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Introduction to Counselling Skills, Studies
and Personal Development
Contents
An overview.
This course offers a gateway qualification for Level 4 Counselling courses. Designed to incorporate both level 2 and 3 curriculum content, it focuses on supporting you to gain the knowledge, listening skills, personal development and self-awareness that prepare you for
the next steps into your chosen career as a counsellor.
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Who is this course for?
This course is for those starting out on their professional journey into counselling, who wish to learn within a creative, experiential, supportive environment with a training organisation that specialises in small group training and facilitation.
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When does the course begin?
We are currently taking applications for September 2025
Aims of the course.
This is a practical and experiential course which encourages the development of skills and discipline, theoretical knowledge & self-awareness for progression towards a level 4 counselling diploma. On completion of this course, you will have a foundational certificate in counselling skills, studies and personal development.
The learning aims of the course are:
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To enable participants to explore and develop understanding of core counselling theory
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To offer the opportunity to practise counselling skills
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To gain greater understanding of reflective practise in preparation for level 4 studies
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To enable participants to develop their self-awareness and reflective skills in a way that will help them in their further studies and counselling career
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What are the main theoretical models?
This course is grounded in the Person Centred Approach & other counselling modalities will be briefly incorporated.
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What the course looks like.
Where is the course based?
The course is delivered from a dedicated experiential learning centre at training for counsellors, Haydock House, Haydock Mews, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, Lancashire. BB1 8RP.
Accessibility: The course is on the first floor accessible only by stairs.
How long is the course?
The course is delivered over an academic year: 3 September 25 – 15 July 26
Tutoring sessions are held on Wednesday evenings: 5:30 until 8:30 PM
You may be invited to further events if they are felt relevant to your learning.
How is the course delivered?
This is a cooperative course, delivered in person. The learning environment. Has been specifically designed for small group experiential learning to support the development of counsellors.
We pride ourselves on being able to offer the training in intimate settings so that every person attending the course has the space to learn in ways in which they can gain more benefits. The atmosphere is conducive to adult learning and encompasses the philosophy of Carl Rogers in relation to teaching and learning. There is recognition that course participants will bring a wealth of prior knowledge and experience with them. This is welcomed sensitively within the group to allow personal and professional learning to take place. There will be workshop activities, tutorials, schools development and reflection on learning. Assessments are ongoing and involve self-assessment, peer assessment and tutor assessment.
What is the assessment process?
Qualification is gained through the production of a portfolio which will include a range of assessment methods. These include assignment work, observed practice, presentations & learning records. The portfolio is internally and externally verified to ensure that at least minimum standards of practice are achieved by qualifying students.
Costs
What is the cost?
The cost of this course for the 25/26 academic year is £1500. Agreements for payments by instalments is possible.
Cost includes course materials, attendance, all assessments and certification.
Are there any other costs?
You may wish to buy your own copy of core textbooks however we do have an extensive library to support you in your learning.
You may want to and find it beneficial to attend personal therapy at times in your learning although this is not a requirement of the course.
About the facilitator.
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Linsey is a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Counselling Tutor and Mental Health Training Facilitator. Working in both private practice and the voluntary sector, she has experience working with adults and young people. A neuro-affirming humanistic practitioner, her spectrum of therapeutic work most commonly resides in Compassion Focused Trauma Informed practice supporting Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ communities and those with Hidden Disabilities / Chronic illness. She is passionate about equality, equity & social justice, both within and outside of the counselling community and provides opportunities for continuing professional development within a broad spectrum of helping professions.
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Interested? Click here to begin your application.