• INTRODUCTION
• Background Information
• Counselling Services
• Location Map
• Useful Links
• Useful Telephone Numbers
• Counsellor Training / Education
  • Introduction to Counselling Course
  • The Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling
  • The Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Calendar

THE CERTIFICATE IN THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING

The Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling is offered as a part time course, of 120 tutor contact hours organised as weekly evening meetings (18.00 - 21.30) for 30 weeks per year (3 x 10-week terms) with 3 additional Saturday / or Sunday workshops (one per term)

The course, designed on a relationship and process model of counselling practice, is intended to meet the needs of those who wish to:-

• develop their ability to use counselling skills within a work situation or professional role

• commence a professional training to become a practising counsellor

• learn more about therapeutic relationships


N.B. Successful completion of this certificate course does not authorise people to practice as counsellors

Application & Acceptance

By application form, a personal statement and two references. Applicants are expected to be at a time in their lives when they are able to:-
• make a commitment to the course

• be open to a process of self development and awareness which arises from the experience of the course


Course Structure

A modular course of three units of learning which provide participants with a grounding in counselling practice, and the opportunity to develop an increased sense of self-awareness whilst considering the wider issues of counselling practice.


Course content

Module 1 The Therapeutic Relationship of Counselling Practice.

An exploration of the therapeutic relationship, the similarities and differences of counselling vis-à-vis other helping relationships, and aspects of counselling process.

Module 2 Theory to Inform Practice.

Investigates the main themes in Person Centred Theory (The conditions for therapy) and psychodynamic theory the unconscious and transference. Consideration is given as to how personal experiences may affect the counselling relationship
Module 3 Professional, cultural and social aspects of counselling practice.

This module enables consideration of the social context of counselling, the importance of providing boundaries and ensuring an ethical relationship for therapeutic practice.


Learning Methods

A major emphasis is on experiential learning to facilitate the integration of practice and theory. There will be :-

• Seminar presentations by students and tutors

• ‘case-study’ discussions drawn from the arts, literature and the media

• group work and practice in triads and pairs

• discussion and reflection on pairs and triad practice


Course Assessment

Written work:-

• Three 2000-2500 word assignments are presented for assessment at the end of each term. Each assignment is linked to the term’s focus of study, and draws on reflections contained in personal journals.

• Ongoing personal journal. Although not formally assessed, the journal is used to record reflections on personal experiences of the course

Course Attendance: - Students need to achieve at least an 80% attendance record.