Course Overview
Are you carving out a career in the world of counselling or already a practitioner? Counselling theories are the building blocks of any successful counselling career – enrol on Counselling Theory today to take your’s to the next level.
Counselling and psychotherapy are playing an increasingly crucial role in improving mental health. Helping others to explore their feelings has a far-reaching positive impact on society and this Counselling Theory course will help you advance your career in this vital sector.
Our Counselling Theory online course not only offers the flexibility you need to fit study alongside existing commitments, its broad, far-reaching content will test existing skills and develop your understanding of counselling theory – invaluable to any practitioner.
From Freud and the psychodynamic approach, to behavioural and humanistic theory, cognitive theory and behavioural theory; you’ll cover core theories to enhance your knowledge, improving your practice and employability as you progress. Why not enrol on this course today and take your counselling career to the next level?
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Distance learning that fits around you
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1:1 tutor support
Counselling Theory
Online learning
Support from a personal tutor for up to 12 months from your date of enrolment
- Complete at your own pace
- Approx. 30 study hours, plus time for completing assignments
- 10 assignments
- You will also be required to complete a reflective learning journal, which you need to keep as the course progresses; and a case study
No additional set texts required. All the course materials you need to complete the course will be provided.
learn@nec is our virtual learning environment, the gateway to your course and the NEC community. All the resources you need to study are here and you have the flexibility to access them wherever you want, whenever you want.
- You should be a practising or trainee counsellor, or have a good understanding of counselling practice, to fully benefit from this course
- An ability to read and write in English
NEC’s guide to study skills: How to Succeed as an Independent Learner
Online learning
- You should be a practising or trainee counsellor, or have a good understanding of counselling practice, to fully benefit from this course
- An ability to read and write in English
No additional set texts required. All the course materials you need to complete the course will be provided.
- Complete at your own pace
- Approx. 30 study hours, plus time for completing assignments
NEC’s guide to study skills: How to Succeed as an Independent Learner
- 10 assignments
- You will also be required to complete a reflective learning journal, which you need to keep as the course progresses; and a case study
Support from a personal tutor for up to 12 months from your date of enrolment
learn@nec is our virtual learning environment, the gateway to your course and the NEC community. All the resources you need to study are here and you have the flexibility to access them wherever you want, whenever you want.
Online learning
Support from a personal tutor for up to 12 months from your date of enrolment
- Complete at your own pace
- Approx. 30 study hours, plus time for completing assignments
- 10 assignments
- You will also be required to complete a reflective learning journal, which you need to keep as the course progresses; and a case study
No additional set texts required. All the course materials you need to complete the course will be provided.
learn@nec is our virtual learning environment, the gateway to your course and the NEC community. All the resources you need to study are here and you have the flexibility to access them wherever you want, whenever you want.
- You should be a practising or trainee counsellor, or have a good understanding of counselling practice, to fully benefit from this course
- An ability to read and write in English
NEC’s guide to study skills: How to Succeed as an Independent Learner
What you’ll learn …
Unit 1:
An introduction to your course
Unit 2:
Freud and the psychodynamic approach
Unit 3:
Development in psychodynamic theory
Unit 4:
Behavioural theory
Unit 5:
Humanistic theory
Unit 6:
Cognitive theory and cognitive behavioural theory
Unit 7:
An introduction to transactional analysis
Unit 8:
Early years
Unit 9:
Some theories of loss and grief
Unit 10:
Gestalt theory and therapy
Unit 11:
Roberto Assagioli and the transpersonal approach
Why study Counselling Theory?
A working knowledge of person-centred Counselling Theory sits at the heart of all counselling, regardless of which field you may specialise in. This course will develop your theoretical knowledge and evaluate your progress through ten marked assignments, a reflective learning journal and a case study exercise.
With 24/7 access to engaging online resources, written by experts, you’ll also benefit from feedback from a personal tutor as you progress through each topic. By studying Counselling Theory online you can gain the knowledge and skills you need, in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Our Counselling Theory online course is ideal if you:
- Are already a trainee counsellor.
- Already work as a counsellor, but want to develop your knowledge.
- Are keen to explore key theories that form the bedrock of counselling.
- Would like to study a fascinating course where you use course materials and a case study to test your existing knowledge and gauge your suitability to the role.
- Enjoy problem solving and are keen to help others.
Future opportunities
Your next steps
- Studying NEC courses A Taste of Counselling and Using Counselling Skills, or studying Psychology at GCSE or A level.
- Already training to become, or working as, a professional counsellor.
- Using your skills and understanding to support others in your professional or home life.
Counselling Theory taster
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the Counselling Theory course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £419 |
| Deposit | £41.90 |
| Amount of credit | £377.10 |
| Monthly payment | £31.43 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £419 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I love what I teach and hope my students do too. Qualifications include MSocSc and Diploma in Social Science and Social Work, Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Disability Studies, Post-Graduate Certificate in Education, B.Sc. (Hons) in Psychology. A former examiner for AQA and International Baccalaureate. I also write academic textbooks and courses.”
Talk to one of our course advisors
Unsure whether online self-study is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you.
If you’re planning to apply to university, and doing this course as part of your preparation, please be aware of application deadlines.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
People who study Counselling Theory also take…
If you are thinking of a career as a counsellor, or if you are in a role where you support others, have you considered these other courses.
A Taste of Counselling
If you’re considering a career in counselling then studying our introductory level A Taste of Counselling course online is the perfect first step.
Psychology GCSE
Are you interested in finding out about how, and why, we behave as we do? This is your opportunity to unlock the secrets of the human mind.
A level Psychology
Explore the science behind thoughts, feelings, and behaviour with our flexible online A level Psychology course.
