You will be trained to use person-centred counselling skills and attitudes to form and maintain effective counselling relationships. The course develops the skills of reflection and reflexivity in relation to their counselling practice, together with the opportunity to analyse the social context of counselling practice including the family, difference and diversity, culture, politics, religion and language within contemporary society.The course is accredited by the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists [BACP] ethical framework for counselling practice, and supports students with how to use supervision effectively, to research effectively, and develop research knowledge and skills. You will discuss mental health issues in relation to counselling and examine the implications of working as a counsellor across a range of work settings.

The course is based on the person-centered philosophy and therapy of Carl Rogers. All course tutors are qualified and experienced person-centred counsellors. The skills and professional attitudes of counselling are developed through group work, seminars, creative workshops, tutored discussions and lectures.

The course is for those who can demonstrate an empathy and understanding of life experiences and knowledge of person-centred beliefs and attitudes and wish to become a person-centred counsellor.

To be eligible for this course, students will need to have completed, or be in the process of completing, a Level 2 Counselling skills course with a minimum of 60 hours counselling skills which must include observation of counselling practice. The Level 2 Counselling courses run at East Sussex College fulfil this criterion, as do other synchronously taught courses, but please enquire if you are unsure. (Synchronous teaching refers to courses taught in real-time either face to face or online).

As a qualified Counsellor, you can work in a wide range of services including abuse services, primary care counselling, services for young people, mental health services and careers services, as well as in private practice. Qualification enables you to work towards professional accreditation and pursue higher education in counselling related fields. Graduates may progress to the one year Top-up Degree at East Sussex College to gain a full BSc Honours Degree.In 2024 we were awarded an exceptional 94% National Student Survey (NSS) rating. Every university in the UK takes part in the NSS, as do many colleges. This survey gathers students’ opinions on the quality of their courses which helps to inform prospective students’ choices and provide data that supports universities and colleges to improve the student experience. East Sussex College University Courses is very proud of our extremely high score. The NSS is managed by the OfS on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies.