Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Basic Skills for Interviewing and Consulting
Course Code
VPUPK_425
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Diāna Semerova
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
Contacts
Dzirciema Street 16, Riga, vppk@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of this introductory course is to foster students’ understanding and the development of foundational skills in professional interviewing and counselling with individuals, with an emphasis on the specific features of interviewing and counselling in different fields. The course promotes an understanding of the importance of a safe professional environment, the structure of professional interviews and counselling, and the appropriateness of different types of interviews in different situations. Students develop foundational professional communication and reflection skills. The course does not aim to provide comprehensive interviewing and counselling skills but serves as an introduction to the fundamental principles of interviewing and counselling and their application in different fields, with initial skills developed in learning and simulated situations.
Preliminary Knowledge
Professional activity and ethics of psychologist I, personality Psychology, developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Defines and explains basic concepts and professional boundaries of psychological counselling by distinguishing counselling from psychotherapy.
Individual work and tests
Test work
2.Describe the types of professional interviews, their objectives and structure in different professional contexts.
Individual work and tests
Test work
3.Explains the importance of micro-skills of professional contact in professional conversation.
Individual work and tests
Test work
4.Explain the objectives, tasks and process stages of the consultation in different consultation approaches.
Individual work and tests
Test work
5.Analyse the principles of the psychologist’s professional ethics and potential risks in interviewing and counselling, including in the digital environment.
Individual work and tests
Test work
Skills
1.Develop and implement a short structured simulated interview (introduction-goal-questions-aggregation-conclusion) in accordance with the basic principles of professional negotiation.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Demonstration of skills
2.Demonstrate micro-skills of professional contact in a structured learning situation
Individual work and tests
Training skills • Exam
3.Provides and receives reasoned feedback on the interviewing and consulting process based on predefined evaluation criteria.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Training skills
4.Reflect and analyse the experience gained in the professional context by linking it to theoretical knowledge based on scientific literature.
Individual work and tests
Essay on Psychology Days
Competences
1.Maintain a professional conversation framework in simulated situations, observing ethical principles, conditions of a safe professional environment and professional boundaries, aware of the boundaries of their competence and the necessity of future professional development.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Preparation |
-
|
-
|
|
Independently strengthen the lecture material by reading sources and preparing for seminar classes and intermediate programmes – test work. |
||
|
2.
Essay on Psychology Days |
-
|
Test
|
|
The student prepares a one-page (A4) essay on one of the events attended during Psychology Days. In the essay, the student describes the insights gained during Psychology Days and analyses their relevance to the fundamental principles of interviewing and counselling covered in the course, supporting their perspective with references to scientific literature. |
||
|
3.
Training skills |
-
|
Test
|
|
In small groups with courtiers, microskills for interviewing and counselling outside classes shall be trained and a report sheet shall be completed, which shall be assessed as passed/failed. |
||
|
4.
Demonstration of skills |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Independently perform a 5-minute video recording demonstrating basic counselling skills according to the specified rating criteria. |
||
|
5.
Demonstration of skills |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Independently perform a video recording with a 5-minute simulated interview demonstrating basic interviewing skills in accordance with the specified evaluation criteria. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test work |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
2 test work on topics covered by the course:
|
||
|
2.
