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Free Level 1 Counselling Course in Grays – Thurrock Adult Community College

CostFREE
Duration11 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start9 Oct 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 1 Counselling Course in Grays. Classes run at Thurrock Adult Community College on Fridays, 9.30am to 3pm. The course runs for 11 weeks at a manageable pace, making it practical if you have other commitments during the week. You'll explore counselling skills with a strong focus on self-awareness and personal growth. Before you start, you'll need to attend a Meet the Team session so the college can make sure this is the right level for you.

Who this course is for

"This is part of Counselling and Presonal Growth full programme - for learners who have ideally already completed the prior Prep for L1 Counselling course.

This all day course introduces counselling skills and supports essential personal growth, with an emphasis on self-awareness and progression to further study. You are expected to attend Fridays 9.30am - 3pm

Prior to the course (if you have not completed the Prep for L1 course) you will need to come in to Meet The Team - these sessions could last 3 hours. You will need to book a session by emailing [email protected] or calling 01375 372476."

Entry requirements

"You must have good skills/knowledge at the previous level.

You will need to come in to Meet The Team - these sessions could last 3 hours. �You will need to book a session via the enrolment button on our website, or by calling 01375 372476."

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core counselling skills used in listening and supporting others.
  • You'll build self-awareness and explore how your own experiences shape how you relate to people.
  • You'll practise communication techniques central to counselling conversations.
  • You'll understand the importance of boundaries and confidentiality in a helping relationship.
  • You'll reflect on your own personal growth as part of the learning process.
  • You'll explore what progression to further counselling study involves.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom through group work, discussion, and reflective activities. The course places a strong emphasis on participation and personal development alongside skills practice. Assessment is based on your engagement with the course content and your ability to demonstrate counselling skills in a supported setting.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Thurrock Adult Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Support worker: assist people through personal or social difficulties
  • Care assistant: provide practical and emotional support to clients
  • Youth support worker: work with young people in community or school settings
  • Teaching assistant: support learners with additional emotional or social needs
  • SEN teaching assistant: work alongside pupils with special educational needs
  • Adult educator: support adult learners in community or college settings
  • Counselling volunteer: gain experience in a listening or helpline role

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills: the natural next step after this Award, deepening your counselling knowledge and practice.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies: prepares you for professional counselling training or higher education in counselling or psychology.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Counselling: the qualification most professional counsellors train toward, combining theory with supervised practice hours.
Apply on courses.thurrockglobal.net →
Apply now →

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