Counselling
Counselling is a rewarding profession that is in growing demand, particularly as awareness of mental health continues to increase. If you are empathetic, a good listener, and motivated to help others work through challenges, a career in counselling could be for you.
Our accredited counselling courses are an ideal starting point for your future career. Whether you’re looking for an introduction to counselling with our Level 2 Certificate, working towards your Level 3 CPCAB qualification, or preparing for BACP membership with a Level 4 Therapeutic Diploma, we offer clear progression routes to support you at every stage of your journey. It all starts with a counselling qualification!
Trips and visits
Trips and visits are not generally applicable to our adult courses. However, there may be opportunities to visit higher education institutions, giving you valuable insight into progression routes and where your studies could lead next. Your studies will be enriched with guests speakers who visit the college regularly throughout the year.
Industry links
The skills and knowledge acquired on our counselling courses are applicable to a wide range of career and educational opportunities. Our counselling qualifications are designed to ensure you are ready to work in the counselling profession and are equipped with all of the latest sector knowledge, ready to take your next step.
The college has close links with a wide range of highly-respected universities and employers, and you may have the opportunity to meet guest speakers from these institutions.
I am an
Adult Learner
Our counselling courses are suitable for complete beginners who are looking to take their first steps towards a rewarding career in counselling, or those who already have some knowledge of this sector and are looking to expand their skills further. If you’re looking to start your professional career, our Level 2 Certificate Counselling Skills course is a great place to start, or if you’re ready to gain your BACP professional membership, take a look at our Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling course. If you're already a qualified counsellor, take a look at our level 5 specialisms.
Our experienced tutors train students to the highest possible standard and prepare them for higher education or employment within this challenging yet rewarding field.
Meet our students
Maria graduated from our Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling course this year and has since gone on to open her own successful private practice in Northwich, alongside securing employment as a therapist at The Autism Wellbeing Project.
She says: "Completing this course was the best decision I have made for my career and personal development. I'm really grateful to everyone involved in getting me to where I am!"
Amanda Fryer recently completed our Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling course and is now running her own successful private practice.
Amanda travelled all the way from Blackpool to study at our college, after completing her level 2 and 3 qualification closer to home. She says: "My journey was spectacular and the tutors were so supportive." When asked to describe her experience in one word, she simply said 'life-changing'.
Phil began his studies on a level 2 course, before progressing on to level 3 and now level 4. Upon deciding to change career, Phil explored various options but our college stood out due to the flexibility and accommodating schedule offered.
He says: "The tutors have all been brilliant. They want to help people and they're so supportive. I could write a thousand bullet points on what I've learnt but I've learnt exactly what I wanted to. I've reached the point where I am nearly ready to start a professional career in the discipline that I've chosen."
Meet our tutors
Melissa Callaghan
Having previously been a counselling student here herself, Melissa is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences of the subject to others who are eager to learn. She describes this experience as life changing, praising the support and guidance received from her own tutor when a student, which encouraged her to branch out into teaching.
Melissa now works in private practice and is thoroughly enjoying bringing her new knowledge and skills into the classroom.
Joanne Pitt
Joanne Pitt, our counselling Subject Leader for Level 4 and 5, joined us in 2023 with extensive experience in counselling, supervision and lecturing. With 15 years experience in counselling, supervision and teaching Joanne brings experience of private practice, counselling and supervision with Cheshire police, NHS staff and the private sector.
With over 10,000 counselling hours Joanne equip’s learners to high standard professionally and personally through development of self-awareness. Joanne currently manages a successful private practice seeing adults, children and young people and couples alongside her role at college.
Explore our facilities
Learning Resource Centre
HE Learning Centre
The Craig Atherton Higher Education Learning Centre is a dedicated area for students on higher education programmes. Located upstairs in the college’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC), it offers a quiet study area and bookable pods for group work.
The LRC itself provides a range of resources, including PCs and loanable laptops, as well as study spaces for students using their own digital devices. It also hosts pop-up support workshops run by the college’s welfare and learning support teams, covering topics such as study skills.
Choosing a career based on Counselling Back to top
3 December 2025
Kath’s story: returning to learning at 50
19 December 2024
Charlotte's Counselling Journey: From Introduction to Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling
9 December 2024
Meet Sandi, a dedicated Level 4 Therapeutic counselling student
29 April 2024
Meet Phil Snelson, a teacher seeking a career change on our Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling course
15 November 2023