Counselling Studies Certificate CPCAB NVQ Level 3

Counselling Studies Certificate CPCAB NVQ Level 3

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies CPCAB (CST-L3)

About the course:
This course is intended for Level 2 graduates (or equivalent), who want to take the next step in training to become a counsellor (having already acquired counselling skills) and learn more about counselling theories and practice. You will develop on your knowledge of Person Centred counselling in practice and will be introduced to key concepts of Psychodynamic counselling and the Cognitive Behavioural approach. Level 2 and 3 together form the foundation in counselling theory and skills required for progression onto the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

Entry requirements:
Candidates are required to have undertaken counselling skills training – e.g. CPCAB’s Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L 2) or equivalent.
For internal progressing applicants from our Level 2 course we require a tutor recommendation.
For new applicants to CPTA we require a reference from an employer, tutor, or from a professional person to comment on your suitability for this type of course.

Programme activities:

• Theory seminars, demonstration, discussion, small group work and presentations
• Personal development and experiential work
• Essay
• Case study based on six sessions of peer counselling work carried out in class
• Tutor and peer assessed skills practice
• Skills and case study sessions involve participation with some personal disclosure
• Training group supervision
• Weekly Learning Review
• Self review

Time on coursework:
Allow about 2 to 3 hours outside the course time to do reading and assignments related to the course

Recommended reading:

F B Dykes, De Winter, T Postings, A Crouch; Counselling Skills & Studies: Sage – see

Pete Sanders, Alan Frankland & Paul Wilkins Next Steps in Counselling: PCCS

Margaret Hough Counselling Skills and Theory: Hodder

Dave Mearns & Brian Thorne Person Centred Counselling in Action: Sage

Assessment:
Tutor assessment of candidate portfolio evidencing minimum assessment requirements.

External assessment:
Candidates complete an Assessment Paper within a one week designated time frame. This is sent to CPCAB for assessment. Note that candidates must pass both the External Assessment and the Internal Assessment to achieve the award.

Progression:
Successful candidates may progress onto CPCAB’s Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) provided that CPCAB’s Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2), or its RPL equivalent, is first acquired in addition to CST-L3. Progression is subject to tutor reference.