Train to Become a Counsellor Step by Step

South Devon

Welcome!

At Step by Step Training, right in the heart of Newton Abbot, South Devon, we provide professional counselling training designed for real people, real lives and real practice.

We offer a supportive and thorough route into counselling through our Advanced Certificate in Counselling (equivalent to Level 3) and a Diploma in Counselling (Level 4), grounded in ethical standards, skills practice and thoughtful teaching.

We invite you to wander round our website to find out more.

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Counselling Training Pathways

Whether you are new to counselling or ready to deepen your practice, our training pathways are designed to meet you where you are.

A wooden chair with a padded black seat positioned in front of a built-in cabinet and fireplace mantel. On the mantel, there are green plants and a black desk lamp turned on.

Our Approach

Our training is experiential, relational and grounded in ethical practice. You will be invited to think, feel, practise, and reflect, developing both your skills and your self-awareness in a way that mirrors real therapeutic work.

Teaching is supported by discussion, creative exploration, skills practice and guided reflection, so learning stays alive and relevant.

Whether you are exploring counselling for the first time or preparing to train as a professional counsellor, our pathways are designed to be supportive, challenging and deeply human.

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Our Courses

We offer a clear and supportive route into the profession. Whether you are exploring counselling for the first time or preparing to work with clients, our training is structured, experiential and grounded in ethical standards.

We do not believe in passive learning or endless slides. Learning here happens through discussion, skills practice, reflection and real human contact. Training is something you participate in, not something that happens to you.

Find Out Which Course is Right for You?
Foundation Certificate in Counselling (Level 2 Equivalent)
Advanced Certificate in Counselling (Level 3 Equivalent)
Level 4 Diploma in Counselling
Ecotherapy CPD Diploma

Why Step by Step Counselling Training?

We are an independent training provider offering a thoughtful, grounded approach to counselling education.

A cartton version of Simon Heath (the owner) with glasses and a beard gives a presentation to three students, pointing at a bar chart on a blackboard.

  • Small, supportive learning environments (maximum 13 in a group)

  • NCPS quality checked courses for peace of mind

  • Teaching that integrates theory with lived experience

  • Clear ethical boundaries and professional standards

  • Emphasis on skills practice and reflective learning

  • Tutors who teach from real practice, not just textbooks

Two women sitting in a living room, engaged in conversation. One woman has red hair, light skin, and is sitting on a beige and white striped armchair, wearing a beige hoodie and white Crocs. The other woman has dark hair, light skin, and is sitting on a greenish sofa, wearing a dark sweater and jeans. The room has a window showing a brick building outside, a radiator, and a small black heater between the women.

We are not a large institution. We are intentional, human and focused on quality.

Train with us
Colorful felt strips arranged vertically with words: Our Values, Human First, Experiential, Reflective, Passionate, Curious

Human First - People matter more than systems, so we prioritise relationships, wellbeing and genuine human connection.

Experiential - We believe counselling is learned through practice, reflection and lived experience, not just theory.

Reflective - We take time to think deeply about our work, our impact and the learning process.

Thoughtful - We approach decisions with care, integrity and consideration for the people involved.

Passionate - We care deeply about counselling, training and the development of thoughtful practitioners.

Curious - We encourage open enquiry, thoughtful questioning and a willingness to keep learning, both from students and ourselves.

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Meet the Team

Student Voices

Our courses are shaped in relationship. We regularly gather feedback during and after training so we can respond, adapt, and deliver learning that stays aligned with student experience and professional practice.

Here are just some of that feedback.

Four smiling students standing close together, with their arms around each other's shoulders, outdoors against a blue sky background.
Quote in a speech bubble: "Love that the rooms all have their own character."
Quote in a speech bubble says, 'Love the feedback, as it helps to know how I am doing and about things that I need to incorporate into future work.'
Speech bubble with a quote about learning and tutors, saying, "I don't know how to say what I want to say. The tutors are wonderful. I've learnt so much and can't imagine learning to be a counsellor with anyone else."
Speech bubble with the quote 'The theory and skills practice were balanced really well.'
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How Applying Works

Flowchart illustrating the process of research, collaboration, and learning, starting with a clipboard with a checklist, then communication between two people, followed by reading books and taking notes.
Learn more about our training
Ready to apply?

Not sure if counselling training is right for you?

Choosing to train as a counsellor is a significant decision. If you are unsure, contact us for a chat.

Contact us to talk it through