Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Counselling

Recognised by the Complementary Medical Association.

Course Synopsis
This OLQA Quality Assured Level 3 Diploma course is designed to follow on from, and compliment the basic or introductory counselling course. Reappraisal of basic counselling skills and core knowledge will be covered, together with a detailed examination of the five approaches or theories of counselling.

More attention will be placed on the psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred approaches, which will give students a greater working knowledge and understanding of advanced counselling skills. All 10 modules will include a section on how it specifically relates to addiction counselling, and there will be reflective activities for personal evaluation. In specialist counselling fields, these advanced skills are necessary in order to be able to recognise and deal with the complex range of client needs, together with being able to understand the origins of these particular emotions and possible physiological factors.

This course concentrates on the assessment and analysis of psychosocial factors relating to addiction, together with the appreciation of how addictive behavioural problems meet the challenges of therapy. The course will specifically address substance and alcohol addiction, although the theories, concepts and working models can be applied to most addictive behaviours and problems.

Module 1: Introduction to addiction, discussion and reappraisal of counseling
The first module defines addiction and looks at activities that include self-reflection and evaluation. The five theories which have been adopted as approaches in counseling are examined. In this module the work of Freud, Rogers, Skinner, Ellis, Jung and Eagan will be looked at in brief, and the corresponding counselling approaches examined in relation to these theories.

Module 2: The psychodynamic approach relevant addiction therapy
In this module students will take a look at how they work and are applied to the many counselling situations that exist. Specific examples and activities will give the students an indication as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach, and how it relates to addiction counseling.

Module 3: The cognitive behavioural approach relevant to addiction therapy
This module will look at how the cognitive behavioral approach works and how they are applied to the counselling situation. Specific examples and activities will give the student indications as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a major component of addiction counselling; this module will discuss and examine why.

Module 4: The person-centred approach relevant to addiction therapy
In this chapter students will look at how the person centred approach works and how this approach is applied to the counselling situation. Specific examples and activities will give the student indications as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach. Areas of application where underlying problems and situations are present will be discussed.

Module 5: Client-counsellor relationships in addiction therapy
This section will talk about ethical strategy, boundaries or limitations and will look at how to recognise and deal with these. In addition the significance of relationship building will be examined. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this unit.

Module 6: Understanding addiction: part 1
This module begins to look at the physiological and psychological changes and effects of addiction. These can be both permanent and temporary. In addition the process and steps taken of becoming addicted will be examined. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Module 7: Understanding addiction: part 2
This module continues with the physiological and psychological themes that have been previously discussed, and begins to relate them to the real counselling situations. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Module 8: Focusing on substance addiction
This module defines and categorizes the vast array of addictive substances that exist in society today. In addition it will discuss the effects of these on the person and how behaviours are changed as a result of becoming an addict. The specific and specialized counselling skills necessary for working within this field of therapy will be outlined and discussed. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Module 9: Focusing on alcohol addiction
This module examines the nature of the growing issue of alcohol addiction, its effects on both the sufferer and those around them including their families, colleagues and friends. Students will learn about specialized counselling skills which will be outlined and discussed. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Module 10: Discussion on other addictions such as smoking, food and shopping
This module looks at some of the other more common addictions, even those that are not always harmful to your own health such as shopping. This unit discusses relevant and specific counselling skills that are required within this field of therapy. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Entry Requirements
All students must per 16 years of age and above.

Study Hours
Approximately 40 hours per module

Assessment Method
Final online multiple choice examination.

Please note that you can enrol on this course at anytime.

Award
Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Counselling

This course is Quality Assured by OLQA 

Additional Information
You will receive a certificate from the College . Fees are included in the course fee.

The course can be enrolled upon by students Internationally. There are no deadlines for enrolments.

What's Included
All study materials to enable the student to successfully complete the Diploma. Support is provided by the tutor department. Certification upon completion. All examination fees.

Further Information
These require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order for students to manage study and the assumed knowledge within course content.

They provide an ability to gain and apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding in a specific subject at a detailed level. Level 3 qualifications such as A levels, NVQ3, BTEC Diplomas etc. are appropriate if you plan to progress to university study.

Level 3 courses which are not examination board accredited can assist you in career development, continued professional development, personal development, and provision of a basis for further study.

Progression from level 3 is to specialist learning and detailed analysis of a higher level of information (for example university level study, Diploma Level 5 study).

Level 3 Diploma
The Quality Assured Diploma is a Level 3 equivalent on the National Qualifications Framework. The Diploma is a 1 year course which is self study and is examined by online examination. The Diploma is awarded by Oxford College. Upon completion of the course you will receive certification awarded by Oxford College.

Your course is delivered online via the Oxford Learning On Campus website.

This is a flexible learning course, so the more time you have to commit to your studies, the sooner you are able to complete.

Please note that included in your course fee is your registration to the On Campus student community, and a licence to print your study materials. Please note that the licence is for one print only, so please ensure that you have enough paper and ink to print the full course materials if required.

You will require having one of the following packages to access your On Campus area:

Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
In the student 'On Campus' you are also able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access the On Campus area within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal Oxford Learning student number via email.