How will I be assessed?

Trainees will be responsible for developing a portfolio of their learning achievements and a Candidate Learning Record. Evidence will include: written assignments, class presentations, peer and tutor feedback, self-evaluation and review, case studies, witness testimony, audio tapes, personal development groups and external assessment.

Other Information

Students need to be aware that this level of training can cause personal and inter-relational stress and that during the course they might be encouraged by their tutor to seek counselling support.

What Next?

On successful completion of the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, students may progress on to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. (Progression on to the Level 4 course is not guaranteed and is subject to a satisfactory tutor reference and meeting the Level 4 entry requirements. See CPCAB website for further information https://www.cpcab.co.uk/qualifications/tc-l4)

On successful completion the student will be able to:

• Prepare to work within an ethical framework for counselling
• Understand the counselling relationship
• Prepare to use diversity understandings and skills in a counselling relationship
• Prepare to manage the counselling process within a user-centred contract
• Develop personal awareness and understanding in preparation for counselling work
• Develop understanding of the counselling process and theory
• Prepare to use supervision as a self-reflective practitioner

What previous qualifications and experience will I need?

You must have undertaken counselling skills training, e.g. the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent* units/qualifications** of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours and have demonstrated a willingness to develop a personality suitable for helping work (i.e. engaging in personal therapy).

The offer of a place on the L3 is conditional on a previous tutor reference and/or on interview.

In addition candidates must demonstrate the following criteria:

• Ability to translate intra-personal experience into language and written work
• Able to benefit from self-development
• Able to give and process feedback received in a non defensive and constructive way
• Emotional stability
• Evidence personal insight and willingness to work on no-go areas
• Ability to form a helping relationship
• Able to form successful working relationships with peers which enables a thriving learning environment
• Awareness and ability to work with difference and diversity
• Able to cope with course content
• Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development
• Be motivated towards developing as a counselling practitioner
• Use counselling skills within an agency or working with counselling skills
• Provide references from previous tutor/s

*This training must be from a recognised counselling training provider: recognised by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or UK Counsel for Psychotherapy (UKCP).  You will need to evidence that you have undertaken skills practice and personal development within this certification / qualification.
Exceptions:  We DO NOT accept certificates from on-line / distant learning suppliers.

**While a qualification in nursing, social work, psychology or similar will support your learning and understanding of some of the theories studied in counselling they will not have given you the adequate client / helpee contact nor developed your self awareness / personal development.  You may have undertaken one to one work with clients, however, the nature of the counselling relationship is very different.