Introductory Certificate in Counselling Skills

Objectives
After studying this course, students will be able to:

• describe the role of a counsellor and what counsellors do
• List common types of counselling
• Understand the skills and attributes required to conduct counselling
• Practice and improve their listening skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of negotiation
• Describe the key aspects of successful mediation
• Understand the role of counselling in crisis mediation
• List sources of help and advice in a range of counselling situations

Student Profile
This programme is designed for people who wish to gain an understanding of the role of a counsellor  and the basic skills required to become a counsellor. No prior knowledge is required.

Study Method
The course is designed for study by distance learning at work or at home.  Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support.

Qualification
Successful students will receive a certificate from ASET, a leading QCA recognised awarding body.

Assessment
Assessment takes the form of a series of tutor marked assignments plus one extended essay.

Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements.

Timescale
The programme takes place over a timescale to suit the student.  Once registered, tutor support is available for up to one year or until completion whichever is the soonest.

Location
The programme is home or work-based enabling students to complete the course without having to attend scheduled college teaching sessions.

Tutor Support
Throughout the course, students will receive tutor support by telephone and by post.

Course Outline
Unit 1:     The Basics of Counselling
• What is counselling
• Who is a Counsellor
• When is a Counsellor not ready to Council
• Who needs counselling
• Ten Steps to Counselling

Unit 2:     Types of Counselling
• When a Counsellor is needed
• Types of counselling offered
       Addiction
       Anxiety
       Depression
       Divorce
       Eating Disorders
       PMS
       Sexual health
       Stress

Unit 3:    New wave Counselling
• On-line Counselling
• Telephone Counselling
• Telephone / Internet counselling
• SMS text counselling
• Video counselling
• The Future

TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT A

Unit 4:    Traditional Counselling Styles
• What are the different Types of Traditional Counselling
• What Counselling
• Individual Therapy
• Couples Therapy
• Family therapy
• Group Therapy
• Who goes to Counselling

Unit 5:    Listening Skills
• Listening
• Stages of listening
• Obstacles of Listening
• Emphatic Listening
• Listeners in Control
• Traps for Listeners

Unit 6:     Negotiation
• Negotiation
• The Establishment Group
• The Community group
• Negotiation in General
• The Joint Problem-Solving Approach
• Definition of the Problem
• Guidelines
• Insist on Using Objective Criteria
• Invent Options for Mutual Gain
• Separate the People from the Problem
• Suggestions
• Breaking the Rules
• Alternatives
• Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement

TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT B

Unit 7:    Mediation
• What is Mediation
• When is Mediation called for
• Responsibilities
• Preliminaries
• The Introductory Phase
• Problem Definitions
• Respect the Parties’ Ability to reach a settlement
• Caucus Meetings
• The Second session
• Teamwork
• The Agreement
• Attributes of a Good Mediator

Unit 8:     Crisis Mediation
• Other Considerations
• Power imbalance
• The Power of skill and Knowledge
• A Summary of Factors Influencing the Balance of Power
• Analysis and Responses

TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT C

General Counselling Client Information Form

Publications

Addresses

Useful Contacts

Glossary of Health Terms

TUTOR MAKED ASSIGNMENT D