FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING SKILLS
Next course April 2025 (one year course)
Are you…
- Looking for a challenge?
- Wanting to train as a professional counsellor?
- Wishing to improve your communication skills?
- Interested in counselling and furthering your knowledge and personal development?
- Wanting to return to study?
- Seeking a career change?
- Undertaking voluntary work & wanting to develop skills?
- Wanting to enhance career prospects through extra qualifications?
- Looking for something more out of life?
….then this course is for you – (if you’re open, robust & ready for ‘Real’)
Testimonials and ratings from course graduates:
…Unique environment, very well thought through, I enjoyed every single day -★★★★★…Its been a challenging but beautiful rollercoaster of emotions -★★★★★…The course has significantly increased my understanding of myself and others -★★★★★…Without doubt the best, most engaging, fascinating course I have ever been on – ★★★★★
With our next cohort starting in April 2025, running weekly on Monday evenings (term time only) and one Sunday a month (April 2025 – February 2026), we will challenge you and encourage you to explore your interpretation of your own self. This wonderfully intense course will invite you to delve into your understanding of therapy – and will help you to unpick your own views, patterns and processes. What is your biggest fear? What do you need most in life? From where have your values grown? Could they be changed? So much to learn……
The year is comprised of 156 contact (face to face) hours of interactive, theoretical and experiential learning. Students who successfully complete the year will be awarded a Certificate in Humanistic Counselling Skills. This course will enable students who successfully complete the year to gain access onto a professional diploma in counselling, and eventually qualify as a registered counsellor.
Foundation Certificate dates for April 2025 intake:
| Day | Timing | Date | Guided Learning Hours | |
| 1 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 13.4.25 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 2 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 14.4.25 | 3 Hours |
| 3 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 28.4.25 | 3 Hours |
| 4 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 4.5.24 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 5 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 12.5.25 | 3 Hours |
| 6 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 19.5.25 | 3 Hours |
| 7 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 26.5.25 | 3 Hours |
| 8 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 1.6.25 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 9 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 9.6.25 | 3 Hours |
| 10 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 16.6.25 | 3 Hours |
| 11 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 23.6.25 | 3 Hours |
| 12 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 30.6.25 | 3 Hours |
| 13 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 6.7.25 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 14 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 14.7.25 | 3 Hours |
| 15 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 21.7.25 | 3 Hours |
| 16 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 27.7.25 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 17 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 1.9.25 | 3 Hours |
| 18 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 8.9.25 | 3 Hours |
| 19 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 15.9.25 | 3 Hours |
| 20 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 22.9.25 | 3 Hours |
| 21 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 28.9.25 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 22 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 6.10.25 | 3 Hours |
| 23 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 13.10.25 | 3 Hours |
| 24 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 20.10.25 | 3 Hours |
| 25 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 27.10.25 | 3 Hours |
| 26 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 9.11.25 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 27 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 17.11.25 | 3 Hours |
| 28 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 24.11.25 | 3 Hours |
| 29 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 1.12.25 | 3 Hours |
| 30 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 7.12.25 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 31 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 15.12.25 | 3 Hours |
| 32 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 22.12.25 | 3 Hours |
| 33 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 4.1.26 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 34 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 12.1.26 | 3 Hours |
| 35 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 19.1.26 | 3 Hours |
| 36 | Monday | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | 26.1.26 | 3 Hours |
| 37 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6:00pm | 1.2.26 | 7 ½ Hours |
| 10 Sundays
27 Mondays |
75
81 Total 156 Hours |
The course will comprise a mixture of theory and experiential, skills-based learning. It will cover the basic principles of the Counselling Ethical Framework and an exploration of group dynamics. It will investigate the core tenets and the core conditions of therapy. Many of the more widely known modes of counselling – such as psycho-dynamic, humanistic and CBT – will be looked at, along with alternative forms of therapy, such as dream interpretation, drama, hypnotherapy and art. This will be done through a combination of:
- self-exploration within the group setting
- activities and exercises
- many hours of skills sessions, in which you will have the chance to practise being therapists, clients and observers within a safe, supervised environment.
Transference, attachment, unconscious bias, projection – we cover them all!
The Foundation Certificate in Counselling Skills training course will require a minimum of 80% attendance to be eligible to pass the year. This is because there is a commitment to the dynamics of the group, and essential teaching that can only be delivered experientially and with group discussion to embed learning. Students will be encouraged and supported to reflect upon their own process within the larger group tutorials and smaller ‘skills practice’ groups, in order to increase their understanding and awareness of self, other and the relational field. It is important to understand that this training requires self-reflection and the gentle challenging of perceptual views. Respect for difference and diversity is essential, as well as a commitment to developing the robustness required in the sincere attempt to encompass differing views and ways of life. Although our tutors are committed to supporting all students with their development, personal therapy is strongly encouraged as we move through the course, and students are expected to embark on personal therapy by the middle of the course.
We will introduce the theory behind key approaches & modalities of counselling and psychotherapy, whilst opening the space to student’s individual ideas and unique translations of the material. Our goal is to nurture each student to develop and share their unique, organic contribution to theory and practice. Our learning environment is a truly co-creative experience, and this is integral to our ethos.
