This study is focused on Counselling skills as a tool for the accompaniment of the candidates in initial formation among the oblates of the Province of Congo. The theory used was person centred approach. The study adopted convergent parallel design which is quantitative and qualitative in nature. The main objective was to explore how counselling skills as a tool for accompaniment could be effectively applied to the formation of candidates in the Province of Congo. Five research questions guided the study. The target population was 82. The sampling size was 67 participants from Oblate formators: 15; Oblate scholastics in philosophy 12; Oblate scholastics in theology 24; Oblate pre-novices 10; Oblate novices 6. The study used structured questionnaire designed instrument to obtain both open-ended and closed questions. The study used Microsoft Excel Program that generated results through tables and charts in order to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was coded and analysed in a narrative form using research question themes. The quantitative information is obtained through the close ended questions and qualitative information is obtained through the open ended questions in the questionnaire. The findings of the research indicate that counselling skills are a tool that can assist the formators to make perfect the practice of the accompaniment as spiritual directors. All the respondents agreed that counselling skills are to be integrated in the spiritual accompaniment because spiritual accompaniment without counselling skills is limited. Respondents also affirmed that listening, empathy and unconditional positive regard are the main skills that are needed by the formators.

Keywords : Counselling Skills, Accompaniment, Initial Formation, Listening, Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard.