Free Level 3 Counselling Course in Hartlepool. Evening classes run at Hartlepool College of Further Education, part-time to fit around your existing commitments. You'll need a Level 2 Counselling Skills qualification or equivalent to join, and applicants are invited to attend an interview before starting. The course runs for 132 hours and covers five units: developing counselling skills, theoretical approaches, working ethically, diversity, and personal development. Please note that this level 3 counselling qualification does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed at those seeking to enhance their functional role through the use of counselling skills. Learners will gain an understanding of a range of counselling skills and have the opportunity to examine some of the various schools of thought/theoretical models associated with them.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical counselling skills through observed practice and group work.
You'll explore a range of theoretical models and schools of thought in counselling.
You'll learn how to work ethically when using counselling skills.
You'll examine how diversity affects the use of counselling skills.
You'll reflect on your own personal development as part of your learning.
You'll build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
How you will learn
You'll attend tutor-led evening sessions at the college and complete self-directed learning through portfolio building. Activities include observed counselling skills practice, research tasks, presentations, and small and whole group discussions. You'll also work in pairs during sessions. Assessment is by portfolio of evidence. You must pass all five units to be awarded the qualification. There is an expectation that you will complete reading, homework, and assessment tasks in your own time.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Hartlepool College of Further Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker: use counselling skills in community or residential settings.
Care assistant: support clients with emotional and practical needs.
Youth support worker: work with young people in schools or youth services.
SEN teaching assistant: support pupils with additional emotional or learning needs.
Teaching assistant: assist in classroom settings with pastoral responsibilities.
Adult educator: support adult learners in community or college settings.
Counselling support roles: work alongside qualified counsellors in services.
What you could study next
Foundation Degree in Counselling: the natural next step if you want to move toward practising as a counsellor. Hartlepool College of Further Education notes this as a direct progression route.
Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling: required if you intend to work toward professional counsellor status with a body such as BACP.
Degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy: for those aiming at fully qualified, accredited counsellor status.
