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Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
The course will introduce you to counselling and experiential learning. You'll discover what attitudes and personal qualities counsellors need to develop, and explore some of the main ideas and practices of counselling theory. You'll learn about and practise listening and responding skills and be encouraged to learn more about yourself. You'll also have the chance to look at further training opportunities in counselling. Please note that students who do not attend at least one of the first two sessions will forfeit their place and lose their fee.
What will we cover?
- What is counselling and how does it differ from other helping relationships?
- Skills, attitudes and personal qualities needed by counsellors
- Listening and other counselling skills
- An introduction to counselling theory
- Awareness of diversity and differences between people (gender, sexuality, ethnicity)
- Ethical and good practice issues
- Personal development: finding out more about yourself and why this is important for counsellors
- Progression routes in counselling training.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Reflect on what you have learnt about yourself and how you relate to others
- Define counselling
- Identify the core qualities of a counsellor
- Use listening and a range of other counselling skills
- Begin and end a helping dialogue
- Describe counselling concepts
- Identify the importance of cultural differences in the helping relationship
- Identify future learning goals
- Describe some ethical issues in counselling.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Level 1 is introductory. Students are asked to come willing to draw on their own experiences and be open to those of other students. You will need to be a fluent speaker of English, be able to listen and respond to others and take part in discussions. If you want to be considered for the next level you will need to write about your experiences in a learning journal and read some recommended texts.
Due to the nature of counselling training, learners must have a minimum of 2 years sobriety to be eligible to enrol on this course.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The emphasis is on learning through experience. There will be exercises in pairs and in threes, small groups and the large group. There will also be tutor input and handouts provided. You'll be asked to keep a journal as a way of reflecting on yourself and your learning throughout the course. Towards the end of the course, you will be asked to produce a short piece of writing which summarises your learning.
We do not allow relatives, family members, couples, or those in close relationships to attend the same counselling course. Evidence indicates the potential emotional impact both on the group and on the relationship through exposure to counselling training. This protocol is in line with the recommendations from our Counselling Awarding Body.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will be given some handouts but you will need to bring your own pen and notebook.
Prior to the course, you may wish to read Sanders, P (2021) First Steps in Counselling, Ross-on-Wye; PCCS Books.
During the course, material will be drawn from the following texts: Mearns, D & Thorne, B (2007) Person-Centred Counselling in Action, 3rd Edition, London: Sage; Rogers, C (1980) A Way of Being, Houghton Mifflin.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course continues with a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills.
To be eligible to apply for this course, students need to have completed their introduction course with an attendance rate of 80% or more.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Myriam Ferreira See moreSee less
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Constance FfrenchSee moreSee less
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Stephen PhillipsSee moreSee less
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Therapy I have worked in a variety of settings, including 3 years at a hospice, working with bereaved family members and friends. I currently work as a therapist in my own private practice. I have 20 years teaching experience. I was employed for five years at various teaching establishments in Japan, teaching English. I have taught at City Lit since 2020.
Angela ChristieSee moreSee less
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Jonathan FreilichSee moreSee less
Jonathan Freilich is an experienced tutor and has worked at City Lit for almost 30 years. He is also in private practice as a therapeutic counsellor working with individual and couple clients. Counselling, relationship issues, self-esteem, anger management and life change, are just five of his areas of specialism. Jonathan loves his work and brings enthusiasm, passion and inspiration to his teaching. “ I’m delighted when I see my clients and students evidence growth, freedom to choose, resilience, presence and a dynamic self, all of which make up the essential components of living authentically” he says. Jonathan is also passionate about his work at City Lit and enjoys its unique and diverse mix of cultures and nationalities that make it arguably the most exciting adult education centre in the UK.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!554.91176271Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_276.jpgInStockEveningWedKean Street Wellbeing CentreAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2025-09-17T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2025Health & wellbeingPC200399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Angela Christiecounselling-an-introduction/pc200-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
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We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2025-09-15 00:00:00virtual1176286Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_277.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2025-09-17T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2025Health & wellbeingPC204399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Stephen Phillipscounselling-an-introduction/pc204-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2025-09-17 00:00:00virtual1176298Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_273.jpgInStockEveningMonKean Street Wellbeing CentreAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2025-09-15T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2025Health & wellbeingPC213399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Myriam Ferreiracounselling-an-introduction/pc213-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2025-09-15 00:00:00virtual1176310Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_274.jpgInStockEveningTueKean Street Wellbeing CentreAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2025-09-16T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2025Health & wellbeingPC225399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Constance Ffrenchcounselling-an-introduction/pc225-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2025-09-16 00:00:00virtual1176322Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_278.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2025-09-20T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2025Health & wellbeingPC226399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Stephen Phillipscounselling-an-introduction/pc226-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2025-09-20 00:00:00virtual1176331Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_275.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2025-09-16T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2025Health & wellbeingPC229399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Constance Ffrenchcounselling-an-introduction/pc229-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2025-09-16 00:00:00virtual2621712Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_279.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-01-11T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Health & wellbeingPC201399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Stephen Phillipscounselling-an-introduction/pc201-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2026-01-11 00:00:00virtual2621715Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_280.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKean Street Wellbeing CentreAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-13T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Health & wellbeingPC205399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Constance Ffrenchcounselling-an-introduction/pc205-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2026-01-13 00:00:00virtual2621757Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_281.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-05T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Health & wellbeingPC203399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Nadia Perezcounselling-an-introduction/pc203-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2026-01-05 00:00:00virtual2621760Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_285.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Health & wellbeingPC206399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Angela Christiecounselling-an-introduction/pc206-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2026-01-14 00:00:00virtual2621763Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_284.jpgInStockEveningMonKean Street Wellbeing CentreAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-12T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Health & wellbeingPC208399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Myriam Ferreiracounselling-an-introduction/pc208-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2026-01-12 00:00:00virtual2621766Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_283.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-01-10T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Health & wellbeingPC209399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Jonathan Freilichcounselling-an-introduction/pc209-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2026-01-10 00:00:00virtual2621769Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_282.jpgInStockEveningTueKean Street Wellbeing CentreAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-06T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Health & wellbeingPC217399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Constance Ffrenchcounselling-an-introduction/pc217-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2026-01-06 00:00:00virtual2621772Counselling: an introduction399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/counselling-an-introduction-1024_286.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Health & wellbeingPC236399399Counselling: an introduction399259399Stephen Phillipscounselling-an-introduction/pc236-2526Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
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We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!,Enhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling.
We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!0000-Available|2025-09-15 00:00:00configurable
