Medway Adult Education

What will I learn on this course?
To use listening and responding skills effectively within a safe and ethical framework • To establish and sustain boundaries of the listening role • The meaning and challenges of empathy • The importance of self-awareness, reflection and feedback • How your own personality, history and ways of relating impact your interactions There will be an interview and assessment date to be attended. You need literacy skills (be able to follow written and verbal instructions, use alphabetical order, write coherent and structured essays and assignments) and numeracy skills (criteria is numerical based, journals and pages in each section numbered sequentially) IT Skills (all journals and assignments to be computer generated and presentations can be done on power point). You also need to be emotionally stable. Counselling courses include elements of self-awareness, personal growth and development, this will involve self-reflection and sharing of possibly uncomfortable situations undertaken within the confines of the classroom with boundaries and rules set by learners. You will also be expected to give feedback to peers both on written work and practical skills. Due to the nature of the course all students are required to sign a confidentiality agreement at induction. Although personal counselling is not a requirement at this level it is highly recommended and maybe specifically suggested to you if the tutor thinks it will enhance your support and development. Group and triad sessions are not a replacement for this.

Is this course suitable for me?
This qualification is for:- Those starting the first level of training as a professional counsellor- Those who want to learn counselling skills in other professional or helping roles- Those who want to improve their professional and personal relationships as part of personal development

Is there anything I need to know about this course?
A portfolio of work will be built up. Learners have to submit a weekly journal 500 -750 words, two written assignments, A presentation, two observed counselling skills practice sessions (one via transcribed video recording), set goals and review these and progress in your ILP. Learners will be expected to attend all sessions and be prepared to carry out homework as requested by the tutor, read the course text book and research topics and concepts explored on the course You are undertaking a course that leads to a nationally regulated qualification on the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) awarded by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) - the only Ofqual approved awarding body to specialise in the field of counselling and supervision (cpcab.co.uk) have an excellent website with any further information you may want.

Will there be any additional costs?
You will need: a computer and printer to purchase your own stationery, including a folder and dividers and the course text book: Counselling Skills & Studies: available through CPCAB or Amazon websites. a digital recorder for skills practice sessions a memory stick

What could I go on to do after this course?
This course is a requirement to progressing to a Level 3 Counselling studies or Level 3 Life Coaching, this is discussed and researched fully during the year, and your progression will depend on how well you do in all aspects of this level. If you wish to explore your learning, work or career options, you can speak to a fully trained careers advisor on 0800 100 900. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk If you need further advice, or to book an interview please telephone 01634 338400.

Attendance Policy
In order to get the most out of your course you will need to attend as many sessions as possible. We recommend at least 90%. (This is a CPCAB course requirement )If you do have a holiday booked during term time please let the tutor know in advance so that we can help you catch up on missed sessions and ensure that you still achieve the course outcomes. If you are unavoidably ill or unable to attend please contact 01634 338400 so that we can let your tutor know, and so they can send you any work you may have missed.

How are digital skills used and enhanced?
All work will be typed using word or equivalent and will need to emailed to your tutor. Digital skills is fully embedded throughout the course. The tutor will speak to you about useful websites, apps and online resources which you may be asked to use for homework

Health and Safety
We try to make sure your class is as safe as possible. If you are worried about anything, please talk to your tutor or our Safeguarding Officer

E-Learning Ettiquette
Please make sure you and everyone at home are fully dressed when you are joining classes online, and that no personal information (address, bank details) can be seen..