Equivalent to a Level 3
Take your first steps towards becoming a counsellor with our Foundation Certificate in Counselling. This Level 3 equivalent course fulfils the entry requirements for our BACP accredited Diploma in Counselling. You will learn a diverse range of models and approaches to counselling, develop your self-awareness, and enhance your interpersonal and communication skills, empowering you to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Led by expert tutors at our Clapham, Tooting and Nine Elms centres in South London, this course is designed to support your personal and professional growth. Our fast track options are perfect for those ready to accelerate their journey into counselling. Enrol today and take the next step towards a meaningful new career.
Our next courses start in January 2027. Places fill quickly and so we encourage early enrolment.
Foundation Certificate in Counselling: Course Content Overview
The Foundation Certificate in Counselling is delivered in three modules across two or three terms, each including the following main components:
- Theory lectures and discussion groups
- Skills practice workshops
- Personal development activities
Module 1: Helping & Counselling
This module focuses on developing your understanding of what counselling is and is not and includes a workshop on how to write essays using Harvard Referencing:
- What do we understand by counselling?
- How does counselling differ from other forms of help?
- Who can be helped by counselling?
- Standards and ethics in counselling
- The ‘core conditions’ of the person-centred model in counselling
Module 2: Ethics / Basic Human Development
This module introduces the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Profession (2026) and provides an overview of some key contributors in the field of basic human development:
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Erikson’s psychosocial model
- Freud’s psychosexual model
Module 3: Modalities of Counselling
This module of the counselling certificate introduces a range of theoretical models, including:
- Gestalt Therapy
- Transactional Analysis
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- An introduction to clinical supervision in counselling
Foundation Certificate in Counselling: Course Assessment
Our Foundation Certificate in Counselling offers a comprehensive overview of counselling in practice by discussing different theoretical approaches and processing your learning in skills practice. Students will explore their personal development within the group and write reflective journals to support their counselling journey.
To complete the course, students must attend 80% of the training and pass two written assignments of 3000 words. Students are supported by their lead tutor and peers throughout the course by having the space to reflect and process feedback. Students will also meet with their tutors for end of module tutorials. Our management team has an ‘open door policy’ to discuss any practical matters concerning your course.
To complete the course you will need to:
- Attend 80% of the training
- Complete a personal development journal
- Demonstrate satisfactory progress in theoretical understanding, counselling skills practice, personal development, and how theory relates to personal experience. You’ll receive reflections and feedback from your tutor and peers throughout the course
- Submit end-of-module reflective views
- Complete and pass two assignments (3000 words each)
- Attend end-of-module tutorials
- Be in personal therapy or have a minimum of twelve sessions of counselling with a qualified therapist during the first term of your course. (Students will fund their personal therapy)
Academic Writing Assistance (optional)
TAC works with Ash Phipps to give students access to tuition in academic writing. Ash has 10 years’ experience teaching study skills strategies to students who want to develop their writing skills and specialises in SpLDs (dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ADD, Autism).
For any further questions and fees, please call 020 3051 8235 or email training@theawarenesscentre.com
Foundation Certificate in Counselling: Course FAQs
Who does the teaching?
We ensure that all of our tutors are experienced counselling professionals. During the counselling course, you will attend face-to-face skills workshops and lectures provided by our specialist faculty. We strive to provide you with the most valuable training experience possible. Find out more about the faculty here.
Who can apply for TAC’s Foundation Certificate in Counselling?
You don’t need any previous qualifications or experience to enrol on this course.
What is the Enrolment Process?
Firstly, complete the online enrolment form, which includes a personal statement. You will then be invited to an online interview with a senior member of the Training School team. The interview is structured to give all students a similar experience. You will be asked questions to ensure that you have the time availability and emotional maturity to be able to commit to making the course a success.
How long is the Foundation Certificate in Counselling course?
Our Foundation Certificate in Counselling runs from one of our centres in Clapham, Tooting and Nine Elms, south London. It is a part-time course, which provides 100 guided learning hours over six months. You will attend face-to-face workshops and other training sessions during weekends throughout the year.
Will I gain practical experience too?
Yes. You’ll be practising counselling/helping skills with your peers throughout the course while also learning about clear, professional boundaries.
What can I study after the Foundation Certificate?
Following this course, you can enrol on the Diploma in Integrative Counselling and qualify as a professional counsellor. If you’re not sure about your next steps, you can always speak to a member of our team who will be able to answer your questions.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about the training process, our team is here to answer them – big or small. Don’t hesitate to call us!
Foundation Certificate in Counselling Course Dates
Our Foundation Certificate in Counselling courses contain the same amount of class time and assessments. The fast-track foundation course enables you to complete the course in a shorter time and (on successful completion) move on to our Diploma course without a break. This makes it a suitable option for you if you are keen to train as a counsellor in a shorter period.
Courses can become oversubscribed, so we encourage early enrolment. Places on each intake will be offered to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
OUR SEPTEMBER 2026 COURSES ARE NOW FULL. VIEW TERM DATES
January 2027 Courses
Foundation Certificate in Counselling (Fast Track Evenings)
January – June 2027
Monday evenings with 3 weekends, for six months
- Dates: 11th January – 5th July 2027
- Time: 18:00 – 21:30
- Location: TAC Tooting
- Fee: £2,375
Please note dates are subject to change
2027 | Mondays | Saturdays | Sundays |
Class 1 | 11 January | ||
Class 2 | 18 January | ||
Class 3 | 25 January | ||
Class 4 | 01 February | ||
Class 5 | 08 February | ||
Class 6 | 15 February | ||
Weekend 1 | 20 February | ||
Class 7, 8, 9, 10 | 21 February | ||
Class 11 | 22 February | ||
Class 12 | 01 March | ||
Class 13 | 08 March | ||
Class 14 | 15 March | ||
Class 15 | 22 March | ||
EASTER BREAK | |||
Class 16 | 12 April | ||
Weekend 2 | 17 April | ||
Class 17, 18, 19, 20 | 18 April | ||
Class 21 | 19 April | ||
Class 22 | 26 April | ||
Class 23 | 10 May | ||
Class 24 | 17 May | ||
Class 25 | 24 May | ||
Class 26 | 07 June | ||
Class 27 | 14 June | ||
Weekend 3 | 19 June | ||
Class 28, 29, 30, 31 | 20 June | ||
Class 32 | 21 June | ||
Class 33 | 28 June | ||
Class 34 | 05 July |
March 2027 Courses
Foundation Certificate in Counselling (Fast Track Evenings)
March – August 2027
Tuesday evenings with 3 weekends, for five months
- Dates: 9th March – 10th August 2027
- Time: 18:00 – 21:30
- Location: TAC Clapham
- Fee: £2,375
Please note dates are subject to change
| MODULE 1 | Tuesdays | Saturdays (10am – 5pm) | Sundays (10am – 5pm) |
Class 1 | 9 March | ||
Class 2 | 16 March | ||
Class 3 | 23 March | ||
EASTER BREAK | |||
| MODULE 2 | |||
Class 4 | 13 April | ||
Class 5 | 20 April | ||
Weekend One | 24 April | ||
Class 6, 7, 8, 9 | 25 April | ||
Class 10 | 27 April | ||
Class 11 | 04 May | ||
Class 12 | 11 May
| ||
Class 13 | 18 May
| ||
Class 14 | 25 May | ||
Class 15 | 01 June | ||
Weekend Two | 05 June
| ||
Class 16, 17, 18, 19 | 06 June | ||
Class 20 | 08 June | ||
| MODULE 3 | |||
Class 21 | 15 June | ||
Class 22 | 22 June | ||
Class 23 | 29 June | ||
Class 24 | 06 July | ||
Class 25 | 13 July | ||
Weekend Three | 17 July | ||
Class 26, 27, 28, 29 | 18 July | ||
Class 30 | 20 July | ||
Class 31 | 27 July | ||
Class 32 | 03 August | ||
Class 33 | 10 August | ||
Foundation Certificate in Counselling (Fast Track Evenings)
March – August 2027
Friday evenings with 3 weekends, for five months
- Dates: 12th March – 15th August 2027
- Time: 18:00 – 21:30
- Location: TAC Clapham
- Fee: £2,375
Please note dates are subject to change
Fridays | Saturdays 10am – 5pm | Sundays | |
| Class 1 | 12 March | ||
| Class 2 | 19 March | ||
| Class 3 | 26 March | ||
EASTER BREAK | |||
| Class 4 | 16 April | ||
| Class 5 | 23 April | ||
| Class 6 | 30 April | ||
| Class 7 | 07 May | ||
| Class 8 | 14 May | ||
| Class 9 | 21 May | ||
| Class 10 | 28 May | ||
| Class 11 | 04 June | ||
| Weekend One | |||
| Class 12, 13, 14, 15 | 05 June TAC Nine Elms | 06 June TAC Nine Elms | |
| Class 16 | 11 June | ||
| Class 17 | 18 June | ||
| Class 18 | 25 June | ||
| Class 19 | 02 July | ||
| Weekend Two | |||
| Class 20, 21, 22, 23 | 03 July TAC Clapham | 04 July TAC Clapham | |
