Health Professions & Social Services
Introduction to Counselling Level 5
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode
Evening
Part time
Duration 13 weeks
Start date
Mar 2024
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This 12-week course (14 weeks including holiday periods) is Step 1 in the College’s Counselling learning pathway, which includes our Level 6 Counselling Theory for Practice Course and our Level 7/8 Higher National Certificate Course. From the HNC students can apply to progress to the Higher National Diploma or Post Graduate courses both of which lead to qualification and registration as a Counsellor. Introduction to Counselling is a SCQF Level 5 course that is delivered in person at our Sighthill Campus. The course meets weekly for 2.5 hours, with both afternoon and evening options. It is a participative class in which students begin to learn and practice counselling-based listening skills. Attendance every week is mandatory except in cases of illness.
This course is a prerequisite for entry into our Level 6 Counselling Theory for Practice Course.
Who is the course suitable for?
This is an open-access course that is suitable for adults over the age of 18 who are interested in improving their listening skills through developing counselling-informed practice. It will be useful for those working and/or volunteering in any helping role, and those seeking to develop careers in counselling, health, social care, mental health, or community sectors.
Students must have sufficient maturity and resilience, along with self-awareness to safely practice counselling skills in small groups. You will be asked to share and listen to personal experiences within practice groups called triads.
Taking care of yourself on the course
Our counselling courses are not a substitute for personal therapy, support or self-help groups. All counselling courses will place strong emotional demands on students, requiring ability to be introspective and sometimes experience difficult emotions in themselves and others. Students are encouraged to participate in therapy while undertaking counselling training courses.
What you will learn
The course aims to teach you skills to be with people in a listening role and develop your own self-awareness. The emphasis is on practical skills and group exercises, with a certain amount of written work necessary to meet specified learning outcomes and demonstrate readiness for subsequent courses. Topics include:
- What counselling is, and where and how it is offered in Scotland
- What differentiates counselling from other forms of helping relationships
- Brief introduction to the most well-known theoretical models of counselling, including psychodynamic, person-centred and cognitive and behavioural therapies
- Counselling skills including active listening and responding
- Ethical considerations including confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries
How the course is assessed
There are four assessments, including two short written assignments, a skills-based assessment and a final self-evaluation. All four assessments must be completed in order to successfully complete the course.
Number of days per week
Introduction to Counselling is currently offered on at Sighthill Campus, with afternoon and evening options. It meets once a week for 11 weeks, with the 12th week reserved for completion of assessments and tutor feedback if necessary.
There are three intakes per year: August, November and March. You may apply at any time for the next intake, but subject to numbers may be placed on a waiting list and offered a place in the next block. Where there is demand, an additional courses may be offered.
Progression and Articulation Routes
On successful completion, students wishing to continue their counselling learning may apply to the Level 6 Counselling Theory for Practice Class or the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills. In some instances, students with sufficient prior learning may apply directly into the level 7/8 Higher National Certificate programme. Progression to courses is dependent on the level of emotional maturity, self-awareness and academic capacity that the student has demonstrated on the Introduction to Counselling Class.
For more information, contact Rebecca.McKinney@edinburghcollege.ac.uk
What you will learn- The Counselling Relationship
- Counselling Skills
- Listening and Responding Skills
- Non-directive Counselling
- How the course is assessed
How the course is assessed
- You will be continually assessed through written and practical assignments.
Number of days per week
- Due to ongoing Industrial actions class days/times may change. Currently we anticipate Wednesday 1.15pm & Wednesday 5.30pm and Thursday 1.15pm or possibly 3pm.
Entry requirements
- This course is open to all candidates over the age of 18.
- You must be able to manage the emotional demands of the course and have the ability to participate in testing experiential exercises.
Progression and Articulation Routes
- Level 6 Counselling Theory for Practice Class.
- Progression to courses is dependent on the level of emotional maturity and self awareness the student has demonstrated on the Introduction to Counselling Class.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Evening | 07/03/24 | 13 Weeks |
| Sighthill Campus | Part time | 07/03/24 | 13 Weeks |
