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Certificate in Counselling Skills 

This Certificate in Counselling Skills course provides valuable foundation training in counselling and listening skills. It is a highly experiential programme that enhances your communication skills, develops understanding of human growth and behaviour, and strengthens self-awareness.
2025/26 Fee: £1850 (Can be paid in instalments)
Training delivered in Stroud or Cheltenham
October Start  - Full year format
January Start  - Intensive format
Ideal for those in full-time or part-time employment.
Register Now

Contents

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Testimonials

“Partway through the course I had to dig deep into my reasons for joining to help me see the course through to the end, the support from GCS tutor and pastoral was just what I needed“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“Thanks for the support especially the ease of accessing a pastoral session.  And being accommodating with my change in financial circumstances, it was a huge help”

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“Sally was an incredible tutor. I enjoyed her teaching and appreciated her vast knowledge. I learned so much in this course and I’m extremely pleased with my decision to do it“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“I really have got more out of this course than I ever thought- skills for the whole of my life“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“I have enjoyed the year thoroughly and part of me wishes that maybe it could be a two year course, as for me, I could carry on a little longer to cement this last year. I would recommend the certificate course to someone else.“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“I wish the course was available to all adults, it sometimes feels like it is the course you should experience before being let out into the world. I would recommend this course to anyone who works with people, especially in education, health or social care. Big thanks to my tutor who it was a privilege to learn from.“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“The course has been so rich on many levels. The learning and role plays were a key combination to help with my understanding of the topics. I have loved this course, I’m sad that it’s coming to an end but excited to continue my training.“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“I think for a short intensive course it really delivered (ICCS)“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“I feel like I have started on the road to a significant change in my life. There are some areas of my personality I would like to explore more and I’m not sure I would have had the awareness to unlock these on my own.  Overall, I think that’s a valuable outcome to have from the course“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“It is fascinating how the course is structured from the beginning to the end, also how well theory and practise are combined. If this course is a taster for the diploma then I can rest assured that by the end of the training I would be a well-rounded counsellor. At the beginning of the ICCS I had been told to trust the process and I didn’t know how to, but now, being at the end of it, I realised what the tutor meant by that.“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“I was nervous starting a course like this as I have never done this before and now I feel sad it is ending. I have learned so much about myself, others and the role of the counsellor. This experience has been truly enriching. I found GCS to be a very supportive environment to learn, I hope to continue studying.“

Certificate Attendee

Testimonials

“The course actually exceeded my expectations and I gained a lot more from it than I initially thought I would. I found it had a good variety of theory and practical. The experiential group was a really insightful experience, and this really helped with my personal growth“

Certificate Attendee

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The Certificate in Counselling Skills provides a solid foundation and is a requirement (or other equivalent training completed) for progression on to the Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling training course.
To apply, complete the application form or direct any queries to [email protected]
Download our Hand Book
This is a highly experiential course delivered by qualified and experienced counsellors and group facilitators. The training places great emphasis on reflection, the giving and receiving of feedback, challenges and constructive dialogue.
 

This course is for you if…

  • You are interested in pursuing a professional counselling qualification.
  • You have a counselling function in your work, such as health services, teaching , social services, care managers, supervisors in a team leading role and those working / volunteering in charitable and 3rd sector organisations.
  • You are interested in personal development.
Want to see the many ways counselling skills can benefit you, even outside a counselling career? Read our blog on where counselling skills can take you.

How this course is delivered

Full Year Format (October – July) – Please see page 5 of handbook for more details.

  • Thirty 3.5 hour sessions delivered in two parts;  a weekly 1.5 hour seminar which focuses on skills and understanding and a 1.5 hour self awareness experiential group. 
  • Includes one compulsory Saturday workshop per term.
  • Breaks to coincide with Gloucestershire school holidays.

Intensive Format (January – July) 

  • 18 days between January and July, spread across three weekends (2 days each) and four long weekends (3 days each).
  • Each day combines seminars, self-awareness experiential groups and 2 days are dedicated to skills development. 

Course Overview

Given that a strong, trusting relationship is the foundation of all counselling (whichever theoretical approach is followed), this course is centred on how to create and use a relationship to best support another. This includes:
Counselling Theory
Gain a framework for practice, including basic developmental theory influenced by psychodynamic ideas.
Practical Techniques
Learn basic counselling techniques and the skills of active listening in order to facilitate the client’s own problem solving and development.
Self-Awareness Development
Cultivate empathy, self-awareness, and other qualities essential for growth as a listener and counsellor.

Entry Requirements 

There are no formal prior qualifications. However, many students find that completing the Introduction to Counselling and Listening Skills course prior to studying on the Certificate course provides them with an excellent understanding of the counselling process. We ensure that all potential students demonstrate self-awareness and are ready to emotionally engage in order to fully benefit from this training.

How to apply

Please complete the Application Form to apply for this course.

Fees

2025/2026 Course Fee: £1850. A non-refundable deposit of £250 secures your place. 
Please note that payments for the course can be paid in termly or monthly instalments. 
Reserve Your Place: Pay the deposit here.
For more information download our:

FAQs

Other courses you might be interested in…

Introduction to Counselling & Listening Skills

Introduction to Counselling & Listening Skills

Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling

Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling