Where will this course lead?

Employment in pastoral, helping, listening, community, mentoring or supporting roles

Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Masters or Doctorate.

What will I study?

This course is for anyone over 19 who would like to use counselling skills. This course focusses on using a person-centred approach and developing self-awareness through skills practice and theoretical overviews. Introductory listening skills are improved, and more advanced skills are introduced - advanced empathy, challenging, confrontation, immediacy, goal setting and action planning.

How will this course be delivered?

Our courses are highly interactive, and our teaching approaches require all learners to participate fully in sharing experiences, discussing personal values and exploring individual ways of working.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 3 Diploma In Counselling Skills NCFE

How will I be assessed?

By building up a portfolio of work throughout the course which will include responses to homework questions, case studies and worksheets, notes from class discussions, feedback sheets from skills practice sessions and a reflective diary. There is no exam.

How do I get a place on the course?

Apply via the link below. You may be invited to an informal interview to ensure that you are fully aware of the course contents and to assess your suitability for the programme. Following a successful interview an 'acceptance' enrolment form will be issued which you can take to the part time enrolment team to secure your place.

What are the entry requirements?

You should have successfully completed a skills based introductory level course (30 - 40 hours) within the past three years or be able to supply evidence of equivalent training or experience. You should have the ability to listen empathically, work with others' experiences and needs respectfully and be aged 19+.

We strongly discourage partners and persons in close relationships from attending the same course.

Counselling practice requires considerable emotional stamina and self-awareness. This training course is not designed for personal therapy. We would not recommend undertaking counselling courses within a year of experiencing major personal difficulties or loss or if you are currently receiving medical or therapeutic support for any anxiety or depression issues. Please sound this out with the course coordinator if helpful - lynne.reveley@solihull.ac.uk - your sharing will be regarded respectfully and sensitively.

What else do I need to know?

Although we will be talking about our personal experiences, courses are not therapeutic groups. Participants will need to balance a strong regard for their own care with a responsibility to share to an appropriate degree within the group. Facilitators will ensure that a welcoming and safe learning environment is established and maintained throughout all programmes. Our courses are well reputed and offer valuable personal development.

We will suggest relevant reading but you will have access to an excellent library and there is no requirement to buy any books at this stage. There are no other costs as placement support and personal therapy are not required at this stage of training.

*You may be able to access a grant to study the course for free if you meet certain eligibility criteria.