What opportunities will this course give me?

Counselling is stimulating, fulfilling and offers a wonderfully worthwhile career. Our Introduction to Counselling course is a fantastic way to dip your toe into this profession for the first time.

This engaging programme allows you to explore the initial concepts involved in counselling before stepping into further education and qualifications. You will leave with a strong awareness of the varied routes into both counselling and psychotherapy, as well as vastly enhanced communicative skills; a huge benefit to both your professional and personal life.

Many of our learners have progressed onto our Level 3 Award in Counselling before gaining access to a Diploma in Counselling. The ultimate professional goal is gaining a qualification to practice, but our learners have also experienced huge success simply from their increased awareness of the qualities that make a compassionate, powerful communicator.

As a foundation level course, there are no academic or pre-existing qualification requirements. However, students must be in a sufficiently emotionally stable and positive place within which to safely explore and challenge their own reactions/thoughts/emotions and self-awareness within a group setting.

What will I be learning?

The course runs for a total of 24 hours over 8 weeks, with an expectation that approximately 12 hours will be spent on individual study outside the course time, approximately 1.5 hours per week.

The overall aims of this introductory course are:

• To enhance and improve the verbal and the written communication skills of participants. Emphasis will be given to working in groups.
• To provide an introduction to the demanding nature of vocational training, especially in counsellor skills training.
• To introduce learners to experiential learning that will include an element of personal growth work and developing self-confidence.
• To prepare learners to progress on to the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills course run at Eastleigh College or other appropriate further qualifications.

On successful completion of the course, learners will be awarded with an Introduction to Counselling college certificate. The certificate will be awarded to those learners who attend for a minimum of 80% of the course and complete:-

A weekly Learning Journal (Reflections on Learning)
A course workbook to include writing about topics covered on the course
A written assignment about four major life influences.

These assignments will be marked and assessed internally.

Why is this course for me?

No matter who we are or what we do, communication is a valuable life skill for all human beings. In one way or another, we are always communicating; and this opens up a world of opportunity.

The Introduction to Counselling course will teach you how to effectively reflect and focus in an experiential way on the impact of non-verbal communication, as well as ''good'' and ''bad'' listening, prejudice and the importance of self-knowledge. Whether you intend to expand on your qualifications within this field or not, these are skills that will support you throughout your entire life.

We often find a great deal of excitement from our learners while on the course - the revelation that the topics we cover weave into all elements of our life is extraordinary. Be it work, home life, social events or relationships, the ability to listen and communicate with genuine purpose is second to none.

At the end of the course you will:
• Have a basic understanding of what counselling is about and be able to compare and contrast counselling with other forms of helping.
• Have some basic counselling skills to further improve your own communication processes.
• Understand more clearly what counselling training entails and be able to make a more informed choice as to whether or not you are suited to undertake vocational counselling training as opposed to other types of training.

How will my learning be enhanced?

While you will not gain a professional qualification at this stage, the course is a brilliant starting point leading up to a Level 3 Counselling course.

We understand that committing to a higher level award is a big commitment; the Introduction to Counselling course allows learners to make a more informed choice about whether or not to take that next step.

You will explore a range of theoretical perspectives, helping you find your feet with the framework and modality that suits you. This wider perspective is hugely valuable when making future decisions about your career path.

Why is Eastleigh College my best choice?

Here at Eastleigh College we strive to make your learning experience as varied and dynamic as possible. We know that no two learners are the same, and our mixture of teaching styles reflect that.

You'll take part in smaller and larger experiential group work, discussions, role play, counselling demonstrations, weekly journals, group presentations, workbook activities, and a written assignment. This - guided by our highly experienced and engaging tutors - will ensure you enjoy your time to the fullest.

You will be offered opportunities for feedback throughout the entirety of the course, providing the best understanding possible of the demanding nature of counselling training and how you can truly exceed within the field.

What do I need to sign up?

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. The course is for anyone who would like to explore their interest in counselling. However, students must be in a sufficiently emotionally stable and positive place within which to safely explore and challenge their own reactions/thoughts/emotions and self-awareness within a group setting. You may be required to complete an information, advice, and guidance call to ensure the course is suitable.

Please note that family members and romantic partners should not be enrolled on the same course due to the sensitive issues discussed within the sessions. Learners should not be experiencing current personal problems if intending to take part in the counselling programme of courses. This course is not an alternative to therapy or seeking professional help with your own mental health.

Learners need to be 19 and over with the maturity to work with older adults.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Please bring a pen and paper to class.

Please note there is an expectation that learners spend approximately 1.5 hours per week on individual study outside of the course time, to ensure you achieve the most from your course.

Learners are responsible for the purchase of any materials relevant to the course.

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

CNDLN2

Need some further advice?

If you require further advice and guidance about any course costs and/or the funding options available to you, the College has a dedicated Adult and Community Learning team who can be contacted on telephone 023 8091 1270

The Equality Act

The College wishes to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. If you are a disabled person, please ensure that we know what you need so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.