Free Level 1 Counselling Skills course in March. Classes run at The March Community Centre, part-time during the day over 11 months. That pace works well if you have other commitments alongside your studies. You'll build an introduction to counselling skills, exploring how to listen effectively, support others, and understand the basics of helping relationships. The provider requires a minimum Level 1 English qualification to enrol. You'll also complete a brief initial assessment before you start, so the course can be tailored to your needs.
Who this course is for
Please note this course listing is for information only. By applying you are registering your interest, and a member of our customer support team will be in touch shortly to progress you to a full application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us on 01353 613013 Our accredited Counselling course at level 1 will give you an introduction to counselling skills and is suitable for you if you’re interested in pursuing a career in counselling including those in job roles such as Support Workers, Teachers, Managers and Team Leaders. You will develop listening skills and techniques to create positive change in others. Whilst this level course does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor it will provide you with an ideal opportunity to develop a range of skills, techniques, qualities, and attributes essential to progress in any counselling career.
Entry requirements
To enrol in this course, it is required that you hold a minimum level 1 qualification in English. Prior to starting the course, you will be required to complete a brief initial assessment. This will help us understand your current starting point and allow us to tailor the course to meet your specific needs.
What you will learn
You'll explore the core principles behind counselling and helping relationships.
You'll develop active listening skills and learn how to use them in practice.
You'll learn how to communicate empathy and respond to people in distress.
You'll understand personal boundaries and why they matter in a support role.
You'll reflect on your own values and how they affect the way you help others.
You'll recognise when someone may need additional or specialist support.
How you will learn
Classes are delivered face to face at The March Community Centre. Learning takes place through group discussion, practical exercises, and reflective activities. Assessment is based on your participation and written or portfolio-based work completed during the course. Your initial assessment helps shape how the course is delivered to suit your starting point.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The March Community Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker: use counselling skills to support vulnerable adults day to day.
Care assistant: communicate more effectively with clients and their families.
Youth support worker: help young people with emotional and practical challenges.
SEN teaching assistant: support pupils with additional social or emotional needs.
Teaching assistant: build skills for pastoral and wellbeing support in schools.
Adult educator: work with learners who need encouragement and emotional support.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (Gateway Qualifications or similar): the natural next step if you want to go deeper into counselling theory and practice.
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies: required before most accredited counsellor training programmes.
Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care: broadens your options across the care sector if you're heading toward a support or care role.
