PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLORS' ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTITUDES REQUIRED BY COUNSELLOR TRAINEES FOR TRAUMA-INFORMED COUNSELLING

Abstract

This study investigated professional counsellors' assessment of knowledge, skills and attitude required by counsellor-trainees for trauma-informed counselling. The study employed a descriptive survey design to conduct the research. The population of the study consisted of all professional counsellors in both tertiary and secondary educational institutions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Asample of 150 professional counsellors was selected for the study using a stratified random sampling technique. Aquestionnaire titled “Professional Counsellors Assessment of Knowledge, Skills and Attitude for Trauma-Informed Counselling (PCAKSATC)” was designed by the researchers for the collection of relevant data. The data collected were analysed, using descriptive statistical analysis involving simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. The results indicated that counsellor-trainees had a fair knowledge and attitude required for trauma-informed counselling; however, their skills were rated poor. The curriculum of counsellor education assessment was fair in terms of knowledge and skills relevant to trauma-informed counselling. Some recommendations were made, among which is that counsellor education should incorporate relevant knowledge and skills for trauma-informed counselling in their curriculum.