Counselling Courses

Train to make a difference
Counselling Courses at Exeter College
Embark on an accredited and supportive pathway to becoming a qualified counselling practitioner.
Whether you’re looking to grow personally or begin a new career, our courses are designed to guide you every step of the way.
Start with Self-Awareness and Practical Skills
Our Introductory and Certificate Level counselling courses are designed to foster both personal growth and professional development. You’ll deepen your self-awareness, build essential skills in active listening, empathy, and interpersonal communication, and learn how to support others with care and confidence. These practical, transferable skills are valuable across counselling, mentoring, social care, and related fields. For many, this marks the first step toward a deeply meaningful career in the helping professions.
Advance to Professional Practice
For those aiming for full qualification, our Advanced Professional Diploma (Level 5) offers in-depth training in counselling theory and practice. In the second year, you’ll benefit from group supervision and in-house placement opportunities that support your practical development. Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by experienced tutors and a supportive peer group, helping you gain real-world experience and build a confident, professional identity. You’ll gain deeper insight into yourself, a vital foundation for supporting others with empathy and understanding.

Why Train with Exeter College?
- Nationally Accredited – All courses are quality-checked and accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
- Co-Taught Learning – Be guided by two experienced counsellors who bring diverse professional perspectives and personal insight into the classroom.
- Experiential & Reflective Approach – Counselling theory comes to life through practical exercises and structured self-reflection.
- Personal Exploration – Develop self-awareness as a foundation for authentic, empathetic practice in helping others.
- Supportive Environment – Learn within a collaborative, structured setting supported by qualified and skilled tutors and the wider college community.
- Placement Opportunities – Gain valuable real-world experience through in-house placement opportunities designed to enhance your training and confidence.
- Group Supervision – In your second year of training, you’ll receive in-house group supervision by qualified supervisors to support your development as a practitioner.

Find your path in the helping professions. Apply now or get in touch to learn more.
Courses Available
Introduction to Counselling – 3 Evening Sessions
Thinking about a career in counselling or simply want to improve your listening and communication skills? This unassessed, three-session evening course offers a supportive introduction to key counselling concepts. No prior experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to reflect. It’s a valuable stepping stone toward further training or a stand-alone opportunity to build greater self-awareness and interpersonal insight.


Certificate in Counselling Skills
This practical, thought-provoking course is ideal for anyone looking to develop core counselling skills, explore a new career path, or enhance their ability to support others. Whether you’re already in a helping role or simply curious about the field, this qualification offers an accessible and meaningful introduction to counselling theory and practice. This Level 3 course is a prerequisite for advancing to higher-level qualifications required to become a counsellor.
Advanced Diploma in Counselling
Designed for those ready to take the next step toward becoming a qualified counsellor, this accredited two-year diploma offers professional-level training, including in-house placement opportunities, group supervision, and training from experienced Counsellors. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and ethical practice, it prepares you to work confidently and safely in a range of counselling settings.


