback.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Counselling Practice
    
    • Simulating career counseling sessions: resume review, goal-setting.
    • Handling emotional scenarios: role-playing grief or anger management.
    • Practicing problem-solving with case studies.
  • Group Counselling
    
    • Facilitating group discussions on common issues (e.g., stress, teamwork).
    • Organizing group activities: trust-building exercises, role-plays.
    • Evaluating group dynamics and individual participation.
  • Real-World Application
    
    • Conducting mock counseling sessions in educational or workplace settings.
    • Practicing referral processes with simulated cases.
    • Using online tools for virtual counseling practice.
  • Project Work
    
    • Designing and conducting a short counseling intervention (e.g., stress management workshop).
    • Preparing a report on the intervention’s process and outcomes.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides analytical support for counseling-related tasks.

• Semester 1
  
  • Basic arithmetic: percentages, averages for aptitude assessments.
  • Data interpretation: analyzing client feedback or survey results.
  • Basics of human biology: stress response, nervous system overview.
• Semester 2
  
  • Statistics: simple data analysis for group counseling outcomes.
  • Time management calculations: scheduling counseling sessions.
  • Psychology-related science: effects of emotions on physical health.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on diagramming relevant to counseling processes.

• Semester 1: Drawing flowcharts for counseling session structures.
• Semester 2: Creating visual aids for career counseling or group activities.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Communication skills: writing reports, speaking confidently.
  • Time management: prioritizing counseling tasks.
  • Basic IT skills: using MS Office for documentation, online platforms.
• Semester 2
  
  • Entrepreneurship: starting a counseling support service.
  • Resume writing and interview preparation.
  • Customer service: addressing client needs empathetically.

Assessment and Certification

• Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
• Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
• Evaluation: Based on counseling session proficiency, communication skills, ethical application, written exams, and project work.

Career Opportunities

• Employment: Counseling assistant, career guide, student counselor, HR support staff in schools, colleges, or corporate offices.
• Self-Employment: Freelance counseling services, workshops on stress management or career guidance.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Psychology, advanced counseling courses, or social work programs.

Note

• This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
• For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) website (dgt.gov.in) or consult your local ITI.