Certificate in Psychotherapy & Counselling Regent's University London

This course provides a basic training in psychotherapy and counselling theory and skills.

It combines academic, practical and experiential components within a supportive and challenging environment.

As well as exploring the main therapeutic theories, you will examine philosophical and spiritual perspectives and cross-cultural approaches.

You will learn about the practical and ethical issues of working with clients in a variety of situations.

Two training options are available:

• A one-year certificate course
• An intensive certificate course, ranging from five weeks to three months in length

Why should I choose this programme?

The course combines theoretical and experiential components, with skills practice sessions and self-development group work.

As well as providing a solid grounding for those wishing to apply for further professional training, it also offers those who already work in the helping professions the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills.

Key skills, aims and objectives

• Acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of psychotherapy and counselling theories, with a focus on existential, psychodynamic and humanistic/integrative perspectives. Cognitive/behavioural approaches are also considered
• Develop your competence in the use of essential communication and counselling skills
• Develop your aptitude for self-evaluation in the use of such skills
• Examine your beliefs, assumptions and prejudices in order to help others do the same
• Develop your capacity to reflect on your own interpersonal and emotional processes, patterns and experiences
• Think critically about psychotherapy and counselling theory and practice

Future opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you meet one of the main entry requirements for our MA/PGDiploma in Psychotherapy & Counselling. Direct progression, however, will depend on your academic background and professional/voluntary experience.

Please see the entry requirements for our MA/PGDiploma for further information.

---

Entry requirements

Previous counselling training or experience is not required, nor is a first degree or its equivalent. However, life experience, a mature attitude and a capacity for self-reflection are important and necessary qualities. Students with a varied background and experience are welcome. Admission to the programme is based partly on the supporting documents you send in with your application, and partly on an interview with the course leader. Interviews for the Foundation programme take place on a regular basis throughout the year, and are conducted in groups. There is no requirement for students to be in personal therapy during this course, but this will become necessary if further training is pursued. To find out more about and understand this programme, we recommend you attend an informal advisory meeting with members of our faculty.