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Adult and Community Learning

Introduction to Counselling and Active Listening: Tue 12 Jan-2 Mar, 7-9.15pm & Sat 6 Mar 10am- 2.15pm

Mode of study

Part Time

Start date

12/01/2027

Fee

£60.00

Entry requirements

Students need to be 19 years old and over to join. A large part of each session will involve experiential interacting (eg. In the listening skills'session), so it will be necessary for the students to be open to take on the role of either 'client', listener or observer at any session. (This will be carried out in a safe and secure way.)

Course Code

CLT257B1E

Duration

8-weeks

Location

St Albans Campus

Awarding body

Generic award - no awarding body

Assessment

Assessment will be through 'tutor assessment'of individuals 'by means of answering questions in group discussions, participation and completion of the exercises in class, and effective feedback of use of the techniques, between sessions, that they have learned in the class. There will also be a form of 'peer assessment''i.e. giving to, and receiving feedback from, their peers/fellow students when working together in small groups.

About the course

This Tailored Learning funded course offers an engaging introduction to the world of counselling and therapeutic practice. Whether you are considering a future career in counselling, looking to enhance your communication skills, or simply interested in understanding how therapy works, this course provides a valuable starting point. You will explore the main counselling approaches and modalities, gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of therapeutic practice, and develop key skills in active listening, empathy, and effective communication. The course will also introduce the wide range of progression routes and training pathways available for those interested in becoming a qualified therapist. As this course is funded through the Tailored Learning programme, learners are required to complete course paperwork to help reflect on and record their progress throughout the learning journey. Regular attendance is essential to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from the course, so please check that you can attend all sessions before enrolling. If you are in receipt of Universal Credit or your household income falls below the current eligibility threshold, you may qualify for free remission. For further information about eligibility, please contact ACL on 01727 737154 or email acl@oaklands.ac.uk.

Career options

During the course, further supportive resources such as books, articles, videos and websites will be discussed and highlighted, and there will be signposts to the various next possible steps within the wider area.

Course Content - What will I learn?

The two fold purpose of the course is: 1) to give the students an understanding of the therapy world and what is involved in being a counsellor, and 2) to teach the students how to be fully present when in an active listening mode.
Students need to attend regularly, each week, as this course builds upon the techniques taught. The skills will be developed on an incremental basis and students are invited to come with a willingness to raise their level of awareness of both themselves and others.

Please contact us to find out if you require any specific equipment for this particular course.

Assessment will be through 'tutor assessment'of individuals 'by means of answering questions in group discussions, participation and completion of the exercises in class, and effective feedback of use of the techniques, between sessions, that they have learned in the class. There will also be a form of 'peer assessment''i.e. giving to, and receiving feedback from, their peers/fellow students when working together in small groups.