Advanced Certificate in Counselling
(Level 3 Equivalent)
Advanced Certificate in Counselling
(Level 3 Equivalent)
On the road to being a qualified counsellor
Build strong counselling skills and self-awareness
You will begin to understand what it truly means to sit alongside another person in a safe, boundaried and reflective way, while developing the knowledge and confidence needed to progress to further training.
This is an SEG Awards course, regulated by Ofqual, which means it meets nationally recognised standards for quality and rigour. It is also NCPS Quality Checked, giving you added reassurance that the course aligns with recognised professional standards within the counselling field.
Designed to help you build strong foundations in counselling skills, theory, self awareness and ethical practice, this course supports both your personal development and your emerging professional identity.
Who this course is for?
This course is suitable if you:
• Are considering training as a counsellor
• Want a recognised counselling qualification
• Are interested in personal development and self-reflection
• Are not yet ready for level 4 practitioner training
You do not need prior counselling qualifications. You do need curiosity, commitment and emotional readiness.
What you will learn
Awareness, self-development and core skills
Our Advanced Certificate in Counselling (Level 3 equivalent), is the perfect preparation for embarking on a counselling diploma. The course mixes introductions to different therapeutic models such as person centred therapy (PCT), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and gestalt, with the basics of counselling legislation including insurance, ethical codes and confidentiality.
Key to the course is self-reflection, a vital part of working therapeutically with clients and this will need to be shown in your written work.
There are a number of written pieces that help build up an evidence base of your understanding, including:
Essays about theory
Legislation
Creative pieces on your own personal life story
All of the sessions are designed with plenty of space for discussion and debate as well as an opportunity for you to try out skills with your peers.
Total qualification time 12 weeks
Guided learning hours - 72 hours
Students usually need around 3 to 4 hours per week outside of class - including reading, assignments, reflection and portfolio building.
The course is quality checked by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and has been created and shaped over the last 7 years.
Study Topics include:
Contracting
Person Centred Therapy Core Conditions
Working with silence
Therapeutic questions
Feedback
Ethics
Referrals and boundaries
Cultural elements in counselling
Record Keeping
Supervision
Socratic questions and CBT
Grief and Endings
Gestalt
Working with Objects
Reflective practice with journalling
PLUS skills practice and demonstrations
Outcome of the Course
On completion of this course, you will have:
A recognised Level 3 qualification in counselling skills
A deeper understanding of yourself, others and the foundations of therapeutic practice
Increased self-awareness
Enhanced communication skills and a realistic understanding of what practitioner training involves, so that if you progress to level 4, you do so with clarity and confidence.
Highly transferrable skills. Many students find that Level 3 strengthens their work in roles such as support work, education, pastoral care, healthcare, coaching, leadership and management, where reflective practice and skilled communication are essential.
This qualification does not enable you to practise as a counsellor. It is designed as a preparatory stage and provides a strong, structured bridge into Level 4 Diploma training, which is the qualification required to practise ethically and professionally as a counsellor.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE DATES & FEES
For every student enrolled, we promise to plant a tree.
Just £850 21st April 2026 - 14th July 2026 - Cohort currently being formed.
Closing date for April course applications: 10th April 2026
8th September 2026 - 1st December 2026 - Enquiries coming in
Closing date for September course applications: 20th August 2026
*£950 Early bird price up to 1st May for the September Course*
£1100 regular price
Tuesdays 9am-3pm
PAYMENT PLANS
Early Bird – £950
Option 1 – Payment in Full
One single payment of £950
Option 2 – Instalment Plan – £160 per month
Pay £150 deposit to secure your place followed by 5 monthly payments of £160
Total course fee of £950
Standard Fee – £1100
Option 1 – Payment in Full
One single payment of £1100
Option 2 – Instalment Plan – £190 per month
Pay £150 deposit to secure your place followed by 5 monthly payments of £190
Total course fee of £1100
We are a proud supporter of One Tree Planted; a non-profit organisation which is passionate about globale re-forestation. So, with us, your learning timeline begins with a lifeline to the entire planet.
What’s Included in the Course Fee
When you join the Advanced Certificate, the course fee includes everything you need to begin developing your counselling skills in a supportive and professionally guided environment.
Your training includes
Registration and certificate fee
Weekly in-person teaching sessions with experienced counselling tutors
A structured introduction to key counselling theories and approaches
Guidance on developing reflective practice and self-awareness
Structured counselling skills practice in pairs and small groups
Experiential learning and reflective group discussions
Teaching that integrates counselling theory with practical skills
Development of strong ethical awareness and professional standards
Preparation for real-world counselling training and future practice
Course handouts and learning materials
Assignment guidance and written tutor feedback
Ongoing tutor support throughout the course
A supportive small-group learning environment
Assessment and certification on successful completion
Preparation for progression to the Level 4 Diploma in Counselling
At the Training Centre
Free WiFi for students
Access to a library of counselling books and resources
Complimentary refreshments during training days
This course prepares you to begin working with clients and move towards professional counselling practice.
Contact Us
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