The therapeutic profession is an ever evolving and exciting movement. Our vision for each student is to facilitate the development of a secure base from which to explore further counselling training and develop current vocational roles, and enhance self-awareness & relationships, particularly your relationship with yourself.
Bios:
Trish Jones, having been a City lawyer, requalified as a counsellor. She is now practising through a local agency and has built a successful private practice. She completed her Diploma in Counselling at The Albany Centre, having begun her counselling journey 12 years ago at a local college, after her decision to change career. She currently assists on the Diploma course at The Albany Centre from time to time, and has been a facilitator on some of The Albany Centre Diploma’s residential weekends.
Trish is a tutor (for adults) at Oaklands College; through this, she has run mindfulness courses for over 6 years, and is now running taster counselling courses there. She is the tutor with the most-award winning students (adults) and has been nominated for best tutor award. She is also trained to Level 3 Teaching Skills. She provides support to the College staff and students in the form of courses and facilitation.
For over 12 years, Trish has been part of the Mind in Mid Herts team (she ran the “Heads Together” London Marathon on Mind’s behalf in 2017!) and is now part of their training team. She has coaches, both face to face and online, in mental health. She trains mental health service-providers in suicide awareness and mental health awareness. Her Mind in Mid Herts work has given her the chance to work with people, both in group situations and on a one-to-one basis. Through her participation in the “Stepping Stones” project at a secure mental health unit (which she did for 9 years), she has had hands-on experience with patients there.
In addition to the training, Trish has run online mindfulness meditation sessions for key workers three times per week since March 2020, which are ongoing.
Trish’s approach to therapy is that the client is key. She feels that we, as human beings, all know deep down what we need – or what we don’t. Sometimes it just takes a particular someone to be there with you, to help you to uncover it. No right, no wrong, no judging – just learning. She loves the work and has had the joy of witnessing clients who have learnt to find their emotional or psychological wings. You are the author of your own life – and Trish is willing to work with you on it. She has an open mind and a kind curiosity, whether as therapist or tutor. As a wise person once said: “It’s all about the connection……….”.
Marlon Janaway is a counsellor and hypnotherapist. Trained as a counsellor in the pyschodynamic and humanistic schools of thought at the Manor House Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling and The Albany Centre, working in private practice and IAPT. He trained as a hypnotherapist in Transformational Regression Therapy at Cara, The Centre of Transformational Learning. He is a registered member of the BACP and GHSC. Marlon also works for Hertfordshire Mind Network, engaged in community outreach for complex mental health in the Watford and Three Rivers districts.
Marlon works for a local hospice bereavement service, co-facilitating bereavement groups, one to one bereavement counselling and in addition, volunteering on the inpatient unit offering psychological and emotional support to patients at the end of life, and their families.
Marlon’s approach is holistic, giving credence to the interrelated, multi-dimensional facets of human experience. Marlon’s experience as therapist and tutor has led him to adopt a position whereby, he refrains from prescribing, rather offering himself as a reflective other. He believes that within every individual, lies the answers to their own maladies. Yet, the paradox being, we are preadapted towards a need for another/others in order to discover our individual authenticity.
As a therapist and tutor, Marlon welcomes all ideas, thoughts and feelings for exploration. He believes that no one theory or way of working prevails over another. The emphasis lies upon what resonates with each respective student or client.
“To my mind, a good tutor or therapist doesn’t seek to instil their ideas into a student or client. I don’t believe there is anything I can tell you that you don’t already know. My hope is that I may remind you of important things you had long forgotten”.
Course Fees:
£3250.00
Fees can be paid in instalments by monthly standing order of £200.00 for 12 months with a non-refundable deposit of £850.00 to secure a place . Please note that joining the programme commits the individual for the year so the fees are due whether or not the individual decides to continue.
A 5% discount will be available for those wishing to pay the full year’s fees up front: £3087.50.
FAQs – Foundation Year:
- Can I study the course if I don’t have any formal qualifications?
Yes. No formal qualifications are needed just the ability to read and write fluent English.
- What is the next course that will make me a qualified counsellor?
On passing the Foundation Year, you will be eligible to apply to the 2 year Diploma in Counselling at The Albany Centre.
- Does completing this course guarantee me a place on the Diploma in Counselling?
No. You will need to pass the relevant assessment methods as set out. You will also need to attend 80% of the course to pass the year.
- Is the Diploma accredited with the BACP?
No.
Whilst the course is not BACP accredited, you will still be able to work as a therapist on graduation of the Diploma in Counselling, should you go on to undertake this.
- Are there any examinations?
No. Assessment is continuous in terms of skills & fitness to practice and there is a
formal piece of written work at the end of the year in addition to journals.
- Is there any additional work?
You will be asked to complete a 1000 word reflective journal after each Sunday session. You will also be asked to complete an extended piece of reflective writing, at the end of the year.
Not sure if you are ready for a one year course?
Why not try this Introductory course?
It’s 8 weeks long and only costs £50.00 and is the perfect introduction to counselling
If you would like to know more please click here to go to The Oakland’s College webpage about the course.