Counselling
Counselling is a profession that is particularly in demand, especially in recent years with the increased awareness surrounding mental health. If you are an empathetic person who would like to help others and support them to work through their problems, counselling could be the perfect career for you.
Our accredited counselling courses are the perfect step into your future career. Whether you’re looking for an introduction to counselling, your Level 3 CPCAB qualification, or you’re ready for your BACP membership, we have the course for you.
Trips and visits
As this is a part-time adult counselling course, trips and visits are generally not applicable. However, there may be opportunities to visit higher education institutions to gain an insight into where your studies could take you.
Industry links
The skills and knowledge acquired on this course are applicable to a wide range of career and educational opportunities. The course is 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 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 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.
Level 2 Certificate Counselling Skills
Part Time
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Level 3 Certificate in Applied Counselling Studies
Part Time
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Level 4 Diploma Therapeutic Counselling
Part Time
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Level 5 Diploma Children and Young People Counselling
Part Time
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Level 5 Diploma Trauma Informed Practice Counselling
Part Time
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Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision
Online Learning
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Meet our students
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."
Samantha began studying at the college on an Introduction to Counselling course and has since progressed through the levels, leading her to the level 4 course. During this time, Samantha has overcome a great deal in her personal life and praises the course as being a lifeline to her.
During her time as a student at the college, Samantha has felt incredibly supported by her tutor, who has always encouraged her and fellow classmates to try their best.
To any other adults considering returning to education but feeling unsure, Samantha says: “Don’t say you can’t, just go and do it. You will surprise yourselves!”
The counselling team of tutors are out of this world in terms of their teaching skills, support and their own experience that they bring to each lecture and class.”
Julie decided to study counselling after she was involved in a life-changing accident that made her re-think her career path. After finishing Level 3 Certificate Counselling Skills at Warrington & Vale Royal College, she continued onto level 4.
When Julie finishes her Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling course, she hopes to work in a practice and begin to put all the skills she has learnt into action. She also hopes to continue to see clients from her current placement, as it has become such a special place for her.
Meet our tutors
Gemma Bigwood
Gemma Bigwood, our Subject Lead for Counselling, joined us in 2023 with a wealth of counselling and teaching experience. With 17 years of experience in teaching and 5 years experience in counselling, she brings a fresh take on teaching this topic to the college.
Gemma emphasises the community and commitments of the college's tutors in ensuring students are well-prepared for their chosen careers. Her practical experience adds a valuable dimension to her teaching approach, aiming to equip students with the essential skills for success in the field of counselling.
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
19 December 2024
Charlotte's Counselling Journey: From Introduction to Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling
13 December 2024
Meet Elaine, Level 4 counselling student with a dream to become a children's counsellor
9 December 2024
Meet Sandi, a dedicated Level 4 Therapeutic counselling student
28 October 2024
Meet Elaine, aspiring children's counsellor pursuing her dream career at Warrington & Vale Royal College
29 April 2024
Meet Phil Snelson, a teacher seeking a career change on our Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling course
15 November 2023