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Level 1 Counselling Course Online – Poole Adult Learning Centre

Cost£190.00
Duration13 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryOnline
Start6 Oct 2026
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body
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About this course

Level 1 Counselling Course. Study online. You work through the course at your own pace, which makes it practical if you need flexibility around work or other commitments. The course runs over 12 weeks and covers core counselling skills, including empathic communication, understanding client needs, and self-awareness in a helping role. It suits people taking their first steps in the health and social care sector, as well as those who want to understand counselling skills for roles supporting adults. Concessions are available on the fee.

Who this course is for

This is a good starting point if you want to develop skills for job roles helping adults and for those taking�their first steps in developing counselling skills.

We have designed this course to support you with the initial skills for the health and social care sector.

This qualification is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty and/or�severe psychological confusion. Please be aware that the course involves experiential elements that will�involve some personal disclosure and associated personal developmental activities. If your tutor does not�feel that the course is right for you during the first weeks of the course they will advise you and discuss�deferring the course until a future date.

There is an expectation that if you enrol on this course, you are willing to commit fully to the period of�time involved in this course, the associated home study and the assessed coursework required.

English language skills at Level 1 is required.� Your tutor may recomment studyinging at Level 2 if there feel that is the appropirate next step in your learning journey. �

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the issues that lead people to seek counselling and how it can help.
  • You'll learn how to establish clear boundaries in a helping role.
  • You'll practise communicating empathic understanding with others.
  • You'll develop self-awareness and understand why it matters in helping work.
  • You'll apply counselling skills when supporting someone through a difficulty.
  • You'll learn how to focus on the client's agenda rather than your own.
  • You'll use review and feedback to develop your skills throughout the course.

How you will learn

The course includes experiential elements, meaning you'll practise skills as part of your learning, not just study theory. You'll work online, engaging with course materials and activities. Assessment is through the Gateway Qualifications framework for the Level 1 Award. The provider will confirm the specific assessment format when you enrol.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Poole Adult Learning Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Support worker. Use counselling skills to support adults day to day.
  • Care assistant. Communicate more effectively with people in your care.
  • Youth support worker. Help young people navigate personal difficulties.
  • SEN teaching assistant. Apply listening and empathy skills in school settings.
  • Teaching assistant. Support learners who need emotional or pastoral help.
  • Adult educator. Develop the communication skills that underpin good teaching.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. The natural next step after this course. Builds on the foundation skills you've developed and prepares you for more in-depth helping work.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. Moves toward professional counselling training. Usually required before applying to a full counselling diploma.
  • Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. The qualification needed to practise as a counsellor professionally.
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