Counselling Concepts

COUNSELLING CONCEPTS

Course Aims:
The overall aims of this introductory course are:
1 to enhance and improve the verbal (especially empathy, the ability to listen and respect silence) and the written communication skills of participants. Emphasis will be given to working in groups and teams.

2 to provide a realistic understanding of the demanding nature of vocational training, especially in counsellor skills training.

3 to introduce candidates to experiential learning process that will include a high element of personal growth work, developing further self-confidence and self-esteem.

4 to prepare candidates to move into other level 2 or level 3 qualifications where there is further skill development.

5 to deliver underpinning knowledge in such a way as to help directly in the world of work.

Course Content:
The course will introduce the student to the main features of the therapeutic models: Person Centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive-behavioural.

There are 3 Units, which will be covered during the course:

Unit Title
1 An Appreciation of the Basics of Counselling, the Professional Context and Relationship
2 An Introduction to the Skills used by a Counsellor
3 An Introduction to Personal Development

Information provided / adapted from ABC guidelines 2009

Progression:
Possession of the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts, or an equivalent, will be one of the prerequisites for entry onto the Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 3 Programme; the latter being the start of vocational training as a counsellor. However, for those who do not intend to continue their studies further in the field of counselling, the course can be a valuable introduction to communication skills transferable into a range of career and educational opportunities.

Please note that progression from a Level 2 programme to a Level 3 programme is not automatic.

The college also offers a number of courses which the candidate may be interested in. For more information, please contact Student Services.

Awarding Body:
For this award - the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts, candidates must satisfy both the Internal and External assessments and also have at least 80% attendance.

Exam:
Assessment for this award comprises both Internal and External assessment.

Units 1 and 2 will be internally assessed. this may take the form of observation, short pieces of written work, discussion, role-play or any other assessment method appropriate to the group. The assessment will be subject to both internal and external moderation.

Unit 3 - an extended piece of reflective writing which will be marked by ABC examiners. From the start of the course, candidates will be encouraged to complete a "learning journal" - this will form the basis of the extended piece of reflective writing.

A minimum of 80% attendance is also required by the awarding body to complete the course although 100% is the College's aspiration.

Qualification:
ABC Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts

Level:
Level 2

Notes:

The Awarding Body (ABC) state that members of the same family cannot be in the same study group and the preferred minimum age for attending is 18 years.

Duration:
The class contact hours are 30 hours. This will run over 12 weeks.

Please Note:
Courses are offered subject to viability of group size as defined by Southport College. The information in this leaflet is accurate at the date of printing only. Please refer to Southport College for confirmation.


Entry Requirement
For those returning to study, seeking a career change, undertaking voluntary work, or enhancing career prospects through extra qualifications and thinking of training as a professional counsellor. Via open access - please note the course involves experiential learning and self-awareness exercises. These will be demanding of self in interaction with others. Maximum Group Size = 15
N.B. This course is not intended to train counsellors. Candidates will not be qualified to practise as counsellors on completion.
Please Note: ABC Regulations state that members of the same family cannot be in the same learning group.