Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. introduction and overview -- 2. what makes a good counsellor? -- 3. selection of trainees: the most crucial phase of assessment -- 4. assessing competence: ways and means -- 5. what to assess and how: methods in assessing competence -- 6. assessing personal development -- 7. assessment difficulties: ethical and professional dilemmas -- 8. schemes for assessing competence: NVQs and the rest -- 9. quality assurance: external accountability and evaluation.

The subject of this book is the assessment of competence of counsellors in training. It provides a wealth of material for counselling trainers to use when designing courses or rethinking methods of assessment, to ensure that high standards of practice are achieved to enhance the reputation of the counselling profession. The text summarizes research on counsellor competence and assessment systems used in a range of organizations as well as offering original ideas and suggestions, gathered from the author's experience. This book is essential reading for all counsellor trainers. It provides an opportunity to review existing practice and to incorporate new ideas for assessment of competence into existing frameworks. It is also a useful resource book for individual counsellors who are interested in evaluating their own competence and for counsellors undertaking research.