| Class 24 | 09 July | ||
| Class 25 | 16 July | ||
| Class 26 | 23 July | ||
| Class 27 | 30 July | ||
| Class 28 | 06 August | ||
| Class 29 | 13 August | ||
| Weekend Three | |||
| Class 30, 31, 32, 33 | 14 August TAC Clapham | 15 August TAC Clapham | |
Foundation Certificate in Counselling (Fast Track Evenings)
March – August 2027
Tuesday evenings with 3 weekends, for five months
- Dates: 16th March – 8th August 2027
- Time: 18:00 – 21:30
- Location: TAC Clapham
- Fee: £2,375
Please note dates are subject to change
| Tuesdays 6pm – 9:30pm | Saturdays 10am – 5pm | Sundays | |
| Class 1 | 16 March | ||
| Class 2 | 23 March | ||
EASTER BREAK | |||
| Class 3 | 13 April | ||
| Class 4 | 20 April | ||
| Weekend One | |||
| Class 5, 6 | 25 April | ||
| Class 7 | 27 April | ||
| Class 8 | 04 May | ||
| Class 9 | 11 May | ||
| Class 10 | 18 May | ||
| Class 11 | 25 May | ||
| Class 12 | 01 June | ||
| Weekend Two | |||
| Class 13, 14, 15, 16 | 05 June | 06 June | |
| Class 17 | 08 June | ||
| Class 18 | 15 June | ||
| Class 19 | 22 June | ||
| Class 20 | 29 June | ||
| Class 21 | 06 July | ||
| Class 22 | 13 July | ||
| Weekend Two | |||
| Class 23, 24, 25, 26 | 17 July | 18 July | |
| Class 27 | 20 July | ||
| Class 28 | 27 July | ||
| Class 29 | 03 August | ||
| Weekend Three | |||
| Class 30, 31, 32, 33 | 07 August | 08 August | |
Foundation Certificate in Counselling (Fast Track Evenings)
March – August 2027
Wednesday evenings with 3 weekends, for five months
- Dates: 17th March – 11th August 2027
- Time: 18:00 – 21:30
- Location: TAC Tooting
- Fee: £2,375
Please note dates are subject to change
| Wednesdays 6pm – 9:30pm | Saturdays 10am – 5pm | Sundays 10am – 5pm | |
| Class 1 | 17 March | ||
| Class 2 | 24 March | ||
EASTER BREAK | |||
| Class 3 | 14 April | ||
| Class 4 | 21 April | ||
| Class 5 | 28 April | ||
| Class 6 | 05 May | ||
| Class 7 | 12 May | ||
| Weekend One | |||
| Class 8, 9, 10, 11 | 14 May | 15 May | |
| Class 12 | 19 May | ||
| Class 13 | 26 May | ||
| Class 14 | 02 June | ||
| Class 15 | 09 June | ||
| Class 16 | 16 June | ||
| Class 17 | 23 June | ||
| Weekend Two | |||
| Class 18, 19, 20, 21 | 26 June | 27 June | |
| Class 22 | 30 June | ||
| Class 23 | 07 July | ||
| Weekend Three | |||
| Class 24, 25, 26, 27 | 10 July | 11/07/2026 | |
| Class 28 | |||
| Class 29 | 14 July | ||
| Class 30 | 21 July | ||
| Class 31 | 28 July | ||
| Class 32 | 04 August | ||
| Class 33 | 11 August | ||
Foundation Certificate in Counselling (Fast Track Evenings)
March – August 2027
Thursday evenings with 3 weekends, for five months
- Dates: 18th March – 7th August 2027
- Time: 18:00 – 21:30
- Location: TAC Nine Elms
- Fee: £2,375
Please note dates are subject to change
| Thursdays 6pm – 9:30pm | Saturdays 10am – 5pm | Sundays | |
| Class 1 | 18 March | ||
| Class 2 | 25 March | ||
EASTER BREAK | |||
| Class 3 | 15 April | ||
| Weekend One | |||
| Class 4, 5, 6, 7 | 17 April | 18 April | |
| Class 8 | 22 April | ||
| Class 9 | 29 April | ||
| Class 10 | 06 May | ||
| Class 11 | 13 May | ||
| Class 12 | 20 May | ||
| Weekend Two | |||
| Class 13, 14, 15, 16 | 22 May | 23 May | |
| Class 17 | 27 May | ||
| Class 18 | 03 June | ||
| Class 19 | 10 June | ||
| Class 20 | 17 June | ||
| Class 21 | 24 June | ||
| Class 22 | 01 July | ||
| Class 23 | 08 July | ||
| Class 24 | 15 July | ||
| Weekend Three | |||
| Class 25, 26, 27, 28 | 17 July | 18 July | |
| Class 29 | 22 July | ||
| Class 30 | 29 July | ||
| Class 31 | 05 August | ||
| Class 32, 33 | 07 August | ||
Payment options
Fast-track course full payment: Initial deposit of £450 required on course agreement. Balance payment £1,925. Total – £2,375.
