TRAINING COURSES
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TRAINING COURSES
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GCS (2)

Gloucestershire’s leading training provider in counselling

What we offer

Whether you’re at the start of your journey, exploring a career path in counselling or a qualified counsellor looking to improve your skill set, we have the courses for you. Spanning Gloucester, Stroud, and Cheltenham, with expert training and support.

Online information sessions

Our information sessions are an opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing training in counselling to hear about what we have to offer and ask any questions they might have.

Sessions run on the third Tuesday of every month from 18:30 to 19:30, starting in October 2025. After registration, you will be sent an online meeting link.

Book your spot

Content

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Training pathway

Becoming a counsellor isn’t just about learning skills—it’s a transformative journey. Our Certificate in Counselling Skills (Foundation Level) and Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling equip you with the expertise, insight, and confidence to make a real difference.

Watch this video to understand how you can become a trained counsellor.

Testimonials

“This is a great way to dip a toe in the world of counselling without making a long term commitment, and a generally positive and useful way to reflect on oneself and my relationships with others“

Introductory Course Attendee

Testimonials

“The pace of delivery was excellent. There was just the right balance of information and tasks to not feel rushed“

Introductory Course Attendee

Testimonials

“Trainees are lively and enthusiastic about their training and the quality of the trainers.“

BPC Accreditation Feedback

Testimonials

“I really appreciate the structure of the course. How it was paced and the sense of personal engagement. Special thank you to our course leader Joe. Excellent!”

Introductory Course Attendee

Testimonials

“The training staff are able to pay careful attention to the trainees’ needs“

BPC Accreditation Feedback

Testimonials

“The course exceeded my expectations and pushed me out of my comfort zone. This was only possible due to creating a safe, fun and stimulating environment so thank you.“

Introductory Course Attendee

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

“The team were impressed by the energy, investment and care we saw in the staff team“

BPC Accreditation Feedback

Testimonials

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

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

“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

Courses

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Introduction to Counselling Skills

An intensive 2 day course delivered by qualified counsellors through experiential learning. The course will allow you to develop your listening skills through interactive and engaging teaching methods.

2 day training course
In-person training at one of our venues
£265 per person
Learn more

Certificate in Counselling Skills

This course provides a valuable foundation training in counselling and listening skills. It is a highly experiential programme designed to enhance these skills, develop ways of understanding patterns of human growth and behaviour and strengthen your self-awareness. This course will equip trainees with the strong foundational skills needed to move into the Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling.

September Start
30 Week Course
2025/26 Fee: £1850
Ideal for those in full-time or part-time employment.
Training is delivered in Stroud and Cheltenham
Learn more
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Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling

The Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling is a highly-regarded, work-based clinical training which GCS has been delivering for over 25 years. The course leads to a professional qualification and provides the clinical and theoretical elements of the training to become a psychodynamic counsellor. On completion of this course, trainee’s will be qualified counsellors, able to register and work towards accredited membership of both the BACP and BPC. 

Accredited by BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council).
Three year training programme
£3550 per year
Learn more

Upcoming CPD Workshops

Our highly regarded Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme is delivered by leading trainers and clinicians across a range of therapeutic specialisms. Our courses offer rich and varied opportunities to deepen your expertise and maintain your CPD requirement. Expect an interactive and stimulating learning experience that will give you a great opportunity to meet fellow practitioners and to explore new and challenging ideas to support your practice.

Training Payments

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Training Payments

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