Course Overview
Are you a good listener? Do you have what it takes to support someone through difficult times? If you’re considering a career in counselling then studying our introductory level A Taste of Counselling course online is the perfect first step.
As a society, we’re experiencing a rapid and unprecedented rise in mental health problems, with a growing number of people feeling unable to cope with life’s challenges. This has created a shortage in trained counsellors, at a time when we need to offer support to those in need.
By studying our A Taste of Counselling course online, you can be part of the solution to this widespread issue. Through engaging online materials you’ll gain an introduction to key skills, as you explore how professional counsellors approach and resolve particular situations. You’ll also reflect on the personal qualities that counselling requires.
As a counsellor your primary role is to act as an unbiased, non-judgmental facilitator who enables others to explore their feelings in a constructive way. This course offers a series of case studies, through which you can explore and reflect on how you’d respond to different scenarios, in comparison to expert advice. It provides a great introduction to this fascinating area of work and a first step towards gaining a professional qualification.
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Distance learning that fits around you
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1:1 tutor support
Course at a glance
Online learning
No previous knowledge required
An ability to read and write in English
3 assignments (computer-marked)
No additional set texts required
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 15 study hours, plus assignment time
Online learning
No additional set texts required
3 assignments (computer-marked)
No previous knowledge required
An ability to read and write in English
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 15 study hours, plus assignment time
Online learning
No previous knowledge required
An ability to read and write in English
3 assignments (computer-marked)
No additional set texts required
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 15 study hours, plus assignment time
A Taste of Counselling taster
Ready to explore your passion for helping others?
Download a free sample of “A Taste of Counselling” and discover how our flexible courses can develop your listening and empathy skills into professional counselling expertise.
Contact us if you have any questions about the Taste of Counselling course.
Why study a taste of counselling?
If you enjoy helping others, are good at listening to and empathising with people – then our counselling courses offer a flexible way to develop your knowledge and skills in this field.
A Taste of Counselling will take you on a journey that highlights the important role of counselling in today’s society. You’ll begin by looking at why we need counselling and what objectives it aims to achieve. Then you’ll focus on the key role of feelings and how, as a counsellor, you’ll need to find different ways to relate and react to complex emotions. Finally, you’ll consider how counsellors facilitate change in order to help their clients to find a resolution.
This course is ideal if you:
- Are considering counselling as a career and want to know more about this area.
- Are keen to explore if you have the personal attributes needed to be a counsellor.
- Would like to study a practical course where you use case studies 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 Counselling Theory and Using Counselling Skills, or studying Psychology at GCSE or A level.
- Training to become a professional counsellor.
- Using your skills and understanding to support others in your professional or home life.
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
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.
All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
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 A Taste of Counselling 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.
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.