The focus of this course is to develop competent skills in both group and counselling processes for practical application in the mental health field. Several counselling approaches such as cognitive, behavioural, existential and brief therapy models are presented. Students will be encouraged to examine their values and life experiences influencing their practice with clients and families. The use of groups, development phases, group process and techniques are presented as well as family facilitation/therapy skills. A variety of other related concepts are discussed, such as case management models, implications in therapeutic counselling, influence of the counsellor, stress in the mental health profession, and ethical issues related to suicide.