Course at a glance
Introduction
Relationship or couples counselling has gained much popularity over recent years, possibly due to the complexities and expectations of modern life. This course explores the basic phases or stages of relationship counselling, and examines separation, divorce, violent relationships and problems based on sexual difficulties.
In addition to the study of various counselling approaches, a range of working models and theories specific to this field will be explained as well as the concepts of meta-communication, genograms and reflective practice.
Specific attention will be given to psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred approaches, which will give students a fuller working knowledge and understanding of advanced counselling skills. In specialist counselling fields, these skills are necessary in order to be able to recognise and deal with the complex range of client needs, together with being able to understand the origins of these particular emotions and possible physiological factors.
This Level 3 Diploma course is designed to follow on from, and complement a basic counselling skills course. Reappraisal of basic counselling skills and core knowledge will be covered too.
Upon completion of each unit in the course the student will be provided with an assignment, based upon short questions and answers or essay questions, to test the understanding of the course presented. This will enable the tutor to offer guidance and feedback to show how well the student has understood the content of each unit. The assignments don’t count toward the final grade as the course will be assessed by online examination.
Level 3 Relationship and Couples Counselling Diploma Entry Requirements
All students must be 16 years of age and above to enrol onto our Level 3 Relationship and Couples Counselling Diploma course.
Level 3 Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.
Course Hours
Approximately 20 hours per unit.
Assessment
Optional coursework and final examination.
Enrolment
Please note that you can enrol on this course at anytime.
Course Length
1 Year.
Endorsed By
Students at the college have the option to choose the awarding body of their course.
This course has been endorsed by :
Accord : https://accord.ac/
This course awarding body are recognised for their high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit Accord website.
Course Content
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 1: Introduction to course topic and reappraisal of counselling skills
This unit introduces the concept of relationship counselling, and reflects on previous knowledge in counselling, looking in detail at five theories which have been adopted as approaches in modern counselling. In this unit the work of Freud, Rogers, Skinner, Ellis, Jung and Egan will be highlighted, and the corresponding counselling approaches examined.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 2: The psychodynamic approach
This unit examines the psychodynamic approach and its usefulness in relationship and couples counselling. This approach may have special significance in the context of various attachments and potential issues that may arise. The process of change and sexuality from Freud’s original theories to the more social and relationship based approaches of the psychodynamic therapies is identified and explained.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 3: The cognitive behavioural approach
In this unit, an understanding of the key concepts of the cognitive behavioural approach to counselling in the context of intimate relationships is studied. The conditioning and social cognitive theories are described through cognitive techniques and their applications and relevance to relationship and couples counselling. Confidence in the ability to integrate such components with other counselling approaches is practiced.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 4: The person-centred approach
In the study of this unit, key elements of the person-centred approach to counselling are learned. The hierarchy of needs developed by Maslow is explained in relation to counselling. Person-centred techniques and their relevance and application to relationship and couples counselling are explored in detail.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 5: Boundaries, ethics and defining the relationship
This unit focuses on key aims of counselling, and includes confidentiality and ethical conduct within the counselling role. Opportunity is provided for considering the integration of different counselling approaches suitable for client needs. Boundaries or limitations of counselling are identified and defined. It also looks at what types of consent and responsibilities the counsellor has to seek. In addition, some historical background of the development of counselling in this context is described, together with the emergence of the therapeutic concepts in use today.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 6: Exploring the problems
This unit examines the assessment of clients’ needs, and how to consider building a collaborative relationship within the therapeutic environment. During this phase of counselling, the exploration and understanding of problems begin and the future effort, planning, and facilitation necessary for successful resolution is established. As two people are involved, the complexities involved in ensuring everyone is heard are discussed.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 7: Working through the problems
Within this unit communication habits are discussed, together with references and examples of various working models such as attachment, triangular relationships, splitting and projection. The process is open and participative, so that there is clarity that a relationship may not recover, and if so the best and possible amicable way to separate is discussed.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 8: Facilitating change
This unit addresses acceptance and resolution of difficulties. This is the phase where change is facilitated via counselling strategies and techniques, together with the implementation of agreed programs for homework, communicative exercises and maintenance. There may be many emotional conflicts and feelings so how to sensitively tackle this is explored.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 9: Specific relationship problems. Part 1
Separation, divorce, and problems of a sexual nature are discussed in this unit. In addition, relevant counselling techniques, strategies and observations will be identified and described. There are many complexities, so various case studies are discussed to develop a process rather than finding solutions to every specific issue and conundrum.
Level 3 Relationship + Couples Counselling Diploma Unit 10: Specific relationship problems. Part 2
Career and workplace problems, bullying, violent relationships, and other related issues are discussed in this unit. In addition, relevant counselling techniques, strategies and observations will be identified and explained to address specific work-related problems.
Progression
This Level 3 Relationship and Couples Counselling Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
