Core Correctional Skills
An evidence-based online course for probation and correctional practitioners. Develop the five core skills you’ll use in real supervision tomorrow: build a Working Alliance, apply Pro-social Modelling, guide Problem-solving, use Motivational Interviewing to handle resistance, and deliver Cognitive Behavioural Interventions to challenge thinking patterns and support change.
Practical, Not Theoretical
Realistic scenarios and dialogues — not idealised examples detached from real-world constraints. Skills you can apply immediately.
Authority Meets Support
Learn to integrate authority and support rather than treating them as opposites. Address power, resistance, and emotions explicitly.
Progressive Skill Building
Skills are built progressively module by module. Move forward only after demonstrating sufficient understanding.
Calm, Credible Practice
Communicate with confidence and legitimacy—firm when needed, supportive when possible, and always purposeful.
Get a taste of the evidence-based approach, realistic practice dialogues, and structured skill-building that sets this course apart.
Video Introductions
Each module opens with a short introductory video to frame the learning ahead.
Narrative Teaching
Essential reading that is practice-oriented and accessible — not academic jargon.
Quizzes & Reflection
Knowledge quizzes and guided reflection questions to deepen your understanding.
No prior specialist training required. Whether you’re just starting or seeking a refresher, this course builds the foundation for effective practice.
New Probation & Correctional Officers
Build a strong foundation of evidence-based skills from day one. Learn how to manage relationships, risk, and change with confidence.
Experienced Practitioners
A structured refresher grounded in the latest research. Reconnect with the skills that drive real outcomes in your daily work.
Supervisors & Trainers
Support staff development with a shared evidence-based framework. Ideal for those moving into case management or supervision roles.
Structured, progressive learning — from foundational theory to advanced intervention skills.
Foundations of Effective Correctional Practice
Why skills, theory, and everyday decisions matter. Covers RNR, desistance, and how theory shapes daily practice.
Working Alliance
Build and maintain professional relationships with involuntary clients — balancing authority, fairness, and engagement.
Pro-social Modelling
Use your own conduct as a tool for learning. Reinforce behaviour, challenge anti-social patterns without escalation.
Problem-Solving
Support clients to develop their own problem-solving capacities using a structured model.
Motivational Interviewing
Master the spirit of MI (PACE), core processes, and OARS communication skills.
Cognitive Behavioural Interventions
Identify cognitive distortions, challenge offence-supportive thinking, and apply structured techniques.
University of BucharestAn internationally recognised expert in probation, offender rehabilitation, and evidence-based correctional practice. With over two decades of experience across academic, policy, and practitioner settings, Professor Durnescu bridges academic rigour with real-world correctional practice — working with probation services, prison systems, and criminal justice professionals across Europe and beyond.
Real feedback from practitioners who completed the course and applied these skills in their work.
“This course helped me rethink how I challenge offenders’ thinking. The explanations were clear, practical, and grounded in real correctional work.”
“The focus on cognitive distortions and guided questioning made a real difference to my practice. I found myself using the techniques immediately.”
“What stood out was how respectful the approach was. It showed how to challenge harmful thinking without escalating resistance.”
“One of the most useful trainings I’ve completed. The examples made complex ideas easy to understand and apply.”
“The section on Socratic questioning completely changed how I structure difficult conversations with clients.”
“This course reminded me why core correctional skills matter. It connected theory, ethics, and day-to-day practice very effectively.”
“Clear, well-organised, and highly relevant. It gave me confidence to challenge distorted thinking in a constructive way.”
“I appreciated how practical the course was. The behavioural experiments section was especially helpful.”
“The course struck the right balance between academic rigour and practical guidance. It felt directly relevant to my role.”
“A thoughtful and well-designed course. It reinforced the importance of skilled communication in achieving real change.”
“This course helped me rethink how I challenge offenders’ thinking. The explanations were clear, practical, and grounded in real correctional work.”
“The focus on cognitive distortions and guided questioning made a real difference to my practice. I found myself using the techniques immediately.”
“What stood out was how respectful the approach was. It showed how to challenge harmful thinking without escalating resistance.”
“One of the most useful trainings I’ve completed. The examples made complex ideas easy to understand and apply.”
“The section on Socratic questioning completely changed how I structure difficult conversations with clients.”
“This course reminded me why core correctional skills matter. It connected theory, ethics, and day-to-day practice very effectively.”
Each module is packed with diverse learning materials designed to make complex skills accessible and immediately applicable.
Video Introductions
Short, focused videos that frame each module and set the context for learning.
Practice Dialogues
Realistic scenarios showing how skills play out in actual correctional settings.
PowerPoint Summaries
Visual summaries of key ideas for quick reference and review.
Quizzes & Reflection
Knowledge checks and guided questions to deepen understanding before moving on.
By the end of this course, you’ll have concrete, applicable skills — not just theoretical knowledge.
Explain the principles of evidence-based correctional practice and apply them daily
Build and maintain a working alliance under conditions of authority
Respond constructively to resistance and conflict without escalation
Support problem-solving and responsible decision-making in clients
Integrate MI and CBT-informed approaches into your everyday work
Work more effectively and ethically in demanding correctional environments
One-time payment · Lifetime access · Self-paced