Welcome to
Practical Counselling Skills
I'm Tom, an experienced accredited counsellor with a passion for nurturing growth within the profession. As a university lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy, I train aspiring counsellors - ensuring they have the knowledge and support needed to succeed in their careers.
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This web-space is dedicated to helping trainees develop their skills and find answers to their important and ever-evolving questions. ​​
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Scroll down for links to my:
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You ask, I Substack feature, where I write monthly Substack posts based on your questions.
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Skills Forum online - a quarterly space for trainee (and qualified) counsellors to discuss and practise their counselling skills.
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Tom Meaney MBACP (accred)
A new resource to enhance your counselling skills
Practical Counselling Skills: developing relational techniques - your questions answered brings together my experience as both a counsellor and a trainer in the profession.
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I clearly explain and explore the essential skills all counselling trainees will need to learn. I go further though, directly answering, in straight-forward terms, the many frequently asked questions trainees have about the skills they are attempting to develop. The kinds of questions addressed in this book include:
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'What's the difference between a reflection and a paraphrase?'
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'What if I can't personally relate to my client's circumstances?'
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'What do I do if my client struggles to answer my questions?'
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'How can I become more comfortable with silences?
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I provide answers to well over 100 trainee FAQs - and to further enhance trainee development - Chapters 2 - 7 come with links to videos (of me) demonstrating the skills covered within each chapter.
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If you've ever wondered how you might work creatively with a client, check out this clip from Chapter 7 'Symbolism & representation'
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This is one of many exclusive counselling skills video demonstrations available via my book Practical Counselling Skills: developing relational techniques - your questions answered. This clip features myself and a volunteer (the volunteer has provided me with permission to share this content online).
Praise for Practical Counselling Skills: developing relational techniques - your questions answered
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'I really love this contemporary, informed, and eminently practical guide to counselling skills. It describes, in plain English, the relational techniques needed to help clients feel understood and valued, and to find ways forward in their lives. The question-and-answer format keeps the book engaging and lively - responding to key questions and concerns that trainees might have. A super new guide.'
Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling Psychology, University of Roehampton
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'This book is an excellent resource for trainee counsellors and psychotherapists. It bridges the gap between theory and practice with clear explanations, real-world examples, video demonstrations, and practical exercises that build both confidence and competence. The writing is accessible and brings clarity to essential counselling topics. Its FAQ-style approach makes it especially helpful, addressing the very questions trainees most often ask. Tom Meaney should be applauded for bringing the key concepts of counselling skills and training to life in such a clear, practical and supportive way. Engaging, relevant, and encouraging, it is a text I would strongly recommend to anyone starting their counselling training journey.'
Dr Faisal Mahmood, Head of Counselling, Psychotherapy & Talking Therapies, Birmingham Newman University; BACP (Accredited); UKCP (Registered); SFHEA
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'Practical Counselling Skills is a refreshing and accessible resource that speaks directly to the needs of trainees. Tom Meaney writes with clarity, warmth and encouragement, offering a reassuring voice that bridges the gap between theory and practice. I particularly value the emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and the grounding of every skill in empathy, presence and authenticity. The inclusion of trainee FAQs, real-world examples and practical exercises makes this book highly relatable and confidence-building for students. As a course lead, I can see how much this text will support learners throughout their training, while also reminding experienced practitioners of the enduring importance of relational skills in counselling.'
Lindsay Horsley, Course Lead, University Centre Colchester, Counsellor and Supervisor
You ask - I Substack
Feel free to explore more skills development resources.
Ask a question about counselling skills (click on the above image)
You ask
I Substack
The questions you ask will inform the content of my monthly Substack posts (click on the above image)
Skills Forum online
Skills Forum online
Join me and several other counselling trainees (and perhaps some qualified counsellors, too) in a forum where we discuss and practise our developing counselling skills. This is a highly supportive environment, with anyone from complete beginner to seasoned professional welcome. Click on the above image for more information.