The present study evaluated an eclectic approach to training paraprofessionals in counselling. The programme was designed to reflect recent developments in microcounselling problem-solving approaches and training procedures. Fifteen paraprofessionals participated in a 25 week x 4 hours programme of training, 13 of whom completed the Problem Solving Inventory both pre-and post-training. Trainees ' scores decreased significantly, showing that they appraised their problem-solving in a more positive manner following training. It is concluded that the results of this exploratory study may contribute to the wider issue of evaluating the acquisition of higher-order counselling abilities in trainees. Implications for training and meeting client needs are discussed.