Introduction to Counselling Course
Basingstoke Counselling Service, based in North Hampshire, offers an Introduction to Counselling Course running twice yearly.
What does the Introduction to Counselling course cover?
This course has multiple aspects to it, including:
- to provide an understanding of what counselling is and its origins
- to provide a safe environment for self-exploration and reflection
- to develop listening and communication skills
- to establish some basic counselling skills
- to demonstrate how counselling skills can be usefully applied to personal and professional relationships.
Is this course for me?
People’s motivations for undertaking this course vary, such as:
- thinking about a career in counselling and psychotherapy but wanting to know more before committing to a full training
- wanting to gain greater self-awareness and understanding of themselves
- looking to develop their helping skills in a professional or voluntary role
- interested in knowing more about the origins and types of counselling
- wanting to develop skills for self-reflection
- hoping to gain more understanding of their professional and personal relationships
- wishing to take the first step recommended by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) in a progressive training journey as a counsellor
- wishing to support those close to them
If any of these reasons resonate with you, please see below to find out more and how to apply.
“The sessions ran at a balanced pace and helped create a friendly, relaxed, safe and respectful environment for us all to learn in”
“The course was excellent, provided great information and was pitched at the right level for an introductory course”
Introduction to Counselling 2024 Course Participants
Entry criteria
No formal qualifications are required.
Applicants must be aged 18+ to apply for this course.
Introduction to Counselling course structure
Course One (Autumn) is a 10-week in-person course. All sessions in take place in Basingstoke on a Monday evening from 6pm – 9pm.
Course two (Spring) consists takes place over three weekends. All sessions are in-person in Basingstoke from 9am – 2pm (both Saturday and Sunday).
Course Three (Spring) is a 10-week online course. All sessions take place online on a Wednesday evening from 6pm-9pm.
Introduction to Counselling course dates
Course 1: 10 week Introduction to Counselling (in-person, Monday evenings)
22nd September – 1st December 2025 (inclusive)
29th October: Reading Week (no session)
Course 2: Introduction to Counselling (in-person, weekends)
Weekend 1: 28th Feb & 1st March 2026
Weekend 2: 21st & 22nd March 2026
Weekend 3: 25th & 26th April 2026
Course 3: 10 week Introduction to Counselling (online, Wednesday evenings)
4th March – 20th May 2026 (inclusive)
Easter holidays: 1st & 8th April (no sessions)
An attendance of 80% is required in order to receive your certificate of completion.
Course fee
£350.00*
*If you go on to study our Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory (Levels 2 & 3), you’ll receive a discount on your course fees.
Course team and teaching methods
The course is led by an experienced Counsellor and Trainer who adheres to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. Teaching is through presentations, group exercises, role-play, and group discussions:
Lucy Fowler MBACP (Accred)
Course Manager and Leader (10 week courses)
Lucy is an integrative psychotherapist and qualified teacher who also manages both the Introduction and Certificate courses at BCS. She also has her own private practice.
Catherine Butler MBACP
Course Leader (Weekend intensive)
Catherine Butler is an experienced Psychodynamic counsellor and in addition to working at BCS, she has a thriving private practice. Catherine has a background in training; this experience combined with extensive subject knowledge, a good sense of humour, and excellent communication skills give her the ability to enthuse, encourage, motivate, and nurture others.
If you would like to receive further information or have any questions about the course, please contact us on 01256 843125 or training@basingstokecounselling.org.uk
Completion of an Introduction to Counselling course prior to applying for the Certificate in Counselling Skills & Theory is recommended but not essential.
Cancellation Policy
In the unlikely event that unforeseen circumstances arise and Basingstoke Counselling Service has to cancel this course a full refund will be given. In the event of cancellation by the participant, Basingstoke Counselling Service reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee as indicated by the table below. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing, with changes becoming effective on the date written confirmation is received.
| Calendar days’ notice before the start date of the course | Refund applicable |
| 90 calendar days or more before you are due to start the Course | Full refund (less admin fee of £25) |
| Between 60 and 89 calendar days (inclusive) | 50% refund (less admin fee of £25) |
| Between 30 and 59 calendar days (inclusive) | 25% refund (less admin fee of £25) |
| Within 29 calendar days of the course commencing | No refund given |