🎓 Post-Qualifying CPD Training
Enhance your professional practice with our specialist CPD courses for qualified counsellors. Whether you’re looking to set up your own private practice or develop skills for working with children and young people, our training offers practical tools, ethical guidance, and targeted knowledge to help you grow with confidence in your chosen area.
Frequently asked questions
For answers to some frequently answered questions please see below.
Do I need to complete a Level 3 qualification before enrolling in Level 5?
Yes. All applicants must complete a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills before progressing to any Level 4/5 programme, regardless of previous qualifications. This is a requirement set by all major professional bodies (NCPS/BACP). A Level 3 course completed with another training provider may be accepted, provided it includes a sufficient number of practical skills hours.
Is there funding available for the courses?
Our counselling courses are self-funded and not eligible for external funding. However, we offer flexible payment plans to help you spread the cost over time. A deposit is required at enrolment to secure your place, with the option to set up an instalment plan if needed. Please note that instalment options vary between our Level 3 and Level 5 courses—contact us for specific details.
Do I need to complete personal therapy?
Personal therapy is not required for Introduction and Level 3 courses. However, if you progress to the Level 5 Advanced Diploma, you will be required to complete a minimum of 25 hours of personal therapy by the end of the two-year taught programme. We encourage our counselling trainees at all levels to have and build a strong support network around them. Our courses place a strong emphasis on self-awareness and exploring who we are and how we relate to the world, which can sometimes bring up challenging emotions.
How much will it cost?
The most up-to-date course fees can be found on our course pages (see links above). In addition to tuition fees, you should also plan for some additional expenses, which will vary depending on your individual circumstances. These may include costs such as travel, accommodation (if required), and recommended reading materials.
What are the entry requirements for the courses?
Entry requirements vary depending on the course. You can find detailed information on the individual course pages. Additionally, all applicants undergo a suitability assessment during the application process to ensure the course is the right fit for you.
Do I need prior experience in counselling training?
No counselling experience is required for our Introduction and Level 3 courses. The course is suitable for beginners or those already in a helping role looking to develop counselling skills. Successful completion of Level 3 and references are required to progress onto our Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Counselling Skills.
How are the courses assessed?
Courses are internally assessed and externally verified. Assessment varies between the courses and includes observation of skills and group work, reflective journals, presentations, written assignments, and portfolio of work based on theory and skills practice. Trainees will need access to a computer to complete our Level 3 and 5 courses.
How large are the groups?
Group sizes range from 12 to 18 learners, creating a supportive and participative learning environment.
What if I miss a couple of sessions?
Regular attendance is essential. Both Level 3 and Level 5 courses have minimum attendance requirements, and missing sessions may impact your ability to complete the course or progress further. Awarding and professional bodies require a set number of learning hours and skills practice to qualify as a counsellor, and these must be met in full.
Meet the Team
Karen Jones (MNCS Accred)
- Click here to read Karen's bio
As a lecturer at Exeter College, I have taught both Level 3 and Level 5 Professional Diploma courses in Counselling. In addition to my teaching role, I serve as a Managerial Supervisor, supporting trainee Counsellors during their placements within the Exeter College counselling provision.Outside the educational setting, I run a private practice where I work with clients in person, online, and outdoors through Walk and Talk therapy. As a qualified Supervisor, I also support practising Counsellors in their professional development.
I am deeply passionate about my work and fully immersed in the Counselling profession. I approach teaching, supervision, and client work with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration—and I learn from my clients every day.
Petrina
- Click here to read Petrina's bio
I bring almost twenty years of experience as a counsellor working in private practice and, in the past ten, as a clinical supervisor to a range of other therapists. I have always felt privileged to do this work, sharing the journeys of my clients and supervises and learning from them along the way. I have always considered myself a ‘jack of all trades’, working with a wide range of client issues over the years. If I were pressed to name a specialism it would be in the area of relationship, working with couples as well as individuals.
My original training was in Gestalt therapy and Transactional Analysis, underpinned by Rogers’ Core Conditions. However, over time, my enthusiasm for the various tribes of Person-Centred Therapy has come to the fore alongside a passion for Attachment Theory.
I have been a tutor at Exeter College for nine years, developing and teaching our level 3 Certificate course and, most recently, co-teaching the level 5 Professional Diploma in in Counselling. As a tutor you will find me to be passionate about social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion as well as very down to earth.
Tracy Short (MBACP)
- Click here to read Tracy's bio
Hello, I have been an Associate Tutor here at Exeter College for five years, delivering the Introduction to Counselling, the two Level 3 courses and now the Level 4/5. In a former life I was an Art Teacher for fifteen years and many aspects of that have seeped into my current career.
I am an integrative counsellor in private practice, combining Person Centred, CBT, Gestalt and creative techniques. I am also a supervisor for students and established Counsellors and love the process of being alongside them, exploring interesting questions and celebrating great client relationships and growth.
I really enjoy teaching counselling, being part of a student’s learning and self-awareness as well as being witness to their ‘lightbulb moments’. Teaching is so often a two-way process and so I am continually learning as well – I believe in turn this also strengthens my own practice.
Emily Foster (MBACP)
- Click here to read Emily's bio
I’ve worked in adult education for many years and am currently a lecturer on our Level 2 and 3 counselling courses. I’m an integrative counsellor and run a private practice in the Exeter area. I believe in the power of creativity and connection to help people explore and understand themselves, and I often bring creative practices into my work.
I’m passionate about creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment where individuals feel safe to be curious about who they are and how they relate to the world. I strive to honour the autonomy of those I work with and support learners in developing their own authentic approach to working with others.
Outside of work, I love to run, read, and paint. I’m committed to ongoing personal and professional development, and I understand the importance of self-care and reflective practice in both personal and professional life.
Cathy Payne (NCPS accredited)
- Click here to read Cathy's bio
Hello, I teach the Level 3 Counselling Course, Bibliotherapy, & Setting Up a Private Practice – a guide for Counsellors and Therapists. You will find me a down-to-earth teacher who will bring lots of ‘real life’ examples from my work running a busy Counselling practice.
My background is in Massage and Bodywork, and so my approach is holistic, linking mind and body.
I understand how much Self Development forms a part of your learning, and I aim to support and inspire you during this process. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, music, and living life by the sea.
Zoe Gelis (MPsych, PGCE, Acc.Reg.NCPS)
- Click here to read Zoe's bio
In a rich and varied career, first as a secondary school teacher and then as a counsellor, I have always been interested in exploring ways to develop resilience and to find creative ways to live life better.
I felt very lucky in 2017 to be given the opportunity to combine two areas of interest to teach counselling at Exeter College. I have since enjoyed creating and developing curriculum, being part of a dynamic organisation and a strong departmental team, and co-teaching the Advanced Professional Diploma in Counselling (level 5).
Students and clients give me plenty to think about; I am often touched and inspired by the learning processes in teaching and in therapy, in helping others try to make sense of being in the world, and from being a mother.
Still have Questions?
Don’t worry, the Adult Advice Team are able to help! They are available all year round to support you to make the right choices.
Contact us on 01392 400170 or adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk