Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy
(Certificate in Counselling Skills) Modular Course

JULY 2009 - JULY 2010    Suitable for all those who are using counselling skills in their paid or voluntary, or those wishing to do so.

A valuable foundation level course that can serves as a pre-requisite for advanced counsellor training, an aid to improving managerial skills, a personal development tool and the first step towards a change of career.

A modular one year programme consisting of:

• Two week summer full time course taking place in July 2009. From 13th -24th July 2009.

• Four weekends between October 2009 and July 2010. Counselling
   Skills Certificates are a necessary pre-requisite for Professional
   Counselling Training.

Course description
• Seminars - have an experiential focus. Skills are learned largely
   through role play and discussion. Relevant theory will be taught, and
   some background reading expected. Appropriate and non-
   discriminatory attitudes will be addressed and promoted.
• Group sessions - give space to explore feelings and relationships
   with group facilitators within small, large and inter group settings,
   and to learn from group dynamics and process. The content of group
   discussions is confidential.

Summer full time course (non-residential)
• The course begins with the Summer Full Time Course held between
   13th July to 24th July 2009 (Monday - Friday only). Followed by four
   weekend modules.
• Some pre-course reading will be expected.
• Content - basic counselling skills and techniques, self-awareness and
   self- exploration, human growth and development, issues of working
   within a multicultural society, special topics

Modules
The course modules must be followed in the order set below.
Modules take place on Saturdays and Sundays and consist of seminars and small and large groups. All weekend modules must be taken in one academic year.

MODULE 1 - 3rd & 4th October 2009
MODULE 2 - 16th & 17th January 2010
MODULE 3 - 24th & 25th April 2010
MODULE 4 - 3rd and 4th July 2010

MODULE 1
• attachment, separation and loss
• linking of developmental issues to the use of counselling skills
• transitions

MODULE 2
• how to explore issues clients bring
• focusing, challenging and confronting

MODULE 3
• what belongs to the person using counselling skills
• what belongs to the clients

MODULE 4
• putting counselling skills into context
• developing an understanding of process within a session and over
   time
• caring for ourselves
• endings
• course review
• personal evaluation

Selection criteria and application
• Submission of a completed initial application form.
• Applicants will be interviewed and suitable applicants offered places.
• Early application is advisable.

Assessment
• The assessment process is continuous throughout with elements of
   self, peer and seminar leader evaluation. Two written assignments must be
   submitted.

Qualification
• Certificate in Counselling Skills will be awarded to those who
   successfully complete all modules. The Certificate is a pre-requisite
   for professional counselling training.