Basics of Counselling Certificate Course

The course runs for a total of 24 hours over 8 weeks, with an expectation that approximately 12 hours will be spent on individual study outside the course time. The overall aims of this introductory course are: - To enhance and improve the verbal and the written communication skills of participants. Emphasis will be given to working in groups. - To provide an introduction to the demanding nature of vocational training, especially in counsellor skills training. - To introduce learners to experiential learning that will include an element of personal growth work and developing self-confidence. - To prepare learners to progress on to the ABC Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills course run at Eastleigh College or other appropriate further qualifications. On successful completion of the course, students will be awarded with a Basics of Counselling - College Certificate. A certificate will be awarded to those students who attend for a minimum of 80% of the course and complete:- 1) A weekly Learning Journal (Reflections on Learning). 2) A course workbook to include writing about topics covered on the course. 3) A written assignment about four major life influences. These assignments will be marked and assessed internally. At the end of the course you will: - Have a basic understanding of what counselling is about and be able to compare and contrast counselling with other forms of helping. - Have some basic counselling skills to further improve your own communication processes. - Understand more clearly what counselling training entails and be able to make a more informed choice as to whether or not you are suited to undertake vocational counselling training as opposed to other types of training. - Be entitled to receive a Certificate in Basics of Counselling, provided you fulfil and pass the assessment criteria.The learning will take place in a variety of ways with an emphasis on the experiential including:- - Tutor presentation - Group discussions - Practice sessions in groups of three - Experiential group exercises - A video - Tutor and peer feedback - Self-awareness exercises