Steve Roberts is a Senior Lecturer in Counselling & Psychotherapy and Programme Lead for the Introductory Certificate in Counselling. You can contact Steve with any questions you have about studying this course: steve.roberts@newman.ac.uk.
The Level 4 Introductory Certificate in Counselling is a single semester, part time, evening course. It is of interest to people who are interested in using talking-based helping skills to support people who might be experiencing distressing problems of different kinds for example in the workplace, school or community group. It is also of interest to anyone who is simply interested in learning more about this fascinating area of study. A significant number of people take this course as a necessary step towards participation on a professional training programme such as the Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling or the MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies.
The Level 4 Introductory Certificate in Counselling is a single semester, single module course which runs for 13 weeks (one evening per week). The formal teaching is conducted face to face in the classroom and in smaller ‘break-out rooms’ and practice counselling booths. Each session starts promptly at 6.15pm and ends at 9.30pm. There is a fifteen minute break around 7.45pm. The first half consists of a lecture and classroom discussion and exercises on specific topics. The second half consists of practice counselling sessions in groups of three where you will be supported by skills tutors as well as your class lecturer. You will also be undertaking wider reading and you will need access to a computer gain access to library and other university resources.
Whilst the course is pitched at level 4 (equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree), you will find that the course tutors generate a warm, supportive atmosphere which is conducive to personal growth as well as academic learning.
Monday’s group 18:15pm-9pm
Wednesday’s group 18:15pm-9pm
Full details of your individual academic timetable will be available on mynewman after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
The following texts are recommended for this course:
Culley, S. & Bond, T. (2014) Integrative Counselling Skills in Action. (4th Edn). London: Sage.
McLeod, J. (2009) Introduction to Counselling. (4th Edn.). Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press. (Later editions are available if you prefer but the 4th edition is perfectly adequate).
McLeod, J. & McLeod, J. (2011). Counselling Skills: A Practical Guide For Counsellors And Helping Professionals: A practical guide for counsellors and helping professionals. (2nd Edn.). Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press.