Overview
Course summary
This course focuses on an understanding of counselling and developing practical skills. The importance of counselling for the wellbeing of individuals and society is being increasingly recognised. You will be introduced to the nature of counselling and learn and practice active listening skills such as reflecting, paraphrasing, summarising, and giving feedback.
The course is aimed at anyone who may be considering either a career in counselling, or wanting to develop valuable helping and listening skills, as well as anyone interested in developing self-awareness.
Course Leader
Sanjay Joban has had a long-standing interest in psychology, counselling and self-development. He is the Course Leader for the BSc Psychology and Counselling programme at the University of Westminster, where he has worked since 1992. He is also a Chartered Psychologist and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). In addition to his work at the University, Sanjay also has a private therapeutic practice. Sanjay's interest in self-development includes mindfulness which he practices in his personal life, his teaching, and in his therapeutic practice. See a post by Sanjay about the nature and value of counselling on the CHERISH website.
Tutor
Neelam Zahid is an Integrative Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She completed her MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Regents College, London and has worked as a therapist since 2003. Neelam is also the Deputy Course Leader for the Foundation year at the Minster Centre. She previously worked within higher education for over a decade and currently has her own private practice, also spending time delivering workshops and training for psychotherapists and trainees in this area. Neelam's areas of interest include intersectionality, difference and diversity.
Course structure
Through a series of talks and practical activities, the course will present an overview of the nature and usefulness of counselling and the key skills that underpin this activity. You will learn about:
- the nature of counselling
- practice of listening skills including: reflecting, paraphrasing, summarising, and giving feedback
- reflective practice activities such as self-awareness, the importance of boundaries, working with diversity and difference, and ethics
By the end of this course, you will have:
developed an overview of counselling and helping practiced a variety of listening skills engaged in reflective activities covering self-awareness, boundaries, working with people from diverse backgrounds, and ethics
Accreditation
As the Introduction to Counselling Skills course is run in conjunction with the Psychology Department here at the University of Westminster, we are pleased to confirm that the course has received approval by the British Psychological Society for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
When you study with us, you can be certain you'll receive high quality education and training.
Booking
What our students say
Helen Thorpe
Introduction to Counselling Skills (May-July 2021)
Sanjay, our tutor, was engaging, concise and had a brilliant presence about him. I felt listened to and supported. The course was more practical than I had expected and gave a real insight into the profession and what my job as a counsellor would look like, which was great as I am figuring out if counselling is the right career for me. It has definitely confirmed my wish to become a counsellor/therapist.
Many thanks again for such a fantastic course. You have inspired me to progress to the next steps in my counselling training.
Karolina Kosim
Introduction to Counselling Skills (May-July 2021)
There are not enough words to describe how useful, amazing and rewarding the entire experience of studying Introduction to Counselling was to me. The staff were always very supportive and created a homely atmosphere, welcoming students from all backgrounds. The course played a huge part in my learning and also taught useful skills for the future; I feel that it helped me grow as a person.
Francesca Gandino
Introduction to Counselling Skills (May-July 2021)
The chance to connect with like-minded people, under an insightful guide, was truly an enriching experience. Apart from the knowledge gained (the counselling skills and everything about the counselling practice), I really appreciated the opportunity to talk and share in an open and safe space. It also helped me become a better listener and empathise more, things I believe will help me offer better support to those who need it the most.
How we're delivering courses
This course is delivered in an online, virtual classroom, where you'll benefit from live, face-to-face engagement with experienced tutors.
Wherever you are in the world, you'll become part of the University of Westminster's global community. You can be assured of a warm welcome here, where your wellbeing, the quality of our teaching and your learning experience are our priorities.
Discover our virtual learning environment with a tour of Blackboard.
Take a look around our virtual classrooms.