The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies is designed for individuals who have already acquired practical counselling skills and foundational knowledge at Level 2 and wish to progress their training at a more advanced level.
This course will not qualify you as a counsellor, but it will equip you with skills and insights to prepare for workplace experience as a trainee counsellor and future progression towards full qualification.
This course includes a strong experiential component, engaging students in activities like professional discussions, workshops, seminars, projects, presentations, reflective learning reviews, simulated counselling practices, case studies, and supervised group training. Realistic counselling scenarios are simulated, requiring some personal disclosure and associated personal development.
Students will be introduced to three primary counselling theories: the Person-Centred approach, the Psychodynamic approach, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). You will also be required to attend six sessions of personal counselling to support your development (self-funded, typically £30 to £60 per session). Additionally, independent study of at least 3 hours per week is expected for reflective learning and coursework.
Classes are held every Thursday for 18 weeks, with a choice between daytime (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) and afternoon/evening sessions (3:30 pm - 9:00 pm), making it suitable for those balancing other commitments.
What experience and skills will you gain?
- Prepare to work within an ethical framework for counselling.
- Develop an understanding of the counselling relationship.
- Recognise difference and diversity to enhance empathic understanding.
- Work within a client-centred approach to counselling.
- Use counselling theory to develop self-awareness in practice.
- Explore theories of counselling and mental health.
- Use feedback, reflection, and supervision to support your studies.
