Certificate in counselling skills (Fast Track / Intensive)

What is the course about?

This course is for those seeking to develop counselling skills for their paid or voluntary work (such as health professionals, advisers, mentors or teachers). The Certificate does not qualify you as a counsellor although it does meet the course entry requirements for the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, Person Centred or Integrative Pathways and other diploma courses.

This course is an intensive course running over two terms, in comparison to a Level 3 Certificate starting in September over three terms. The frequency of assignment completion occurs between every 2 - 4 weeks throughout the course.

What will we cover?

- The theory and practice of person-centred counselling, CBT and psychodynamic
- Counselling skills and attitudes
- Development of intra- and inter-personal awareness
- Ethics and boundaries
- Brief introduction to cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic and skilled helper models of counselling.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Explain the history, the underlying philosophy and key concepts of the three theories
- Respond with increased congruence and an enhanced capacity for empathy and unconditional acceptance
- Use counselling skills competently, within a facilitating climate characterised by Rogers’ core conditions
- Explain the key concepts of cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic theory
- Explain the difference between working as a counsellor and using counselling skills
- Use the BACP ethical framework to ensure safe, ethical practice as a counselling skills user
- Describe the ways in which individuals and groups experience discrimination and oppression
- Demonstrate openness to and acceptance of difference and diversity in practice
- Reflect on your own assumptions, prejudices, beliefs and values, and demonstrate respect for different views, perspectives and cultures.
- Demonstrate increased awareness of self and self in relation to others.
- Reflect on your self, your experiences and your relationships, and use your reflective ability to further your personal and professional development.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is accredited through Skills and Education Group Awards (SEG) an organisation which has provided examination and assessment services of validation for more than 150 years. It meets the standards of level 3 in the National Qualifications Framework.
To be eligible for the course, you need to have attendance of 80% on a face-to-face level 1 introductory counselling skills course of a minimum of 30 hours (attendance certificate required), or its equivalent, e.g. counselling skills training received as part of professional training within the last 3 years.

Ability to learn from and contribute to group interaction.
Ability to express yourself verbally and in writing.
Ability to engage in personal interactions with others.
Ability to take responsibility for your own learning.
Ability to commit yourself to the course.
Ability to cope with emotional demands of counselling skills training.

Experiential learning in a counselling skills course group can be very powerful and emotionally demanding. If you have concerns about whether this is the right time to undertake this course or if you would like help finding a counsellor, please discuss this with us.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The emphasis of this course is on facilitated experiential learning, throughout which students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning. Your experience on the course will be greatly enhanced by your willingness to take part in the exercises and discussions and to use your own experience as material to learn from. You will work in pairs, triads and small groups, as well as in the large group. There will be input from tutors and also student-led discussions and presentations. Part of each week is spent in small experiential personal development groups. Written assignments, reading and research outside of course sessions are an important part of learning and a course requirement.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Financial assistance is available for students facing financial hardship. There is no student loan available for this course. However, interest free instalment plans are available.

You will need a notebook and pen for course sessions.

Key texts:
Hough, M. and Tassoni, P. (2021) Counselling Skills and Theory, 5th Edition, Oxon, Hodder
Cameron, R. (2020) Working with Difference and Diversity in Counselling & Psychotherapy, London, Sage
Ballantine Dykes, F. Postings, T and Kopp, B. (2017) Counselling Skills and Studies, 2nd Edition. London, Sage
Wright, J. (2018) Reflective Writing in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2nd Edition. London, Sage

You will receive a handbook and full reading list at the beginning of the course.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This course continues with a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling: Integrative Pathway. The application process for these courses will open in April 2024.