Introduction to Counselling - Gateway Level 1 Award

Course code: AA1188J
This Level 1 qualification course provides a basic introduction to counselling, to prepare learners wishing to progress on to the Level 2 Counselling Skills course, or for learners simply wishing to gain a better understanding of counselling skills.

When & Where

Skills & Learning Adult Community Education

Weymouth Library

From 15 September 2026 to 15 December 2026

Tuesday 13:15-16:15

13 weeks

Weymouth

DT4 8NN

Fees

Full fee: £153

Concession fee: £0

Date

15 September 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

22 September 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

29 September 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

06 October 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

13 October 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

20 October 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

03 November 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

10 November 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

17 November 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

24 November 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

01 December 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

08 December 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

Date

15 December 2026

Time

13:15-16:15

What the course is about

You will develop a range of skills, personal qualities and attitudes, essential in the use of counselling skills. and gain a Level 1 Award Introducing Counselling Skills.

The course will cover: 

  • Know the issues for which people seek counselling and how it can help 
  • Establish boundaries for helping work 
  • Communicate empathic understanding 
  • Work within the limitations of the helping role 
  • Apply counselling skills when helping others 
  • Focus on the client’s agenda 
  • Understand the importance of self-awareness in helping work 
  • Use review and feedback to develop initial counselling skills

This course will improve your acquisition of skills for personal satisfaction, training, employment, or self- employment. 

A variety of learning activities will be used on this course, including tutor presentation and demonstration, practical application of skills, individual and group work, discussions, Q&A, internet research, individual research and project work. Where relevant, your learning will enable you to develop skills and knowledge required for work. 

Regular home study will be necessary to successfully complete this course. You will be supported to develop good study skills. 

Your tutor will also support you to improve your English and maths skills alongside your learning of your vocational subject. This will include assessing your current skills and planning learning activities related to your subject, designed to help you develop in these areas. As such, there will also be a focus on your personal development. Upon successful completion of this element, you will achieve an Entry Level 3 Personal and Social Development Award.

If you have declared at enrolment that you are unemployed, you can be invited to meet with our Progression Officer, or a Work Coach, to identify other learning and work placement opportunities that will support you to secure employment or improve your employment prospects.