NCFE Counselling

Course Code: OCN101
Award Level 3, Similar to - NVQ Level 3, A-Level

This is the NCFE Level 3 Counselling course. This programme is designed for people who wish to develop and understanding of principles and practice of Counselling in relation to a range of counselling situations. No prior knowledge is required. The objectives of the course are to, describe the role of a counsellor and what counsellors do, List common types of counselling, Understand the skills and attributes required to conduct counselling, Practice and improve their listening skills, Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of negotiation, Describe the key aspects of successful mediation, Understand the role of counselling in crisis mediation, List sources of help and advice in a range of counselling situations, Identify a model approach for a range of counselling scenarios and client situations and to develop an understanding of the ethics and confidentiality required of counsellors. Higher Education credits are available upon completion of this course.

Course Content

The course is divided up as 16 units, as follows:

STAGE A

Unit 1: The Basics of Counselling

What is counselling
Who is a Counsellor
When is a Counsellor not ready to Council
Who needs counselling
Ten Steps to Counselling

Unit 2: Types of Counselling

When a Counsellor is needed
Types of counselling offered
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Divorce
Eating Disorders
PMS
Sexual health
Stress

Unit 3: New wave Counselling

On-line Counselling
Telephone Counselling
Telephone / Internet counselling
SMS text counselling
Video counselling
The Future

Unit 4: Traditional Counselling Styles

What are the different Types of Traditional Counselling
What Counselling
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family therapy
Group Therapy
Who goes to Counselling

Unit 5: Listening Skills

Listening
Stages of listening
Obstacles of Listening
Empathic Listening
Listeners in Control
Traps for Listeners

Unit 6: Negotiation

Negotiation
The Establishment Group
The Community group
Negotiation in General
The Joint Problem-Solving Approach
Definition of the Problem
Guidelines
Insist on Using Objective Criteria
Invent Options for Mutual Gain
Separate the People from the Problem
Suggestions
Breaking the Rules
Alternatives
Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement

Unit 7: Mediation

What is Mediation
When is Mediation called for
Responsibilities
Preliminaries
The Introductory Phase
Problem Definitions
Respect the Parties Ability to reach a settlement
Caucus Meetings
The Second session
Teamwork
The Agreement
Attributes of a Good Mediator

Unit 8: Crisis Mediation

Other Considerations
Power imbalance
The Power of skill and Knowledge
A Summary of Factors Influencing the Balance of Power
Analysis and Responses

STAGE B

Unit 9- 16 Practical Counselling for Common Situations

Ethics and confidentiality
Problem centred approaches to counselling:
Grief and Bereavement
Couples & Relationships
Stress Problems
Depression
Eating Disorders
Alcohol Problems
Children
Substance Abuse
Choosing a style and method to match a situation
Identifying client needs and expectations
Establishing a contract
Exit strategies
Ongoing counselling and support

Course Duration

Students may register at any time and have a full year to complete their studies.

Assessment

The course will take the form of a series of written assignments which are submitted and marked by your tutor. There is no external examination.

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual, assignments and study guide plus tutor support by mail or email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of registration.

Qualifications

A successfully completed course leads to a Level 3 award in Counselling from NCFE; a leading UK awarding body recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

You can read more about NCFE and our awarding bodies here: Awards