Training at the Chelmsford Counselling Foundation
Our programme leading to nationally validated qualifications and to a BACP accredited counsellor training is designed to offer students a route from a basic introduction to counselling skills to the point where they are able to practice as counsellors and apply for individual BACP accreditation. As members of BACP we subscribe to its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

All courses are offered subject to financial viability

We are an affiliated member of the WPF Therapy's National Network of Counselling Centres, which is the largest individual counselling organisation in the country. We offer counselling to individuals, couples, groups and companies and have been training counsellors for over twenty years.

Counselling training needs to be thorough and to combine theory and practical skills. We are in the best position to offer this training since we train students within a counselling agency and clinical practice is mainly carried out in house. This was recognised nationally in May 1999 when we were awarded BACP accreditation for our counsellor training and subsequently reaccredited in 2004 and in 2009.

Our Foundation level courses allow participants to acquire new skills whilst they assess their future training needs. The WPF Therapy Certificate in Counselling Skills provides an excellent introductory training for those who wish to train as counsellors. It offers valuable skills which can be used in the workplace and is therefore a very good choice for anyone who wishes to make use of a range of skills to enhance their effectiveness at work.

Our BACP accredited training comprises the two Diploma courses and is of a psychodynamic orientation.

Certificate in Counselling Skills
This course provides the basic skills for those who wish to work in any field of counselling, or to use counselling skills in the course of their normal work. It will appeal to those who wish to develop greater sensitivity to human relationships, to become more self-aware, or to improve their communication skills.

Teaching is by seminars which include practical work aimed to show us psychological processes at work, and by group experience. Students who successfully complete the Course will receive the WPF Therapy Certificate in Counselling Skills and will be eligible to apply for the more advanced courses.

Please download a course brochure and return a completed application form if you would like an interview.

One year (part-time) 45 Hours of Seminars 45 Hours of Groupwork Two Saturday Workshops Times: Wednesday evenings Seminars: 6.30-8.00pm Coffee Break: 8.00-8.15pm Experiential Group: 8.20-9.50pm Term Dates: Autumn: Week commencing 12 Sep 2011 Winter: Week commencing 9 Jan 2012 Summer: Week commencing 23 April 2012 Fees: (Reviewed annually) Registration Fee: £75 (on acceptance of place) Course Fee: Either one instalment of £916 or 2 equal instalments of £480 due at beginning of Sept 2011, Jan 2012, respectively

Diploma in Counselling Skills
This is a non-clinical course designed to provide training for those who want to use advanced counselling skills within a psychodynamic framework in combination with their occupation, but who do not wish to become psychodynamic counsellors as their main job function.

This course also forms the first part of our BACP accredited Counsellor training. Taken on its own this is not a BACP accredited course. Participants will continue to develop their skills, their knowledge of theory and gain greater self-awareness before considering assessment for clinical training.

Successful students will be awarded the WPF Therapy Diploma in Counselling Skills and will be eligible to apply for the more advanced courses.

Please download a course brochure and return a completed application form if you would like an interview. Applications received less than 14 days prior to the induction date cannot be considered.

One year (part-time) 45 Hours of Seminars 45 Hours of Groupwork 30 Hours of Skills Development Two Saturday Workshops Times: Thursday evenings Seminars: 6.00-8.15pm Coffee Break: 8.15-8.30pm Experiential Group: 8.30-10.00pm Term Dates: Autumn: Week commencing 12 Sep 2011 Winter: Week commencing 9 Jan 2012 Summer: Week commencing 23 April 2012 Fees: (Reviewed annually) Registration Fee: £75 (on acceptance of place) Course Fee: Either one instalment of £1706 or 2 equal instalments of £875 due at beginning of Sept 2011, Jan 2012, respectively

Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling
This course provides the clinical and theoretical element of the training as psychodynamic counsellor. Trainees attend theoretical and clinical seminars, process groups and workshops, and see CCF clients for long term counselling under weekly supervision.

All applicants must have completed an approved non-clinical course of at least 120 hours. Those who undertake this course having completed our Diploma in Counselling Skills will have completed a BACP accredited training. All candidates will have an in-depth assessment to determine their readiness to work with clients. Trainees need to be in personal therapy with an approved therapist at least one year before seeing clients.

Successful students will be awarded the Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling which is nationally validated by WPF Therapy.

Please download a course brochure and return a completed application form if you would like an interview.

Two years minimum (part-time) 135 Hours of Seminars 45 Hours of Groupwork 50 Hours of work-based learning 126 Hours of Training Supervision Six Saturday Workshops Times: Monday (Year 1) and Tuesday (Year 2) evenings Term Dates: Autumn: Week commencing 12 Sep 2011 (19 Sept for Year 1) Winter: Week commencing 9 Jan 2012 Summer: Week commencing 23 April 2012 The supervision year starts week commencing 5 Sept 2011 Fees: (Reviewed annually) External Assessment Fee: £95 Capitation Fee: £80.50 (on acceptance of place) Course Fee: Either one instalment of £2176 or 3 equal instalments of £740 due at beginning of Sept 2011, Jan 2012 and Apr 2012, respectively

Former clients of CCF wishing to train as counsellors cannot do so here until at least five years after their last counselling session with us.

We are unable to consider applications from anyone under the age of 18.

Specialist Training
We also offer short courses aimed at the established practitioner to develop skills in specialist areas such as "Clinical Assessment" and "Groupwork". Participants will develop specialist skills, both theoretically and practically and will gain valuable CPD experience.

Key training staff
Head of Training: Clive Mariner

If you are interested in any of these courses please contact us for more details.