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Counselling Studies
Counselling Studies
Level 3
Cheltenham
Course Overview
Part Time
Certificate
Certificate
The CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) qualification is for learners who have already acquired some counselling knowledge and skills from studying CPCAB's Level 2 Certificate In Counselling Skills (or its equivalent), and now want to continue their training. CST-L3 introduces you to the three main theoretical approaches to counselling (Psychodynamic, Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural) and shows you what you can expect when working in a counselling agency.
By the end of the Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3), students should:
- Be prepared to use a professional framework within a counselling agency
- Have developed an understanding of the counselling relationship
- Be prepared to use diversity understandings and skills in a counselling relationship
- Be prepared to manage the counselling process within a user-centred approach
- Use counselling concepts in personal exploration to develop self-awareness within counselling practice
- Have developed understanding of counselling concepts
- Be prepared to use supervision as a self-reflective counsellor
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 3-4 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 and self-development.
The course is not suitable for those currently experiencing life difficulties such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, mental health problems and so on. It is not a substitute for counselling or other support.
Finally, there are a number of options available at GC to help you pay for your course fees:
- Setting up a Direct Debit: You’ll be asked for a 20% deposit when you enrol and this can be paid in cash, or by debit or credit card. Course fees must be paid in full by the end of your course so the monthly instalments would be adjusted accordingly e.g. for a one year course you would make 8 payments
- Support for those that are unemployed and in receipt of benefits: Contact Student Services to find out if this course is eligible for funding and whether you are eligible
For advice on funding please contact Student Services or refer to guidance produced by our awarding body at http://www.cpcab.co.uk/qualifications/funding
Class times:
30x week duration September - May
Mondays 9:30am-12:30pm
OR
Tuesdays 6-9pm
Intensive 17x weeks duration February - July
Thursdays 1:15-7:15pm
OR
Fridays 9am-3pm
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Typical Entry Criteria
- CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent – consisting of at least 90 hours face to face learning
You must be aged over 19 at the start of the academic year.
Once you have submitted your application you will be required to complete a ‘Further Information Form’ as part of your application step’s.
Following completion of the ‘Further Information Form’ applicants are invited to attend a mandatory briefing session to assess their suitability for the course. Typically, these are held during June / July.
The briefing session will give you the opportunity to find out more information on the course and share your experiences and previous qualifications with the academic team.
Please note due to the popularity of our Counselling courses our briefing sessions are selection events. We will be looking for applicants who are ready to embark on training of this nature and we will offer places to those we judge to be most suitable.
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General progression route will be:
- CSK-L2 Counselling Skills (Level 2)
- CST-L3 Counselling Studies (Level 3)
- TC-L4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (level 4) -OR- Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Counselling (level 5) [validated by the University of Gloucestershire]
The Foundation Degree can be topped up to a Full Degree with a further year at Level 6, e.g. the BSc Hons Psychology, Health & Wellbeing with the University of Gloucestershire
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In recent years, research has proven that counselling is an effective way to help people with mental health problems. Various programmes to improve access and recruit more counsellors mean that it is a good time to consider a career in counselling.
Our counselling courses are incredibly popular with students and highly regarded by employers. The qualification can lead to a professional career as a counsellor but also equips students with listening skills that can be helpful in a wide variety of professional and voluntary roles.
Experience is essential for job applications so, while you’re studying, you can gain practical work experience in a local counselling agency or within our own counselling service. Many of our students have moved on to work for local counselling services or have also successfully started their own counselling practices.
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