Introduction to Counselling - Gateway Level 1 Award

Course code: AA1190J
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

Online learning

From 30 September 2026 to 13 January 2027

Wednesday 17:30-20:30

13 weeks

Fees

Full fee: £153

Concession fee: £0

Date

30 September 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

07 October 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

14 October 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

21 October 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

04 November 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

11 November 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

18 November 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

25 November 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

02 December 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

09 December 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

16 December 2026

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

06 January 2027

Time

17:30-20:30

Date

13 January 2027

Time

17:30-20:30

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.