Level 3 Theory & Skills
In Depth Counselling Skills & Theory
Level 3 Theory & Skills
Learn the skills of every practitioner
Delivery Format
In person
Duration
1 Year part time study
Entry Requirements
Level 2 Counselling or a Helping background
Our Level 3 Counselling Theory & Skills Course
The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Theory and Skills is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge acquired in Level 2 Introduction to Counselling.
This qualification supports learners in becoming reflective practitioners in counselling by examining key influential theories and models. Our Level 3 course equips you with the practical skills needed to work as a professional counsellor in an agency setting, thereby expanding your career opportunities and paving the way for you to undertake the Level 4 Counselling Diploma.
At Ridgeway College, we believe experiential learning is far more effective than traditional lectures; our courses focus on interactive exercises and discussions to facilitate skill development as you progress. Our experienced tutors are dedicated to guiding you throughout your learning journey, offering support at every turn.
We take pride in being an Organisational Member of the BACP and ISPC, promoting high ethics and standards in the field of counselling.
How long is the course?
The course is a 90-hour classroom-based course comprising 10 modules, with a written assignment at the end of each unit. In addition, the course incorporates practical work, group discussions and continual assessment by the course tutor.
Combining Level 2 and Level 3 together gives candidates 105-hours of classroom guided learning hours. Held weekly on an evening during term-time only 6 – 9 pm over 35 weeks. Further work is carried out at home with assignments, journal writing and activities such as self-testing. This brings the hours of study to approx 165 hours.
What is involved on the course?
This is a syllabus summary for a ten-module counselling course from Ridgeway College, outlining a curriculum that spans fundamental skills, core personal qualities, and a range of theoretical frameworks. The course covers topics from the foundations of crisis and ethical counselling to detailed application of psychodynamic, person-centred (Rogerian), and Transactional Analysis theories.
The initial modules focus on building the foundational skills necessary for a counsellor, including:
- Active listening
- Understanding counselling terminology
- Applying basic listening techniques.
Students will also learn to recognise both skilled and unskilled responses, understand the importance of core counsellor qualities, and engage in personal reflection to increase self-awareness.
Throughout this foundational phase, the course examines the purpose and potential pitfalls of counselling theory and differentiates between a theory and a model.
Freud
The later modules apply these skills within specific theoretical approaches. Module Four focuses on Freudian Psychodynamic Theory, covering the structure of the psyche, defence mechanisms, and psychological development, while also prompting reflection on the appropriateness of traditional Freudian techniques in modern counselling.
Jung and Rogers
The curriculum introduces Jungian concepts, including the recognition of archetypes and the importance of addressing spiritual aspects in counselling. Building on this, the course dedicates significant attention to Rogerian person-centred therapy, teaching students about concepts such as self-actualisation, conditions of worth, and unconditional positive regard, and emphasising the role of healthy relationships.
Transactional Analysis
Finally, the course provides a detailed exploration of Transactional Analysis, covering its origins, ego-states, life-scripts, and the significance of transactions and “strokes”.
In Addition to Theory
In addition to theory, practical application of these theories and interpersonal skills are initiated.
All modules cover essential personal qualities like empathy and non-judgmental acceptance, strategies for using opening statements and managing triads in practice sessions, and the flexibility of skills-based models. Students also learn about barriers to effective communication, the strategic use of silence and questions, and the importance of interpreting non-verbal communication.
Through this comprehensive curriculum, the program aims to develop both a theoretical understanding and the practical competence required for effective counselling practice.
What do I do after I complete the Level 3 Counselling Course?
Once you have completed all 10 Assignments and proven your abilities through each class, and completed the 50 minute practical assignment you will be awarded your Level 3 Counselling Theory and Skills certificate and be automatically accepted onto the Level 4 Counselling Diploma.
At this point you only have the Level 4 Counselling Diploma to complete. Once completed you can then apply to be a registered member of an Institutional Body like the ISPC or NCPS and open up your own practice.
“
The Level 3 course pushed me further than I expected—in a good way. It built solidly on Level 2, especially with skills like challenge, immediacy, and working with client readiness. I finally feel ready to apply for Level 4. The focus on self-awareness and supervision really stood out.
Rachel A
Student Counsellor
”
Join our Counselling Courses Today
If you would like to begin your counselling training and would like to know more, please get in touch and we will answer any questions you may have.
Level 4
Counselling Diploma
Level 5
Advanced Counselling
Diploma
Supervising Counsellors
Diploma
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Enrol at Ridgeway College...journey through complete counsellor training
please feel free to look through the site and fill in the application form.
PROGRESSION
If you wish to become a member of the ISPC, BACP or NCPS please take some time to look at their website for the recommended training route.
Step One:
Introduction to counselling course – Level 2
This is for the student to gain some valuable education about what is required of them to become a counsellor, and includes ethical and professional qualities, values and self-awareness. Our Level two course provides the student with 15 hours of classroom-based training over 5 evenings 6-9pm.
Step Two:
Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory – Level 3
This part time course is an ideal place to start studying the subject of counselling if you have not studied counselling previously. It is ideal for people who work in the caring professions, management, personnel managers, and staff. Anyone who encounters people in their working or personal life will benefit from learning these skills. A level 2 qualification is required to apply for our Level 3 course.
For people starting out as a counsellor the certificate stands alone or can be used as the foundation course as you work towards the Ridgeway Level 4 Diploma in Counselling.
As part of this course, you will undertake training and experience in active listening skills, defining and explaining counselling, the counsellor’s personal self-awareness, the exploration, understanding, and action skills required in a variety of theoretical approaches, demonstration of counselling skills via practical group work & issues of confidentiality, referral, and supervision.
Step Three:
Core Practitioner Training – Level 4 Counselling Diploma
Core Practitioner Training gives the students an in-depth, reflective, ethical and practical competence which includes the use of supervision, reflective practice, self-awareness, relationship building, both in the classroom environment and with clients, knowledge-based learning including psychological theories and their application to personal and professional practice, child development and ethical issues, and research findings.
Our Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory course offers a two-year part-time 360 hours of classroom- based study. In order to enrol onto our Level 4 Diploma course, the student is required to have completed a Level 2 Introduction to Counselling, and Level 3 Counselling Skills and Theory, and bear in mind the required classroom training hours that BACP recommend. The 100 hours of supervised placement working with clients is an integral part of this course.
You will be required to pay for your own supervision – a minimum of 1 and a half hours per calendar month or one hour of supervision per 8 hours of client work. Having your own insurance is an added consideration, as is purchasing a ICO Certificate for GDPR purposes when working with clients.
At any point in your counselling training, you are encouraged to seek out your own personal therapy, which helps you to identify your personal qualities, strengths and resilience required to work within the profession.
Step 2 through to Step 3 gains the student 465 classroom-based hours of training, including core competencies, which exceeds the minimum requirement of 450 classroom based guided learning hours, to work towards accreditation status, along with 450 client hours.