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Counselling Course in Bristol – Ashley Down Centre – Evening

Cost£199.00
Duration10 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
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About this course

Counselling Course in Bristol. Evening classes run at Ashley Down Centre, part-time over 10 weeks. You can fit the level 2 counselling course around your existing work or commitments. The course introduces you to core counselling skills and the theory behind them. You'll practise listening and responding techniques and begin to understand how counselling works in practice. The provider is clear that this counselling qualification is an introduction. It does not qualify you to practise as a professional counsellor. You'll need to be 18 or over to join, and no previous study is required.

Who this course is for

This course will enable you to identify and practise initial counselling skills and to understand the first steps in the theory of counselling.This award does not provide students with a professional qualification to practice as a counsellor.

Entry requirements

No prior learning is required for this qualification but you will have achieved oral and written communication skills at Foundation Level (Level 1) or its equivalent and be over 18.--During the counselling courses as well as learning counselling skills and theory you reflect upon your own life. This can feel personal and revealing. We are looking for you to be reasonably emotionally robust. As a guide we ask:----If you have experienced a close personal bereavement to be into the second year--If you experience mental health issues we ask that you consider your wellbeing.--Where are you in the rhythm of the illness and is this right time for you to take this training?--If you are recovering from an addiction we would look for a minimum of 18 months but would prefer two years of recovery--We recognise that our life experiences gives us understanding of the struggles that life brings--We encourage you to join the training when time to rebalance has passed and you feel ready for the course--Our experience tells us that we have a duty to your health and safety--We consider inviting you onto the course too early to be detrimental to your health and well-being--

What you will learn

  • You'll identify and practise initial counselling skills used in early client interactions.
  • You'll explore the foundational theory behind counselling approaches.
  • You'll develop active listening and verbal communication techniques.
  • You'll reflect on your own experiences as part of the learning process.
  • You'll understand the boundaries and ethical responsibilities involved in counselling work.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom across 10 weekly evening sessions. You'll take part in skills practice, discussion, and guided reflection with other learners. Assessment is based on the work you produce during the course, which may include written tasks and observed skills practice. The centre will confirm the exact assessment requirements before you start.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ashley Down Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Support worker: use counselling skills in care or community settings.
  • Healthcare assistant: communicate more effectively with patients and families.
  • Teaching assistant: support pupils' emotional wellbeing in school.
  • Youth worker: build rapport and listening skills with young people.
  • Volunteer counsellor: support roles in charities or helplines after further training.

What you could study next

This level 2 counselling certificate is a starting point. To move toward professional practice, you would typically progress to a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills, then a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. The Level 4 Diploma is the qualification most employers and professional bodies look for when hiring trainee or qualified counsellors. Some learners also use this course as a foundation before applying for a degree in counselling or psychotherapy.

Apply on cityofbristol.ac.uk →
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