At Spurgeon’s College we offer three part–time professional Counselling courses. The courses are validated by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) and follow a syllabus which enables students to develop counselling skills together with high levels of self-awareness, an integrative relational approach to counselling, and professional competence. Students are exposed to the main counselling theories and at Level 4 are encouraged to form their own integrative model of counselling which integrates these within the overarching CPCAB model of practitioner development and proficiency. Students who successfully complete each course receive a certificated qualification which is widely accepted in both faith-based and secular settings.
Our courses are not exclusively faith-based and we do not teach ‘Christian Counselling’, however, our courses are delivered at Spurgeon’s College by Christians or those sympathetic to a Christian worldview. Students are encouraged to reflect on how their personal worldviews around spirituality and faith (Christian or otherwise) connect with the practice of counselling. This provides a unique opportunity to study professionally recognised secular courses in an environment which recognises the value of faith and spirituality. Students often find this a stimulating and rewarding experience.
The courses are regarded as more than meeting the training component for accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Who are the courses for?
The courses are suitable for:
- Level 2 – Individuals aged 18yrs and over
- Levels 3 & 4 – Individuals aged 19yrs and over
We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including faith and non-faith backgrounds.
Some applicants are anxious about returning to study after a prolonged gap, but we offer a high level of tutorial support and encouragement and our students have experienced a great deal of success. The Learning Enhancement Department in the College is also able to support students with their learning needs.
What qualifications are available?
There are three levels of validated training:
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2)
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Each course focuses on counselling skills training, theory and raising self-awareness. The courses are practical and experiential as well as theoretical and students need to be willing to share personal material.
The CPCAB model
This consists of three parts which together set out what a trainee needs to learn to work as an effective helper or counsellor.
- The seven processes that contribute to therapeutic change
- Three ways of understanding and working with therapeutic change
- Three levels of therapeutic change
These elements of the CPCAB model are foundational to the courses and are developed as students follow the progression route.
1. The seven processes that contribute to therapeutic change
- Working safely
- Working through the relationship
- Working with difference and diversity
- Focusing the work on the person being helped
- Working with self-awareness
- Working with theory, skills and techniques
- Working reflectively
2. Three ways of understanding and working with therapeutic change
- Working with the self in relationship with others
- Working with the history of the self
- Working with the structure of the self
3. Three levels of therapeutic change
- Working with a counsellor on common life problems
- Working with a counsellor to enable change and growth within the person
- Working with a counsellor on severe and complex mental health problems to enable change within the foundation of the person
Why study counselling at Spurgeon’s College?
- Experienced and committed tutors
- High challenge but with high support
- Well-stocked physical library and access to electronic library resources
- Well-equipped classrooms
- Enhancing environment
- Opportunity to be part of a wider learning community
- Transformative learning experience
