Introduction to the programme

The programme has been designed for :

• participants who have no experience in counselling but are willing to gain a basic entry qualification to professional counselling
  
• professionals who wish to develop counselling skills and knowledge for application in their work areas such as in health, social services, education, customer service, human resource and supervisory work settings
  
• professionals in the industrial field who wish to counsel people in need in the corporate setting

The programme provides participants with :

• a professional basic entry qualification to counselling
  
• opportunities for personal growth
  
• acquisition of crucial interpersonal skills and related knowledge
  

The programme aims to :

• provide a basic level of knowledge about major approaches to counselling and psychotherapy
  
• provide training in basic counselling skills and practice
  
• introduce the ethical and professional issues faced by counsellors in human service industries
  
• introduce a basic level of knowledge and skills in working with different client groups and specific client issues
  
• prepare participants to face issues and employ methods specifically for the work place setting.

Programme Features

• Integrate the 3 areas salient to counsellor training programmes: - personal growth
  - theoretical and research-based knowledge in counselling psychology
  - skills in counselling
  
• Students are taught a range of counselling skills that can be applied across work settings and client groups.
• Focus on developing counsellor awareness including: - how the student's interpersonal style affects the counselling process
  - students will be taught to reflect and learn from their training experiences.
  

Teaching Methods and Assessment

The programme will be delivered through lectures, group discussions, practical demonstrations, video presentations, practical and experiential exercises, case studies, and role-plays. Students will be assessed through written assignments, projects, oral presentations, and videotaped counselling project/examination.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the course, applicants must fulfil the following conditions:

• diploma holders in any field
• be at least 18 years of age
• mature-aged applicants not meeting the admission requirements are invited to apply as the program recognises relevant life experiences that students bring with them
• application will be considered on a case-by-case basis; in some circumstances, interview might be needed