A part-time programme (delivered over 4-6 months) – usually two annual intakes in October and February

Course Information SheetCFAC Application Form
Timetable: group b (March 2024)CFAC Reference form

Next Intake March 2024

This popular 12 day course, delivered over four to six months, is designed to give you the opportunity to: 

  • experience training at SPTI before deciding on a career in counselling or psychotherapy
  • develop counselling skills and personal growth, in a relational and experience-based learning environment (for people from other professions and other psychological disciplines)
  • find out about the counselling and psychotherapy process and the role of the therapist within this
  • learn about and test out study skills designed to facilitate independent and co-operative learning as appropriate to continuing to a higher-level course
  • encourage exploration of self-awareness for your own personal growth
  • identify and practice communication skills and techniques
  • develop awareness of personal values, ethics, culture, and diversity and how these are relevant to counselling and psychotherapy

There is an emphasis on personal development with frequent opportunities to work in small and large group settings. The course provides a general introduction to personal growth, the field of counselling and psychotherapy, as well as the chance to be guided and supported while developing academic skills. As well as being informed by the above, it will also be uniquely shaped by the particular needs of the group members. Assessment is through self, peer, and tutor evaluation. There is an academic writing component in the form of two essay questions (supported by additional workshop time) which are marked and are an excellent opportunity to gain or refresh your experience of academic essay writing.

Information Evenings

Our free information evenings are a key component of our enquiry and application process which our prospective applicants find helpful and informative. We actively encourage attendance at one of these sessions to support decision making. These evenings offer the opportunity to meet with key staff including Programme Leaders to find out more about our training programmes, our ethos along with our approach to training. Please note that due to demand for places on our information evenings, a deposit is required to secure your place, and this is refunded when you attend.

The date of the next Information Evening is to be confirmed

Training Times 9.30am – 3pm

with two academic component workshops held from 3.15pm – 4.15pm in weeks 3 and 8.

Each day includes a discussion/personal development group, theory input and skills practice. These will all be based around a particular theme making them self-contained.

Workshop Topics are as follows:

  • Introduction
  • Personal Values and Ethics
  • Culture/Diversity
  • Humanistic/Person Centred Approach
  • Transactional Analysis Theory
  • Gestalt Theory
  • Psychodynamic Theory
  • CBT Theory
  • Spirituality in Counselling
  • Loss and Experiences of Grief
  • Integration of Approaches
  • Self-Care and Endings

 2023-24 Fee: £799

Applications are invited from those wishing to undertake a more in-depth introduction to counselling programme. The Foundation Access Course offers a natural progression from the Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts for individuals who have yet to achieve a level three or equivalent qualification. The programme attracts a wide range of students from those starting on their initial qualifications to postgraduates wishing to embark on a career change.

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview as part of the application process. Please note that two references are required for this course. Application materials (Our application form and reference request form) can be downloaded from the link at the top of the page.

Please contact us on 0115 924 3994 for additional information and support on any aspect of the application process

Please note: One funded place per Level 2 cohort and one 50% funded place per Foundation Access intake. Bursaries will be awarded one month before commencement of training.

To apply for this funding please download and complete the form via link below.