Overview
If you are ready to embark on a course which gives you the essential theories and skills involved in becoming a counsellor, then our Foundation in Counselling (Level 3 equivalent) is for you.
The training also aims to prepare you to progress your journey to our Advanced Diploma in Counselling – NCPS Accredited (Level 4 equivalent) which would be the next step to becoming a professional counsellor.
The course is 15 sessions of experiential, creative training days, one day per week, one day per fortnight or one weekend per month over approximately 6 months.
This course is also available nationally online, evening classes take place on one evening per week (including one full day Saturday class). Morning classes take place one morning per week (including one full day Saturday class).
No prior experience is required, as this course is a comprehensive and complete foundation into counselling.
This course has been Quality Checked by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This course alone is not a route to the Accredited Register nor does it fully equip a graduate to practice as a qualified counsellor.
Suitable for people engaged in a caring or therapeutic role, anyone working in a people focused environment or anyone interested in counselling skills, the course attracts people with diverse professional and personal backgrounds. It offers the opportunity to enhance further career and life skills, and can be a stepping stone to accessing counselling and therapeutic professions.
Heartwood students have access to outdoor and indoor light and warm recreational space with seating for break times and its own refreshment making facilities.

Course Details
A 15 session course, running one day a week, one day a fortnight or one weekend per month over approximately 6 months.
Daytime classes take place in Devon from 10am – 4:30pm each day.
Start dates:
- 25th September 2023, weekly on Monday (fully booked, reserve list available)
- 26th January 2024, weekly on Friday
This course is also available nationally online, evening classes take place on one evening per week (including one full day Saturday class). Morning classes take place one morning per week (including one full day Saturday class).
A course that is Quality Checked by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, you will learn how to create a safe space for counselling and a range of therapeutic skills and techniques to explore client issues.
This course alone is not a route to the Accredited Register nor does it fully equip a graduate to practice as a qualified counsellor.
This course is suitable for people who are looking to start our Advanced Diploma in Counselling – NCPS Accred (Level 4 equivalent). Please contact us to discuss this further.
This course will be beneficial for anybody working in the caring profession. It will give you important skills which are of great value in your life as well as the workplace!
A perfect place to begin if you are looking for a change in career path!
Course Calendar:
Please click on the below link to view and download the course calendar for upcoming courses:
25th September 2023 – weekly on Monday Devon (fully booked, reserve list available)
26th January 2024 – weekly on Friday, Devon
Entry requirements
No prior knowledge or experience required to enrol on this course.
There is no requirement for an interview, however we are always happy to show people around our beautiful centre, if you would like to come and visit us just let us know.
Level 2 is not a requirement to join this course.
Applications welcome over the age of 19yrs.
No prior profession or academic attainment is required.
Syllabus
The Foundation in Counselling (Level 3 equivalent) course furthers our understanding and knowledge of ourselves and counselling concepts, theory and skills.
Heartwood’s theoretical approach presented on the course is both Integrative and Holistic. We will look at integrating models, techniques, theories and a range of modalities that suit the individual client. Whilst working on developing relationship skills which will aid therapeutic work.
We will cover a range of approaches including Gestalt Therapy, Person Centred Therapy and Mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
We will work with the full perception of the client, their world from their eyes, adapting our methods to accommodate our client’s needs and working with the way a client’s problems may present as:
- Thoughts – fixed beliefs or negative ideas, old messages (introjects).
- Emotions – grief, anger, sadness, regret, guilt, shame.
- Physical – panic attacks, insomnia, eating disorders, self-harm.
- Spiritual – hopes, dreams, aspirations, purpose.
This course further develops counselling, communication and listening skills through the following client centred practices; effective questioning and working at an appropriate pace, managing silence, active listening and minimal encouragement prompts, paraphrasing and summarising, attentiveness and rapport building, empathetic listening, checking for understanding and focusing.
Content
- Drama Triangle
- Self-awareness development – experiential exercises
- Therapeutic skills and interventions
- Techniques to explore client issues
- Create a safe space for counselling – setting clear boundaries
- Personal & professional conduct and creating a therapy contract
- How people gain support
- Holding emotional space
- Deepening congruence and becoming authentic in relationships
- Exploring challenging emotions
Assessment
- A minimum of 85% attendance on tuition days
- Completion of learning journals
- Completion of course assignments
- Demonstration of practical skills throughout
- Active participation in experiential aspects of the training
We create a supportive learning environment here at Heartwood and will guide learners through their studies.
Fees
Full course fees are £1095
There are two ways to secure your place on this course:
- Pay £1095 in full now
- Pay deposit of £395 followed by a monthly payment plan of £185* for 4 months. *(includes an administration fee of £40 for instalment payments).
Overseas students are required to pay in full.
What Students Say
“It was over too quickly, the tutor was wonderful and really supported me. I have met some wonderful people on this course who are also going onto the level 4 course with me, I can’t wait, I am hooked!”
Justine
Register your interest
To register your interest in this course without obligation, please click here
Enrol
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