Exam |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Exam is a combined test consisting of a written and practical part. The practical part is implemented in a structured simulation in which the student takes the role of advisor, individual and observer in sequence. After simulation, the student submits a written reflection on their activities in all roles. In order to receive a final assessment in the course, the following criteria must be fulfilled: (1) all the work forming the cumulative assessment - tests, independent work and exam - must be fulfilled. 2) Attend or recycle (by submitting a sign for a valid reason) all practice sessions. If the student has attended less than 75% of the classes (even if there is a justifiable reason for doing so), the assessment in the course cannot be received. A mandatory requirement is the provision of assessment/feedback of the study course at the end of the study course on the e-learning platform. In performing the tasks provided for in the course, academic integrity and guidelines for the use of AI shall be observed: a https://www.rsu.lv/maksligais-intelekts-augstakaja-izglitiba. successful final assessment of the course can only be obtained if the final exam has been successfully passed (for at least 4). |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to interviewing and consulting
Description
Within the scope of the topic, students become acquainted with basic concepts, definitions of professional counselling and interviewing and their place in the professional activities of a psychologist. The basic principles of professional activity and the importance of the advisor’s personality are discussed. The basic objectives, tasks and professional boundaries of the consultation and interviewing process are highlighted, forming a conceptual basis for learning further course topics. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethical principles for interviewing and consulting
Description
Within the scope of the topic, students become acquainted with the ethical basics of interviewing and counselling, paying particular attention to confidentiality, professional boundaries, informed consent and responsible handling of sensitive information. Possible ethical risks in the interviewing and counselling process and the professional responsibility of the psychologist in recognising and preventing these risks are also considered. Use of artificial intelligence in consulting. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Mindfulness, presence and mindfulness training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Mindfulness, presence and mindfulness training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Active listening skills training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Active listening skills training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpersonal neurobiology and therapeutic factors in effective counselling relationships
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of interpersonal neurobiology and examine the role of empathy, emotional regulation, and professional relationships in interviewing and counselling. The topic explores evidence-informed factors that contribute to establishing safe, collaborative, and professionally appropriate relationships. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Professional contact Micro skills hierarchy: attention, presence, awareness
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the hierarchy of professional microskills and the role of attention, professional presence, and mindfulness in professional communication. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training in processing and reflecting emotions
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training in processing and reflecting emotions
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Consultation objectives, tasks and processes: formulation of objectives and informed consent
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the goals, functions, and main stages of the counselling process, examining the role of counselling in psychological practice and other professional contexts, as well as the importance of establishing a professional agreement within the counselling process. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fundamental principles of counselling and their specific features in different fields
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of counselling and analyse their specific features in different fields. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training in the formulation, asking, negotiation and aggregation of questions
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training in the formulation, asking, negotiation and aggregation of questions
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Types of interviews, structure and use of interviews in the context of the professional activities of a psychologist
Description
Within the scope of the topic, students acquaint themselves with different types of interview in the professional activities of a psychologist, analysing their objectives, application possibilities and differences depending on the professional context |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interview structuring and management training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training for the conclusion of agreements and the negotiation of informed consent
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interview structuring and management training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training for the conclusion of agreements and the negotiation of informed consent
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Active listening, collection and compilation of information
Description
Within the scope of the topic, students learn the basics of active listening and familiarise themselves with the principles of information collection in the consultation and interviewing process, emphasising the asking of professional questions and structuring of the information obtained. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Monitoring, recognition and display of emotions
Description
As part of the topic, students become acquainted with the importance of observation in the counselling and interviewing process and learn the basics of recognizing and reflecting emotions. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Confrontational training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Confrontational training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Influencing skills training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Influencing skills training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Consultancy in the field of influencing technology
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the role of focusing, confrontation, and influencing skills in the interviewing and counselling process, examining the principles underlying their use and their appropriateness in different professional contexts, while adhering to the principles of ethical professional interaction. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to interviewing and consulting
Description
