Skills Certificate
At Catalyst we provide an integrated programme of training, including our 'Introduction to Counselling Skills' course, which can lead on to the 'Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling Skills' course.
This course is a one year course running through the academic year with a start date in October. It is designed as a stand-alone course, but can also lead on to our 'Clinical Diploma' course.
What recent trainees have said about the course (2024/2025);
"well balanced methods of teaching and learning”
“tutors professional experiences and clinical work as really helpful in reinforcing theory into practice”
“academic papers and theory made very tangible so that we can apply directly to clinical practice”
“great combination of training and learning methods re. seminars/skills days/experiential group/personal therapy”
"course is really interesting and engaging”
“(tutors) very knowledgeable”
“everything is really useful”
“really thoughtful and helpful tutors”
“we are lucky to have such knowledgeable tutors with a wide range of experience”
“there is a good mix of group discussion/activities/practice/case work examples to support learning”
“different elements of the course combine very well to give a deep understanding of psychodynamic counselling”
“thought provoking, helpful and enriching day (practical skills day)”
“lots to reflect on (practical skills day)”
“(practical skills day) was really useful in allowing me to think about the dilemmas and challenges that may be presented and how to approach these”
“great quality of feedback and group supervision”
“group discussions are well facilitated”
“I feel like everything is useful”
“not death by powerpoint!”
“tutorial feedback was timely, perceptive and related very well to the module contents…”
“I find the combination of weekends, experiential group, reading and essays really helpful….. also knowing I can get in touch with the (tutor) about any queries”
“the sessions about the developmental theorists were fantastic….. it is an excellent course”
“within the clear structure and timings of the training sessions, there is always space to share our reflections on what we are learning and practicing”
“essays give us lots of scope to explore our ideas”
Course Aims:
- Students will have developed the basic skills and knowledge pertinent to counselling and psychodynamic counselling - see course content below.
- Students will be able to recognise patterns in behaviour within themselves and others.
- Students will have a working understanding of basic theory about human growth and development.
- Students will have developed a working knowledge and practice of counselling skills.
- Students will have an awareness of working and living in a multicultural society where differences are acknowledged and worked with sensitively.
Course Content:
- Active listening, paraphrasing, and reflecting back.
- Basic theory of empathy, genuineness, respect.
- The importance of boundaries and trust in the counselling relationship.
- Stages of human and psychosocial development.
- Basic Psychodynamic Counselling Theory.
- Linking developmental issues to counselling.
- Experiential group for self-development.
- Understanding the difference between counselling and helping.
- Understanding ethical issues and the BPC/BACP Ethical Frameworks.
