Counselling Concepts: ABC Level 2 Intro Certificate - Part Time

Course Summary:

This qualification is designed as a basic generic introduction to counselling for those who have had no previous experience of, or training in, the field of counselling. Its versatility appeals to a wide range of potential learners and the target market includes those who are considering embarking on formal counselling training as an intended career change.

Course Details:

This course allows learners to make a more informed choice as to whether or not to embark on a demanding vocational training towards a
possible career in counselling or an allied career, e.g. welfare advice work, where
counselling skills would be useful. It is also intended for those who wish to improve
their listening and communication skills

It is appropriate for those who are

• returning to study
• seeking a career change
• undertaking voluntary work
• enhancing career prospects through extra qualifications
• thinking of training as a professional counsellor
• seeking development of enhanced social skills

This qualification aims to provide:

The ABC Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts aims to
• enhance and improve verbal communication skills, especially empathy, the ability
to listen and respect silence
• enhance and improve written communication skills
• provide a basic understanding of what counselling is about and be able to
compare and contrast counselling with other forms of helping activities
• develop an understanding of what counselling training entails and assist learners
to make a more informed choice as to whether or not s/he is suited to undertake
vocational counselling training as opposed to other types of training
• introduce learners to experiential learning processes that will include a high
element of personal growth work, developing further self-confidence and self-esteem
• prepare learners to progress onto appropriate further qualifications

Aims and Objectives.

The course is a total of 3 units consisting of:

Unit 1. The professional context of counselling
This unit provides a basic introduction to counselling. Learners
will develop an understanding of what counselling is and an
appreciation that qualified counsellors and those who use
counselling skills abide by an ethical framework. They will learn
about the importance of creating the correct environment and
the right ethos for the helping relationship to be successful.

Unit 2. Communication skills in helping relationships
In this unit, learners will explore effective communication skills
used in helping relationships. They will demonstrate a range of
listening and responding skills to establish, develop and close
interactions.

Unit 3. An introduction to personal development
In this unit, learners will have the opportunity to reflect on their
personal development and identify areas for development in the
future.

Teaching and learning strategies:

This will consist of a variety of lectures, group exercises/discussions, role play/skills practice.

Assessment
All units are assessed internally and subject to internal and external verification. The main methods of assessment are:

Learning and Reflective Journal of coursework content. (Journal entries up to 800 words) (Internally Assessed)
Skills practice observation feedback sheets
“Counsellor” self assessment sheets

Career Progression:

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling at NESCOT (subject to interview). Entry to other level 3 courses at other colleges.