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Free Level 3 Counselling Course in Cheltenham – Gloucestershire College Cheltenham Campus

CostFREE
Duration4 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start5 Feb 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCPCAB awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Counselling Course in Cheltenham. Classes run at Gloucestershire College Cheltenham Campus, part-time during the day.

The course builds on existing counselling knowledge and skills. You'll explore three main theoretical approaches: Psychodynamic, Person Centred, and Cognitive Behavioural. It also covers what working in a counselling agency involves, including the counselling relationship, diversity, supervision, and self-awareness. The course takes around 4 months, with roughly 3 to 4 hours of private study expected each week.

You'll finish with a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies.

Who this course is for

The CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) qualification is for learners who have already acquired some counselling knowledge and skills from studying CPCAB's Level 2 Certificate In Counselling Skills (or its equivalent), and now want to continue their training. CST-L3 introduces you to the three main theoretical approaches to counselling (Psychodynamic, Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural) and shows you what you can expect when working in a counselling agency.

By the end of the Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3), students should:

  • Be prepared to use a professional framework within a counselling agency
  • Have developed an understanding of the counselling relationship
  • Be prepared to use diversity understandings and skills in a counselling relationship
  • Be prepared to manage the counselling process within a user-centred approach
  • Use counselling concepts in personal exploration to develop self-awareness within counselling practice
  • Have developed understanding of counselling concepts
  • Be prepared to use supervision as a self-reflective counsellor

Learners are required to produce a candidate portfolio and undertake an externally-assessed written paper. In addition to the classroom time, learners should anticipate around 3-4 hours per week of private study time to cover assignments and reading.

Candidate registration fees are payable at enrolment.

And finally - it is important that you realise, and are prepared for, the costs involved in this course

Entry requirements

All queries regarding course entry criteria can be found on the specific course page on the GC website, including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department at [email protected].

What you will learn

  • You'll explore Psychodynamic, Person Centred, and Cognitive Behavioural approaches to counselling.
  • You'll develop understanding of the counselling relationship and how to work within it.
  • You'll learn how to apply a professional framework within a counselling agency setting.
  • You'll develop diversity awareness and how to use it in counselling practice.
  • You'll learn how to manage the counselling process within a user-centred approach.
  • You'll use counselling concepts for personal exploration and self-awareness.
  • You'll learn how to use supervision as a self-reflective practitioner.

How you will learn

You'll attend classroom sessions during the day. Assessment includes a candidate portfolio and an externally assessed written paper. Alongside class time, you should expect around 3 to 4 hours of private study per week for assignments and reading.

What you will need to bring

Gloucestershire College Cheltenham Campus will confirm what you need before you start. Note that candidate registration fees are payable at enrolment.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counsellor, requires further training beyond this Certificate, typically to Level 4 or above.
  • Counselling support worker, assists qualified counsellors in an agency or charity setting.
  • Mental health support worker, works alongside clinical teams in community or residential services.
  • Volunteer counsellor, some agencies accept trainees at this stage under supervision.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, the next step for those aiming to practise as a counsellor, usually required for professional registration with BACP or COSCA.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, for those wanting to specialise further after Level 4.
  • A degree in Counselling or Psychology (Level 6), for those considering an academic or research route into the profession.
Apply on gloscol.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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