Counselling courses at Swarthmore

Build Self Esteem and Confidence

This a practical course for people who wish to build their confidence and cope effectively and assertively in different life situations. You will be able to identify situations where you are under pressure, or lacking in confidence. You will learn techniques for improving your confidence and ability to be more in control, as well as looking at the causes of difficulty.

Counselling Courses - Overview

Swarthmore offers a range of counselling courses which are accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). This reputable awarding body is the only one in Europe to specialise in the field of counselling. The courses on offer allow students to follow a potential progression route beginning with the Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills (ICSK - L2) and ending with the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC - L4). Once students have completed all of the Counselling courses below, they are entitled to practice as qualified Counsellors within an agency setting. However, the courses may also be undertaken without a desire to work as a Counsellor. They provide opportunities to enhance communication skills, self awareness and understanding of relationships and mental health. All the courses are experiential, which means they are practical and rely on the active participation by students within group activities, discussions and skills practice sessions. Further information on all our counselling courses is available on the CPCAB website (www.cpcab.co.uk).

Introduction to Counselling Skills (ICSK - L2)

This course is for those who want to learn initial counselling skills to help others - either in a voluntary or an employed capacity. The skills taught and practiced may also be useful in personal relationships. The practical nature of the course helps develop students' self-awareness. It will help those wishing to find out more about the field of counselling, and may help students decide whether they wish to embark on further courses to train as a Counsellor. There is an emphasis on group work in which skills, ideas and personal reflections are discussed. Students are assessed through a portfolio of their learning on the course, including a reflective journal and feedback on skills practice sessions. There are no essays or exams on this course. Accreditation with CPCAB is optional for this course. No prior learning or experience is necessary to undertake the course. Applicants must be at least 19 years of age. You can enrol directly onto the introductory courses but must attend one of the induction meetings (See the current brochure).

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK - L2)

This qualification is for students who want to learn counselling skills to help and support others, either in a voluntary or employed capacity. It will not teach you to be a counsellor, but it will give you useful skills which will be useful in a variety of roles and may help you decide whether or not you want to train as a counsellor. The course is appropriate for the following:

• Healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, occupational/speech therapists and physiotherapists.
• Individuals working in social, community, prison, education and on the 'frontline' of other public, voluntary or industrial / commercial services.
• Individuals who are involved in the management and care of human resources.
• Individuals with an interest in developing counselling skills, and possibly developing a career in the field.

Students are assessed on the basis of an in depth portfolio evidencing learning, written assignments and an external assessment paper. Upon completion of this course, candidates are suitably equipped to undertake the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST - L3).

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST - L3)

This course consists of 26 weekly sessions lasting for 4 hours.

This qualification is intended for candidates who want to take the next step in training towards becoming a qualified counsellor. In addition it is suitable for those wishing to learn more about counselling theory and its application. The main model used is the Person-Centred Approach. There is a focus on the legal, ethical and procedural frameworks in which counselling agencies operate. Students are assessed on the basis of an in depth portfolio evidencing learning, written assignments and an external assessment paper. Upon completion of this course, candidates are suitably equipped to undertake the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC - L4).

Applicants for this course must have undertaken a counselling skills course e.g. CPCAB's Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK L2). Applicants may also apply with an equivalent qualification of at least 75 learning hours. Applicants should be at least 19 years of age.
For further information or an application form, please contact the course tutor: ringing the counselling office on 0113 243 7987: Wayland Gilley (wayland.gilley@swarthmore.org.uk))

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC - L4)

This course consists of approximately 70 weekly sessions spanning two academic years. Sessions last for 7 hours.

This professional qualification entitles successful trainees to work as qualified Counsellors within a counselling agency. Trainees undertake a fully supervised training placement within an approved counselling agency. The course enables trainees to undertake the personal development needed to offer effective counselling. Ethical practice and the application of the Person-Centred Approach are key course components. Assessment is through a very detailed portfolio evidencing learning and competence, written assignments and an external assessment of counselling practice and understanding.

Applicants for this course must have completed both CPCABs Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK L2) and CPCABs Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST L3) or their equivalent. Applicants should be at least 19 years of age.

For further information or an application form, please contact the course tutors:

Su Thornton (su.thornton@swarthmore.org.uk)
Wayland Gilley (wayland.gilley@swarthmore.org.uk))
Tel: 0113 243 7987 (direct line to counselling office)

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