Within the scope of the topic, students become acquainted with basic concepts, definitions of professional counselling and interviewing and their place in the professional activities of a psychologist. The basic principles of professional activity and the importance of the advisor’s personality are discussed. The basic objectives, tasks and professional boundaries of the consultation and interviewing process are highlighted, forming a conceptual basis for learning further course topics. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethical principles for interviewing and consulting
Description
Within the scope of the topic, students become acquainted with the ethical basics of interviewing and counselling, paying particular attention to confidentiality, professional boundaries, informed consent and responsible handling of sensitive information. Possible ethical risks in the interviewing and counselling process and the professional responsibility of the psychologist in recognising and preventing these risks are also considered. Use of artificial intelligence in consulting. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Mindfulness, presence and mindfulness training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Mindfulness, presence and mindfulness training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpersonal neurobiology and therapeutic factors in effective counselling relationships
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of interpersonal neurobiology and examine the role of empathy, emotional regulation, and professional relationships in interviewing and counselling. The topic explores evidence-informed factors that contribute to establishing safe, collaborative, and professionally appropriate relationships. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Professional contact Micro skills hierarchy: attention, presence, awareness
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the hierarchy of professional microskills and the role of attention, professional presence, and mindfulness in professional communication. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Active listening skills training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Active listening skills training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Consultation objectives, tasks and processes: formulation of objectives and informed consent
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the goals, functions, and main stages of the counselling process, examining the role of counselling in psychological practice and other professional contexts, as well as the importance of establishing a professional agreement within the counselling process. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fundamental principles of counselling and their specific features in different fields
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of counselling and analyse their specific features in different fields. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Types of interviews, structure and use of interviews in the context of the professional activities of a psychologist
Description
Within the scope of the topic, students acquaint themselves with different types of interview in the professional activities of a psychologist, analysing their objectives, application possibilities and differences depending on the professional context |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Active listening, collection and compilation of information
Description
Within the scope of the topic, students learn the basics of active listening and familiarise themselves with the principles of information collection in the consultation and interviewing process, emphasising the asking of professional questions and structuring of the information obtained. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Monitoring, recognition and display of emotions
Description
As part of the topic, students become acquainted with the importance of observation in the counselling and interviewing process and learn the basics of recognizing and reflecting emotions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Consultancy in the field of influencing technology
Description
Within this topic, students are introduced to the role of focusing, confrontation, and influencing skills in the interviewing and counselling process, examining the principles underlying their use and their appropriateness in different professional contexts, while adhering to the principles of ethical professional interaction. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training in processing and reflecting emotions
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training in processing and reflecting emotions
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training in the formulation, asking, negotiation and aggregation of questions
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interview structuring and management training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interview structuring and management training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Confrontational training
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Training for the conclusion of agreements and the negotiation of informed consent
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Skills integration
Description
Training of skills in individual tasks and role-playing games |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Barret, L.F. (2017). How emotions are made. The secret life of the brain. Houghton Miffin Harcourt.
2.
European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations AISBL. (2025). Meta-code of ethics: Guidance for the content of the ethical codes of full members of the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA). EFPA.
3.
European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations AISBL. (2025). EuroPsy regulations: European certificate in psychology — standards, competences and requirements (EFPA Regulations 2025). European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations.
4.
Izglītības kvalitātes valsts dienests. (2018/2022). Psihologu ētikas kodekss [PDF]. Izglītības kvalitātes valsts dienests.
5.
Khosla, I. (2021). Book review: Counseling: A comprehensive profession. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 704413.
6.
Ļevina, J., & Mārtinsone, K. (2016). Konsultēšana un konsultatīvā psiholoģija: mācību līdzeklis. Rīga Stradiņš University.
7.
Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., & Zalaquett, C. P. (2022). Intentional interviewing and counseling: Facilitating client development in a multicultural society (10th ed.). Cengage. Pieejams EBSCO eBook Collection.
8.
Owen, H. (2018). The handbook of communication skills. The Handbook of Communication Skills.
Additional Reading
1.
Bentzen, M. (2018). The neuroaffective picture book: An illustrated introduction to developmental neuropsychology (Illustrations by K. Hagen & J. W. Foged). North Atlantic Books.
2.
Cottone, R. R. (2017). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Individual and relational approaches. Springer. Pieejams EBSCOhost eBook Collection.
3.
Siegel, D. J. (2010). The mindful therapist: A clinician’s guide to mindsight and neural integration. W.W. Norton & Company.
4.
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