Certificate in Counselling Skills

Applications are now closed for September 2025

This training aims to provide students with the core skills to understand and apply the basic concepts of counselling together with the skills and knowledge required to develop a relationship using role play. 

This training places a great emphasis on reflection, the giving and receiving of feedback and challenges as well as open and constructive dialogue. The primary objective of this course is to develop the potential in students for effective listening and responding, and to use these skills in a way which is informed by theoretical understanding, and which is helpful to themselves and others.

Trainees successfully completing this course may wish to further their studies with us by progressing to the Diploma in Counselling Skills.

No previous counselling training is required to undertake this course.

• Course Dates:  Sep 25 – Jul 26
• Times:  Wednesdays 6.30pm – 9.50pm
• Location:  In person at CCF
• Fees: £1800

This is a part-time course running from September 2025 until July 2026 and comprises three terms each of ten weeks in duration. The course is held on Wednesday evenings. Mandatory Saturday workshops are also scheduled as part of the course. The timetable is run in conjunction with the local authority school term and holiday dates. Teaching is by seminars which include practical work and group experiences.

Trainees successfully completing this course may wish to further their studies with us by progressing to the Diploma in Counselling Skills. It is important to stress that completion of this Certificate level course is not a licence to practise as a counsellor and that progression is not automatic but dependent on our assessment process. Please ensure that you have read all of the information provided on all levels of our training before making the decision to train with us.

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.

What are the aims of the course?

• Gain knowledge of theory based on psychodynamic principles and practice and explore broader concepts of human development.

• To develop and practise counselling skills.

• Acquire a basic understanding of human development.

• Develop greater sensitivity to human relationships.

• Improve their communication skills.

• Become more self-aware.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements, although applicants would usually be at least 21 years old. 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. 

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