Explore Our courses

Counselling Theory Counselling

Counselling Theory

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?

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

  • 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.

Course content

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

Study Counselling Theory with us and benefit from:

  • Flexible learning
  • Support from a personal tutor by email, phone or Skype
  • Any time enrolment
  • Assignments with tutor feedback
  • Ongoing support from Student Support
  • Forums to discuss your course with other students

learn@nec

Choose when and where you access your course, using learn@nec our 24/7 learning platform.

This easy-to-use learning platform includes interactive checkpoints, quizzes and activities to help you evaluate your progress.

Our course tutors

You’ll have access to support from a personal tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience of supporting online learners.

Meet Tracey who is just one of our first-class counselling 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.”

What you need to know

Format

  • Online learning with support from a personal tutor

Entry requirements

  • 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

Hours

  • Complete at your own pace
  • Approx. 30 study hours, plus time for completing assignments

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

Resources

  • No additional set texts required

Requirements

  • Internet access
  • Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec

What's included?

Our course fees are open and honest to help you plan for any additional costs.

Your course fee includes:

  • Access to learn@nec
  • All the course materials you need to complete the course
  • Support from a personal tutor for up to 12 months from your date of enrolment
  • Assignment marking
  • NEC’s guide to study skills: How to Succeed as an Independent Learner
  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar guide
  • Time planner to help you plan your study timetable

Arrange a call back with a member of our Course Advice Team

Would you like to talk to our Course Advice Team about the best route for you? Visit our Contact Us page, fill in the form and a member of the team will get back to you!