Level 3 Certificate in counselling skills

What is the course about?

The course is for people wanting to develop counselling skills for their paid or voluntary work (e.g. health professional, adviser, mentor, teacher). The Certificate does not qualify you as a counsellor although it does meet the course entry requirements for the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Integrative Pathway at City Lit and other diploma courses.

What will we cover?

• The theory and practice of counselling modalities
• Counselling skills and attitudes.
• Development of intra- and inter-personal awareness.
• Ethics and boundaries.
• Brief introduction to person-centred, 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 3 main counselling 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 person-centred, 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 completed a minimum of 30 hours in person introductory counselling skills training, within the last 3 years.
You will need to be able to listen and respond to others and express yourself fluently in English.
You will need to demonstrate your understanding of a range of written texts and to plan and draft written work.

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 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. You will need a notebook and pen for course sessions.
The following texts are essential:
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. Advice on other courses at the City Lit are available by contacting the counselling department.