Counselling Foundation Degree

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 Additional specialist courses in related subjects include: · Cognitive Behavioural Therapy · Understanding Substance Misuse

See individual course descriptions.

Both CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies are required. Equivalent non-CPACB qualifications and training will be considered. You will be required to have English at GCSE grade C or above. An equivalent English Language qualification will be required for non-English speaking students. Willingness and ability to take responsibility for 'Self' and in sympathy with the core model of the course with evidence of both personal and academic development will be sought. It is the candidates' responsibility to demonstrate that their training/qualification is equivalent to the entry requirements. Applications for the Foundation Degree will be via the completion of a UCAS form www.ucas.com, plus an internal Gloucestershire College application form, accompanied by completed references, follow 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 and an application form can be obtained from the Counselling Course Administrator on 01452 563294. This course must be applied for through UCAS: http://ucas.com/students/apply/

General progression route wll be: · 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 Additional specialist courses in related subjects include: · Cognitive Behavioural Therapy · Understanding Substance Misuse

Counselling student Helen Pendleton (2010-2012) says; "I completed the Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Counselling last summer. My experience of the course was that it was stimulating and challenging for me. But I also felt very supported by the tutors who kept the studying interesting and fun. During the course my volunteer counselling placement was with the NHS and since finishing studying I have now started paid work there which I am really enjoying. I am grateful for the skills I learnt on the foundation degree which gave me a thorough grounding that has helped me to start progressing in the professional counselling world."

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details