This course is perfect if you have an interest in counselling and would like to explore it further. You will increase your understanding in counselling skills & counselling theory which will help you understand human interaction. You will have the opportunity to increase your personal effectiveness at home, work and life as a whole.

We are so excited to be able to offer you this online course taught by TEDx speaker Andrea Rippon, who is amongst the 100 most inspiring women in Norfolk. Andrea Rippon has over 20 years experience in her field. More about Andrea here.

"Smart, funny, direct, deft and caring: Andrea’s approach gets through to all ages and styles – from teenagers to academics; parents to management executives; and teachers to business owners. I just love her passion and enthusiasm for what she teaches. She always reminds me to let my talents shine. Her encouragement to put myself out there will stay with me always. Love her clarity and straightness. She explains things when I get stuck. I really appreciate her flexible approach to group requirements." review from Anon.

The Introduction to Counselling Skills course (25 hrs) teaches you how to be with someone in a way that meets the Six Necessary and Sufficient Conditions of Therapeutic Personality Change as introduced by Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century.

You will learn how to provide someone with an environment of genuine non-judgmental understanding, so that they can find their own solutions. To unconditionally accept someone in this way, you – as the listener – will first need to listen, understand and accept yourself. There is personal development involved throughout.

Carl Rogers’ Person Centred Approach is regarded as being one of the most influential in humanistic psychology. It is an approach that uses ‘relationship’ as the means to change, grow and develop.

The Person Centred Approach can be found in the support/voluntary sector, in mental health, caring, parenting and in education. It is also the primary approach recommended for those who have dementia. Past students have included teachers, social workers, wellbeing therapists, parents, health workers, HR, artists, musicians and those from the voluntary sector.

The course will include teaching and demonstration, group discussion, guided experiential listening exercises, learning from listening to and observing others, peer and tutor feedback and some time focussing on your Personal Development. You need to spend up to 2 hours a week in private study, which will include reflection, writing your learning journal and reading.

Progression: This 25 hour course is approved by The Norwich Centre* as a compulsory course for those wanting to apply for the Part time Certificate in Counselling Skills. After completing the Certificate, students can progress on to the Part Time Diploma in Counselling. *Social Distancing requirements mean that online courses from Andrea Rippon are, currently, approved by the Norwich Centre (a BACP approved organisation).

Course dates and timings (you must attend all sessions via Zoom) :

Wednesdays 09.45-13.00

January 20, 27

February 3, 10, 24

March 3, 10, 17