Certificate in Humanistic Integrative Counselling

CERTIFICATE IN
HUMANISTIC INTEGRATIVE COUNSELLING

The Certificate is the Foundation of the training in humanistic integrative counselling.

INTRODUCTION
The Certificate in Humanistic Integrative Counselling provides a learning environment in which trainees can explore and experience the world of counselling. It provides an overview of the Humanistic Integrative approach to counselling and opportunities for practical experience and training. It focuses on the development of effective listening, relationship building and the interpersonal skills necessary to attend sensitively to the needs of others, whilst establishing and maintaining clear professional and personal boundaries.

STRUCTURE
The Certificate is a one-year part-time course, spanning three terms. It commences with an introductory weekend, plus two further weekend and each term consists of ten weekly evening seminars.

PROGRAMME

Counselling Theory: Students will be introduced to the main concepts and principles of basic counselling skills including active listening, reflection and paraphrasing. They will be introduced to the Humanistic Integrative approach based upon the Five Relationship Model (Petruska Clarkson). Students will examine Humanistic theories from the Person-Centred approach, Transactional Analysis and Gestalt, together with body therapies, Transpersonal Psychology and Psychodynamic theory in relation to
concepts of Transference and Counter-transference. Students will be introduced to the main concepts and principles of counselling, developing key skills including active listening, reflection and paraphrasing.

The course will look at specific issues such as:

* Transcultural awareness
* Sexuality
* Childhood abuse
* Alcohol and substance misuse
* The psychology of shame
* Attachment Theory
* Bereavement and loss

Counselling Practice: This intensive learning process includes the practice of enhanced listening skills, observation and verbal and non-verbal communication. Through the experiential use of counselling practice in pairs and triads, trainees will gain an ability to develop the building and maintaining of a therapeutic relationship. This will include how to negotiate contracts with clients in clinical practice,establishing and maintaining boundaries, and giving and receiving effective feedback. Experiential work and practice develops theoretical understanding and application.

Group Process: Group process is entirely experiential and the focus is on the personal and emotional development of trainees. The experience of the large group process develops trainees' capacity for self-reflection and awareness. Students develop the ability to demonstrate ownership of their own words and feelings, and to differentiate those of others. This ability is fundamental to our work as counsellors.

Assessment: Assessment is continuous throughout the year and includes elements of self, peer and tutor evaluation. Students are required to successfully complete three
written assignments throughout the year (2,000-2,500 words each).

DATES AND TIMES

* Two intakes yearly:
* Spring intake starts in April with an introductory weekend followed by three
terms of Wednesday evenings, 6-9.30pm.
* Autumn intake starts in October, with an introductory weekend followed by
three terms of Monday evenings 6-9.30pm