Introduction to Counselling at West Suffolk College

This ten-week course is term time only. Thursday, 6pm - 8.30pm

This course is ideal for anyone new to counselling or curious about the profession. Whether you're considering a future in the field, looking to enhance your communication skills, or simply interested in understanding yourself and others better, this course is a great place to start.

You will gain insight into key counselling concepts, develop active listening skills, and learn about the importance of empathy, boundaries, and self-awareness. Through discussions and practical activities, you’ll begin to explore what it means to support others in a meaningful and ethical way.

No prior experience is needed — just an open mind and a willingness to learn.

The course will give an introduction to the three main aspects of counselling training:

• Skills practice
• Theoretical understanding
• Personal development.

Group discussions and counselling practise will be interspersed with theoretical input by the tutor and reinforced by some modest homework assignments of reading and the keeping of a reflective journal. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experience in a collaborative and supportive environment and to consider their own motivations and interests in the area of counselling.

You can expect support, encouragement, challenge and exploration. As a result of the course, you should be able to identify and name the key approaches/theories behind counselling including the core conditions of person centred counselling. You will also be able to practise basic counselling and listening skills and relate these skills to your own personal and professional life.

This course is very interactive and experiential learning (using personal experience to learn from) is a large part of the sessions.

Students will be able to determine what further steps they may wish to take to gain further education and development including progression to the Integrative Counselling Access course.

Please note that this is a non‑qualification course; however, participants will receive a completion certificate at the end of the course.

"Please register your contact details, and we’ll be in touch with more information regaring the course.

We have a "Welcome Session" on 26th February2026 which you will be invited to. At the this event you will get chance to find out more about the course, chat with the tutor and complete the application form.

A book list will be given out on the first night. Please also bring a notebook and pen.

The course is fully funded (free) if you are:

• In Paid employment and earn less than £25750 (annual gross salary)
• In Paid employment and earn less than £30491 (annual gross salary and live in the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority area CPCA postcode)
• Not in paid employment

If you are in paid employment and earn more than the above the course will be co-funded and will cost £60.00

If you have any questions please contact us on E: [email protected]

Term Dates:

Autumn Term 25.09.25 - 04.12.25 (half term break 30.10.25)

Spring Term 26.02.26 - 21.05.26 (Easter break 02/04, 09/04)

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Host or Publisher Bury St Edmunds Learning Centre at WSC