Certificate in Counselling Skills L2

Did you realise that in the 21st century one in four people will suffer from mental illness sometime during their lifetime? Mental illness will be the number one demand on the National Health Service in the next 50 years. The UK workforce has the longest working week in Europe, unemployment is a continuing threat and family commitments and relationships can be put under extreme pressure in today’s society. All of this points to an increasing need for people to talk to somebody through their problems, however, without finding someone with proper training this could cause more harm than good. All of Gloucestershire College’s counselling courses are approved by the CPCAB which is the nationally approved awarding body for professional counsellors. So what are the qualities needed to be a good counsellor? You’ll need to have respect for clients, good listening skills, be non-judgemental and have empathy. You need to be self-aware, mature and able to make use of your own life experiences. Confidentiality, professionalism and a sense of humour are key. Our programme includes the following courses; you will likely complete the introduction courses before you progress on to the higher levels. · Effective Listening Taster · Introduction to Counselling Skills · Counselling Skills (Level 2) · Counselling Studies (Level 3) · Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (level 4) · Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Counselling (level 5) [validated by the University of Gloucestershire] · BA Hons Therapeutic Counselling with the University of Gloucestershire Thë Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills qualification is for learners who want to learn counselling skills to help and support others, either in a voluntary or employed capacity. It will not teach them to be counsellors, but it will give them skills which will be useful in a variety of roles and may help them decide whether or not they want to train as a counsellor. (CPCAB) The course may be particularly useful to Voluntary workers, welfare staff, health authority staff, managers, personnel and training staff, probation and social services staff, teachers and tutors. By the end of Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2), students should be able to: · Use counselling skills ethically and safely · Manage helping interactions · Communicate empathic understanding · Manage an active listening space · Use self-awareness to facilitate helping work · Use counselling skills coherently · Use study skills to help manage learning ASSESSMENT 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 2-3 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 - financial, time and emotional. It is a serious course that requires a high degree of commitment and hard work in the areas of theory, personal exploration/self-development and practice.

This qualification is accredited for learners aged at 18 or over. No prior knowledge, attainment or experience is required for entry onto courses leading to the CSK-L2 qualification. A minimum of level 2 literacy is desirable. Learners may find it helpful to have completed one of the 5 or 10 week introductory courses in initial counselling skills offered at the College. Further information is obtainable from the Counselling Course Administrator (details below). What is required of you? The course relies on the personal commitment of course members. We include a set of questions to help you: · Am I willing to participate in flexible and negotiated learning? · Am I willing to share experiences? · Am I willing to work in my own time? · Will I keep an individual learning record? · Am I prepared to be recorded on audiotape? · Am I willing to assess and be assessed by peers, tutors and external bodies? · Can I accept the opportunity to reassess certain areas of my life and ways of working which could possibly have an effect on my life outside the course? · Do I have, or can I gain, access to a group with whom counselling skills would be useful? · Am I committed to using counselling skills? · Am I willing to use the opportunity to stand back and reflect? The application process is via a course-specific application form for the Certificate in Counselling Skills, followed by attendance at a briefing and interview. Tutors will be looking for readiness and both proven and potential ability to make effective use of this particular course. Further details including an Information Sheet and application form can be obtained from the Counselling Course Administrator on 01452 563294.

This qualification is an essential requirement (along with Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) or equivalent) in order to proceed to study for the two-year FdA (Foundation Degree) in Therapeutic Counselling (subject to validation by the University of Gloucestershire). Additional specialist courses in related subjects include: · Cognitive Behavioural Therapy · Understanding Substance Misuse

Previous student feedback: This course has been a vastly inspirational and influential phase of my journey …….. I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and learnt so much about myself and counselling … I feel I have grown both intellectually and emotionally.

student Robert Leonard says: "I am currently in my fourth academic year at Gloucestershire College, studying the first year of the Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Counselling. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how I've progressed from doing the Introduction to Counselling course as a five-day taster three summers ago. But it was that initial experience of the college environment that made me decide to return to education full-time. I spent the next two years studying a full-time diploma in Performing Arts by day and completing my Level 2 and 3 Counselling Certificates as an evening class. Being a mature student learning alongside the younger students has encouraged me to explore working as a counsellor for young adults - but let’s focus on qualifying first! Throughout my learning journey with Gloscol, I have received excellent support from my tutors, fellow students and the other college staff at each level of my studies. It is an environment that I have thrived in, and one I would thoroughly recommend to anyone else looking to take their skills, career (or even life!) in a new direction."

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details