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Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory

Key Details

  • Available at:
    Bangor (New Campus), Rhos-on-Sea, Rhyl
  • Study Mode:
    Part-time
  • Course Length:

    1 year, 30 weeks (3 hours per week)

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Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory

Adult Learners

Please contact us for further information about applying for this course.

Course Description

This course is suitable for:

  • People working in the statutory, private and voluntary sectors who would like to develop their counselling skills as part of their professional role
  • Students who wish to be considered for counselling training and progression at degree/postgraduate level.

The course will be set within the context of real work situations, and will look at aspects of empathic listening, as well as the role of attitudes, prejudices and values which may help or hinder the use of counselling skills. The course focuses on the importance of establishing a therapeutic relationship.

You will have the opportunity to identify, use and evaluate a range of counselling skills. The unit encourages awareness of the boundaries of the professional role and when referral to another person/agency is desirable.

For more information about this course call 01492 546 666 ext. 1729 or email counsellingapplications@gllm.ac.uk

Frequently Asked Questions - Counselling Level 3

How many weeks are the courses?
The on-site and online courses are 30 academic weeks.

How much is the Level 3?
Prices are subject to change each September but to give you an indication the prices in September 2024 were:

  • Level 3 Agored Certificate in Counselling Skills & Theory - £679
  • Level 3 CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Studies - £829.

Can I do my classes on-line?
Agored courses are delivered on site and are not accessible on-line. CPCAB courses are delivered fully on-line.

When does the course start, ie September and or January?
Start dates vary for our different courses depending on demand.

However, we usually offer the Agored Level 3 starting in both September and January and the CPCAB Level 3 is usually only offered in September.

What day/time is the course on?
The day varies for each course but the evening courses are usually run between 6pm and 9pm.

Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, you pay a minimum 20% deposit and then instalments are agreed with our Finance Department which are usually:

  • 8 instalments for tuition fees over £500.

You will be asked to set up a standing order with your bank if you pay in instalments.

At what stage would I be able to work as a Counsellor?
On completion of the Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling or BSc in Counselling

What is the best route to become a qualified Counsellor?
Complete Level 2, Level 3 & Level 4 HE Certificate in Counselling or complete the FSc/BSc in Counselling.

Do I have to do Level 2?
You can choose to start with the FSc in Counselling but if you opt to study via the Agored or CPCAB route, we ask everyone to complete Level 2 as it forms the base learning and a route for progression. The only exception would be if you have at least 30 hours of counselling experience which can be evidenced.

Can you give me more information about the placement?You
will be required to do a placement for 2 hours per week for level 3. In the placement you need to be able to practise the skills you are learning e.g. active listening, paraphrasing, summarising. The emphasis is on helping and communication skills not counselling so the settings that are suitable for placements are very varied.

Do you provide guidance on finding a suitable placement for the Level 3 hours?
We can provide some suggestions.

Students are expected to contact and confirm their own settings.

Can I do CPCAB Level 3 if I do Agored Level 2?
Not usually although it may be possible based on prior training and experience. CPCAB requires 75 hours of counselling training in order to start at Level 3 or 30 hours of counselling experience which can be evidenced.

Are either the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies or the Agored Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory courses accredited by BACP?No, at level 3 it is not a requirement. Both courses meet the BACP standards regarding training hours that the BACP require when applying to be a member.

I am 18 but will be 19 halfway through the course.
You need to be 19 when the course begins for the on-site Agored classes. You can start the CPCAB Level 3 at 18 if you have the required guided learning hours/experience.

I am interested in attending the course with my friend/partner/relative/spouse, can we both attend?
Some of the content can be somewhat personal. Therefore, we would recommend that you select a different course session in order to attend separately, as you may get more from the course by attending different sessions.

Can I go straight to Level 3?
We ask learners to do Level 2 first unless they have completed a level 2 course in counselling with a minimum 45 hours training or have 30 hours of counselling experience which can be evidenced for the Agored Level 3 or a minimum of 75 hours training in counselling skills and theory or have 30 hours of counselling experience which can be evidenced for the CPCAB Level 3.

Entry Criteria

You will need to have an Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills (or equivalent) and be working within an environment that allows you the opportunity to practise counselling skills for a minimum of 2 hours per week (this can be a voluntary placement).

Potential applicants should understand that this qualification is not suitable for those who are currently experiencing emotional difficulties. The course does involve skills practice that can involve considerable personal disclosure, associated personal developmental activities and related self-reflection. At interview, learners will be asked to confirm their understanding of this aspect of the programme in terms of both the content and the commitment required to complete the course.

Delivery

The overall course content is designed to be participative and the teaching style will reflect this process, in that it will demonstrate a link between counselling theory and practical skills.

The taught sessions will offer a variety of learning activities, with a mixture of:

  • Lectures
  • Discussions
  • Small group work
  • Workshops
  • Tutorials

Start Date

September and January

Assessment

Ongoing assessments will be through self, peer and tutor feedback.

Modules are assessed through course work.

Assignments may include essays, presentations, workbooks, reflective journals, videos etc.

Progression

You could proceed onto more advanced counselling courses with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, such as:

  • Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling
  • Level 4 Certificate in Applying Therapeutic Skills and Approaches to Support Wellbeing in Others
  • Foundation Degree (FdA) Health and Social Care with specialist additional pathways

Other details

Course type: Adult Learners

Level: 3

Programme Area:

  • Counselling

Bilingual:

n/a

Counselling

People discussing work in a room