Introduction to Counselling

EDI Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to Counselling.

Course Details

Anywhere there are people, there could be a need for a counsellor. The diversity of counselling means you can work in pretty much any area you choose. Counsellors are employed in the education sector, health and social care, academic bodies and the prison service to name but a few.

The Introduction to Counselling course gives you a complete understanding of the roles involved in being a Counsellor. You will study topics on types of counselling, bereavement, stress, depression, listening skills, alcohol, drug and substance abuse, eating disorders and many more.

Why do a Certificate in Introduction to Counselling?

• You can gain listening skills and mediation methods and receive EDI Certification
• Gain an EDI Certificate in Executive Office Skills Level 2 
• All your course materials are provided
• You can learn whilst still working
• Unlimited access to an online learning community
• No previous experience is required
• Course materials written by industry experts
• A dedicated personal tutor at all times

Qualifications

During the course of your training you will be given 4 assignments to complete at intervals.  You should complete each assignment and return it to your personal course tutor for assessment.  Your tutor will provide you with feedback on how you are progressing and also provide you guidance should you need it.  Your overall course success will be measured using the assignments.  When you successfully completed the course you will be awarded the Education Development International (EDI) Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to Counselling.

EDI are a leading awarding organisation in the UK vocational sector.  Being awarded the EDI Certificate in Counselling will boost your CV and job prospects with potential employers.  Not only will it demonstrate you have the necessary skills to undertake a counselling role, it also shows you are committed to your own self development.

Students are advised to check that the study path that they are following and the course they have chosen is going to lead to the correct qualification for the occupation they intend to use it in.  Should you have any doubts you can get the relevant advice from local authorities and sector skills councils.

Study Plan

Module 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

Module 2: Types of Counselling

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

Module 3: New wave Counselling

• On-line Counselling
• Telephone Counselling
• Telephone / Internet counselling
• SMS text counselling
• Video counselling
• The Future

Module 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

Module 5: Listening Skills

• Listening
• Stages of listening
• Obstacles of Listening
• Emphatic Listening
• Listeners in Control
• Traps for Listeners

Module 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

Module 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

Module 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
  

Study Details

The course is separated into 8 units and is designed to teach you all about counselling in the most logical order. Each new unit is also designed to build on the previous subjects and allows you to see your own development as you progress through the course.

Throughout the Introduction to Counselling course you will be required to complete a number of assignments. These are then submitted to your tutor for assessment. This gives your tutor the opportunity to assess your progress, provide helpful feedback and ensure you are getting the most out of the course.

On average, students complete the Introduction to Counselling course in approximately 90 hours of studying.  An example of how you may break your study down is shown below: 

Study Period	Weekly Hours
3 Months	7.5 Hours
6 Months	4 Hours
12 Months	2 Hours

You do not need to have any prior experience of counselling to begin the course.

Careers

The Introduction to Counselling course can see you begin applying for positions such as a domestic violence counsellor or a debt counsellor with earnings potential of up to £20,000* a year.

*Source: hays

Example roles:

Debt Counsellor                                            Social Worker
£24,500                                                             £19k - £29k
Source: Red Goldfish                                       Source: Prospects