Diploma in Counselling

Diploma in Counselling

Student Profile  
 
This programme is designed for people who wish to develop an understanding of principles and practice of Counselling in relation to a range of counselling situations. No prior knowledge is required.
 
Objectives  
 
The objectives of the course are to: 
 
·         describe the role of a counsellor and what counsellors do
 
·         List common types of counselling
 
·         Understand the skills and attributes required to conduct counselling
 
·         Practice and improve their listening skills
 
·         Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of negotiation
 
·         Describe the key aspects of successful mediation
 
·         Understand the role of counselling in crisis mediation
 
·         List sources of help and advice in a range of counselling situations
 
·         Identify a model approach for a range of counselling scenarios and client situations
 
·         Develop an understanding of the ethics and confidentiality required of counsellors
 
 
 
COURSE CONTENT The course is divided up into 16 units, as follows: 
 
STAGE A 
 
Unit 1 The Basics of Counselling 
 
·                    What is counselling
 
·                    Who is a Counsellor
 
·                    When is a Counsellor not ready to Council
 
·                    Who needs counselling
 
·                    Ten Steps to Counselling 
 
Unit 2 Types of Counselling 
 
·                    When a Counsellor is needed
 
·                    Types of counselling offered
 

       Addiction

       Anxiety

       Depression

       Divorce

       Eating Disorders

       PMS

       Sexual health

       Stress                            
Unit 3 New wave Counselling 
 
·                    On-line Counselling
 
·                    Telephone Counselling
 
·                    Telephone / Internet counselling
 
·                    SMS text counselling
 
·                    Video counselling
 
·                    The Future                            
 
Unit 4 Traditional Counselling Styles 
 
·                    What are the different Types of Traditional Counselling
 
·                    What Counselling
 
·                    Individual Therapy
 
·                    Couples Therapy
 
·                    Family therapy
 
·                    Group Therapy
 
·                    Who goes to Counselling 
 
Unit 5 Listening Skills
 
 ·                    Listening
 
·                    Stages of listening
 
·                    Obstacles of Listening
 
·                    Emphatic Listening
 
·                    Listeners in Control
 
·                    Traps for Listeners
 
Unit 6: Negotiation 
 
·         Negotiation
 
·         The Establishment Group
 
·         The Community group
 
·         Negotiation in General
 
·         The Joint Problem-Solving Approach
 
·         Definition of the Problem
 
·         Guidelines
 
·         Insist on Using Objective Criteria
 
·         Invent Options for Mutual Gain
 
·         Separate the People from the Problem
 
·         Suggestions
 
·         Breaking the Rules
 
·         Alternatives
 
·         Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement
 
Unit 7 Mediation 
 
·                    What is Mediation
 
·                    When is Mediation called for
 
·                    Responsibilities
 
·                    Preliminaries
 
·                    The Introductory Phase
 
·                    Problem Definitions
 
·                    Respect the Parties’ Ability to reach a settlement
 
·                    Caucus Meetings
 
·                    The Second session
 
·                    Teamwork
 
·                    The Agreement
 
·                    Attributes of a Good Mediator
 
Unit 8 Crisis Mediation 
 
·                    Other Considerations
 
·                    Power imbalance
 
·                    The Power of skill and Knowledge
 
·                    A Summary of Factors Influencing the Balance of PowerAnalysis and Responses
 
STAGE B 
 
Unit 9- 16 Practical Counselling for Common Situations
 
          Ethics and confidentiality 
 
         Problem centred approaches to counselling:
 
 ·         Grief and Bereavement
 
·         Couples & Relationships
 
·         Stress Problems
 
·         Depression
 
·         Eating Disorders
 
·         Alcohol Problems
 
·         Children
 
·         Substance Abuse
 
          Choosing a style and method to match a situation Identifying client needs and expectations 
 
Establishing a contract  
 
Exit strategies 
 
Ongoing counselling and support 
 
General Counselling Client Information Form Publications Addresses
 
Useful Contacts
 
Glossary of Health Terms
 

 
Study Method   The course is designed for study by distance learning at work or at home. Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support by mail and email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of registration. 
 
 
Accreditation   The course leads to a Level 3 award in Counselling from Open College Network (OCN) which is licensed by National Open College Network (NOCN), a leading UK awarding body recognised by the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Higher Education credits are available upon completion of this course.
 
 
Assessment   Each element of the course is followed by a written assignment, which is submitted to and marked by your tutor.  Upon successful completion of the assignments you will be eligible for certification from OCN.