Have you ever thought about training to be a counsellor?
Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives of other people? Do you want to help people achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves? If the answer to these questions is yes, you may already have considered a career in counselling.
Training to be a counsellor can be an emotionally demanding process and it requires commitment. But if you’re prepared to put in the effort, it can be immensely rewarding. And as a counsellor, you can help change lives.
At Mindspace, we deliver nationally accredited qualifications via the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). We’re also Hampshire’s largest independent training college. Our courses begin at introductory level and progress through to advanced level diplomas. Whilst many of our courses are taught face to face, some are taught online, and our tutors are both specialist and qualified. When they qualify, our counsellors either go into private practice or go on to work for agencies providing counselling services.
Finding it hard to decide whether counselling is right for you?
Our 10-week Level 2 Introduction to Counselling Skills is designed to help you decide if counselling is right for you. As well as developing your listening skills, you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to be in a helping role.
Embarking on your journey to become a qualified counsellor
If you’re already convinced that you want to train to be a counsellor, you can progress directly to our Level 2 CPCAB accredited Certificate in Counselling Skills. There are no minimum entry requirements for this part time course, and it will give you your first officially recognised qualification as a counsellor. Although you won’t be able to practice as a counsellor, both this course, and our part time Level 3 CPCAB accredited Certificate in Counselling Studies, will help you build on your experience and gain new skills. Plus your training could be useful in a job that involves helping people.
Do you want to practice as a counsellor in an agency setting?
If you want to practice as a counsellor in an agency setting, our two-year part time Level 4 Diploma in Counselling will give you the core competencies that you need for this type of role. You’ll gain your first experience of supporting clients as you undertake 100 hours of placement work as a counsellor within a local agency. In addition, throughout your placement you’ll be supported by a supervisor and the team of Mindspace tutors.
Amy, one of our students who recently completed the Level 4 Diploma said;
“I’ve been lucky to have offered counselling to people in and around Basingstoke whilst completing my training to become a fully qualified counsellor. My learning has been invaluable and I’m grateful to all the clients I’ve supported on their journey towards a more fulfilling life. Thank you to all of the Mindspace team – you’ve been fantastic! ” Amy
Developing your own private practice
Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of setting up your own private practice and managing your own client load. Once you’ve completed your Level 4 Diploma, our one-year, part Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling will give you the skills and knowledge to work independently as a self-employed counsellor.
Working with children
Working with children and young people is an area close to our hearts at Mindspace. Many of our referrals come from parents looking for support for children who are struggling at school or at home following a period of change in their lives. Our Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People will give you the specialist knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a counsellor with children and young people aged 11-18. Once you’ve qualified, you can go on to pursue a career working in a school, college or agency supporting children and young people. Or you might choose to work as self-employed counsellor.
What qualities do I need to become a counsellor?
As a counsellor, you’ll be warm and open, and you’ll have an ability to gain peoples’ trust and make them feel relaxed. It’s important that you have a non-judgemental attitude and that you’re able to work and communicate with people from all backgrounds. You must be discreet and trustworthy as well as resilient and self-aware. In addition, you’ll need an ability to reflect upon your own behaviours, thoughts and feelings, whilst also knowing your limitations.
If you think you have these qualities, and you’re committed to improving the health and wellbeing of other people, why not try one of our Level 2 courses?
