Addiction Counselling

This 6-module distance learning course explores the theory and practice of addiction counselling. It is designed for qualified counsellors who have already completed their counselling diploma and would now like to develop additional skills in this specialised area. The course is designed to meet the needs of counsellors working within a range of counselling models and approaches. It is ideal as part of a programme of continuing professional development.
Subjects covered include: exploring addiction theory; understanding drug addiction; counselling for addiction; drugs and the law; identification, recognition and effects; alcohol addiction; physical, psychological and social effects; planning recovery; rehabilitation; gambling; working with lesser-known addictions; impact of addiction on the counselling relationship; client tools for the future.

The course fee includes all required course material, course book, Tackling Addiction: pathways to recovery, extensive supplementary reading, and full tutorial support. Students have up to three years to complete this course, allowing them to work through the modules at their own pace. On average, however, it takes students around 4 - 6 months to complete the course, based on 4 - 5 hours study time per week.

As noted, this course assumes some knowledge of face-to-face counselling and is ideal for counsellors who would like to transfer their existing to working in this specialised area, as well as those who would like to develop a better understanding of addiction theory and counselling practice.