Are you looking for somewhere to continue your counselling studies? At Counselling World our highly experienced, expert tutors have many years of teaching and counselling experience and work to the highest of standards.
‘The level 3 course was expertly run and the tutor was amazing! I have learnt so much and feel ready to move forward to the diploma’ (Darren)
At Counselling World we aim to create a learning environment which promotes connections between participants, meaning that this course provides an opportunity to get to know others at a deep level. Often students stay connected for years after courses have finished.
‘Be prepared for a journey full of excitement! there are plenty of ups and downs but you will have huge support throughout. It has been a truly amazing experience and immensely positive’ (Lisa).
Many consider that CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) is the gold standard as an awarding body for counselling qualifications up to and including diploma level. Unlike many other awarding bodies CPCAB is run by counsellors, for counsellors. It is the only Ofqual-approved awarding body to specialise in the field of counselling and supervision. The standard of these qualifications is rigorous and because of this, they are highly recognised in the professional counselling world. Studying qualifications with this awarding body will eventually allow you to have membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Student experience:
Course content:
We will study the 7 processes:
- Working ethically, safely, and professionally as a counsellor
- Working within a counselling relationship
- Working with client diversity in counselling work
- Working within a user-centred approach to counselling
- Working with self-awareness in the counselling process
- Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills
- Working self-reflectively as a counsellor
How you will be taught
At Counselling World we put you at the centre of the teaching experience. We believe that we learn best through experiencing things for yourselves. We work with the flipped classroom approach. We like you to come prepared with the knowledge for the session so that you can use the session to explore and try things out rather than it being about us imparting information.
Our sessions are clearly structured so that you know the aims and objectives and which criteria the lesson is based around. Revision is built into the sessions. This way you can keep track of your learning.
‘This course has helped me in all aspects of my life and the skills I have learned are more transferable than I could ever have imagined.’ (David)
A typical lesson will be likely to include whole class and small group discussion. When appropriate we will use videos and demonstrations. There will be opportunities for you to lead presentations which can cement your own knowledge and skills. Research shows that we learn best by teaching.
Skills work is central to most sessions. You will take part as a helper, a helpee and as observer as you have regular opportunities to put your learning into practice. At this level, you will also experience supervision sessions as you would as a qualified counsellor.
Research shows that we learn through experiencing. It is common for us to use creative resources to help you gain a deeper knowledge of the criteria. Sand trays, play dough, colouring pens, toys etc. are frequently used. We sometimes draw on dramatic exercises too. You will be encouraged to try exercises which could be used with your clients. We even use a therapy dog in some sessions, if agreed upon by the whole class!
Oscar the therapy dog…
Counselling World makes good use of its own Virtual Learning Environment. Here you will be able to access videos, exercises and articles in advance of each session. In this way, you can optimise your learning according to your own unique, learning style. After a session has taken place, the PowerPoints are available on Moodle for you to refer to when writing your learning review.
Keeping up-to-date with today’s world
At Counselling World we recognise that much counselling today takes place online. There are different skills involved in online working and we want to equip you for this. A proportion of the course is held online to give you experience of this way of working.
Social Media
You will be invited to join the Counselling World Facebook page, where students and counsellors share experiences and ideas.
Finally, and most importantly, we believe that our relationship with you is central to the learning process. We feel privileged as you share your story and your insights through tutorials, discussions and written work. Without that strong relationship in place, we believe that learning is unlikely to take place.
‘Level 3 Counselling Studies offers a fantastic opportunity to practise and apply counselling skills, as well as learn so much more about yourself. It will change your life! (Emma).
We work within our Christian ethos and we encourage trust and honesty within the group. We aim to create a trusting atmosphere where your deepest needs and emotions can be explored.
‘This course has completely changed my world. It’s helped me find and accept myself. It’s strengthened every bond in my life…It is truly inspirational!’ (Kay)
Assessment
This course involves ongoing assessment through regular learning reviews (750 words per week), an essay, a number of presentations, an analysis of a recorded session, and practical skills work. You will be given homework each week so that you come prepared for the next session, enabling you to explore the content rather than receive it for the first time.
There is also a timed unseen assessment.
‘Learning and doing skills practice does not have to be scary. cath and Hilary have such warm, welcoming personalities that they have the ability to ensure you are supported, connected and understood’. (Christine)
You can read more about the course on the CPCAB website.
Student’s social to celebrate successes:
Entry requirements
You will need to have passed CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (or equivalent) to be considered for this course. We also prefer you to have a GCSE or O’level pass in English or the equivalent. We will ask to see your certificates at the interview. You will be invited for an interview to see if this course is a good match for you. Please talk to us if you don’t have a pass in English and we will discuss with you possible alternatives.
Progression to Diploma Level is not automatic.
What you will need
- A computer or laptop
- Word or equivalent
- A phone capable of recording audio and video
- Internet access
- Access to the course books. We ask you to purchase a minimum of 3 course books
Additional time costs
- An estimated 1.5-2 hours each week for reading preparation
- Time to write a 750-word learning review every week
- Time to write peer or supervision feedback each week
- Time to complete an essay, evaluation of a recorded session and presentations
Progression
If you are successful at this level you can apply to study for the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
The application process
You will need to submit an application form to 4counsellingworld@gmail.com, giving a couple of referees. One of your referees will need to be your Level 2 counselling tutor. In addition, you will need to send us two examples of marked learning reviews from Level 2 and 2 tutor observations. Email us for an application form at 4counsellingworld@gmail.com.
If you get through the application stage, you will be invited for an online interview.
If you are offered a place, the place will only be secured once you pay the course deposit along with your CPCAB registration fee, which is non-returnable.
Please note that the application process for September 2025 is now closed.
When will the course take place?
The course will take place on a Friday morning between 9:30-12:30 following Kent term times and starting in September 2024.
Where the course will take place
We meet in Canterbury. The centre address is:
Thanington Resource Centre, Thanington Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3XE
The centre is a mile from the city centre, a short distance away from Canterbury East railway station and opposite the No1 bus stop. We work in well-equipped rooms with access to a large outdoor area. There is free parking at the venue. The venue is fully accessible with Wi-Fi.
Fees
The cost of the course for the academic year commencing 2025-26 is £1,750 (applies to 2025 only). Once you have started the course you are committing to pay for the whole academic year.
We like to be transparent! As with other course providers, these courses will only be able to go ahead if we get enough students to cover the running costs.
Counselling World 