Diploma in Counselling Skills – Applications are now closed for September 2025

This training is designed to enable students to develop their own use of counselling skills as well as their knowledge and understanding of psychodynamic theory. The course is suitable for those who are perhaps considering completing a Diploma is Psychodynamic Counselling, or for those wishing to improve their knowledge and skills base in this modality. Applications must have previously completed a Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent. It is important to stress that completion of this foundation level course is not a licence to practise as a counsellor.

This is a part-time course running from September 2025 until July 2026 and comprises three terms, each of ten weeks duration. The course is held on Thursday evenings. The timetable is run in conjunction with the local authority school term and holiday dates. Mandatory Saturday workshops are also scheduled as part of the course.

It is important to point out that if you intend to apply for a place on our Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling on completion of this course, you must be in a minimum of once weekly therapy with a psychotherapist from our approved list (or an equivalent) for at least six months before starting the training in September 2025, and continue in therapy for the duration of your training. The cost of weekly therapy is in addition to the course fee and is a private agreement between student and their therapist.

We emphasise that we provide a training in counselling, not a course of instruction.  This means that our Assessment Committee must be satisfied that the trainee has reached a required standard, which is not just a matter of completing hours and assignments, before awarding a qualification.  Please note that progression each year is not automatic but dependent upon our assessment process.

It is important that you read all of the information provided on all levels of our training before making the decision to train with us.

It is important to stress that completion of this foundation level course is not a licence to practise as a counsellor.

• Course Dates:  Sep 25 – Jul 26
• Times:  Thursdays 6.00pm – 10.00pm
• Location:  In person at CCF
• Fees: £2949

What are the aims of the course?

• Develop greater self-awareness and awareness of others

• Learn to work sensitively and facilitate the growth of others

• Link the learning on the course to the outside world

• Gain familiarity with the roots of psychodynamic theory

• Establish a sound base upon which to develop skills as a counsellor.

What are the entry requirements?

​Applicants would usually be at least 21 years old and previously completed a Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent.

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.

Application process

Selection is by means of application form and interview, to assess applicants’ personal attributes and their intellectual and emotional capacity as well as their readiness to work with the content of the course.