Fast-track course monthly payment: Initial deposit of £450 required on course agreement. 5 x monthly instalments of £435 by direct debit. Total – £2,625. (This increased fee includes administration costs).
All fees are inclusive of 20% VAT. Deposits are non-refundable. Your statutory rights remain unaffected and are detailed in the contract you will receive upon enrolment.
If you have any questions, give us a call to talk through course and payment plans on 020 3051 8235.
FIND OUT MORE
If you would like any further information about the Foundation Certificate in Counselling, please contact the Training School team at training@theawarenesscentre.com or call 020 3051 8235.
The Tutors
Click on the profiles below to learn more about our Foundation Certificate in Counselling tutors.
Student Reviews
Our Foundation Certificate in Counselling students have provided some great feedback on what developing your counselling skills can be like at The Awareness Centre. Read about their experience at The Awareness Centre Training School.
I started the Certificate in Counselling course with The Awareness Centre in January and I’ve enjoyed it so much. I feel I have learned so much in such a short time. Our tutor Bonny is excellent and is always ready to answer questions with a wealth of experience and knowledge;…
After searching many counselling courses online, I came across the Foundation Certificate in Counselling course with The Awareness Centre. I decided to apply for this course, as I really liked the sound of what was being offered. I can clearly say that now I am halfway through the course, it…
The Foundation Course in Counselling is a very well put together course. The information is relevant, well-structured into modules and thoroughly explained by our wonderful tutor Karen. I enjoy the triads group practices more than anything else. It is through this personal development group that I personally make the most…
I have recently completed the first module of the Awareness Centre Foundation Certificate. I think the quality of the teaching is very good, and the tutor has managed group dynamics very skilfully. She has ensured everyone gets an opportunity to contribute to discussions, and the way she has structured the…
Excellent tutor and standard of teaching. Cannot rate Karen highly enough.
My experience on the counselling course was thorough and thought provoking. The tutor and course leader were very supportive. Thank you
The content of the Foundation Certificate in Counselling was excellent. I learnt so much about different theories and some of the counselling skills that can be used in the counselling relationship. The course far exceeded my expectations. The tutor was brilliant and managed the group very well. She was very…
I have had a good experience on the Foundation Certificate for Counselling. Karen is an extraordinary and amazing tutor and therapist. She explained the modules and theories very well and clearly. I’m looking forward to my Diploma course and my further studies towards becoming a psychotherapist.
An incredible experience for me. Only 3 weeks in but I am feeling the growth so much. Challenging at times, but absolutely great – the tutor is so supportive.
I was nervous about becoming a student after such a long time. I have been pleasantly surprised with the diversity and depth of life experiences that both my tutor and classmates share. It is increasing my confidence and joy towards learning. With the support of both classmates and tutor I…
I have just completed module one of the Counselling Certificate course and I can already say that both The Awareness Centre and the course itself really exceeded my expectations. Firstly, I have chosen to study with TAC after extensive research I have done on similar courses and realised there really…
So far, my experience at TAC has been really fulfilling. The first module of the Foundation has led to some great friendships and shown me that working towards becoming a therapist is the path I want to be on. My instructor has also been incredible so far, and I find…
I have thoroughly enjoyed the start to my Certificate course – the tutors have been excellent!
Module 2 has taken us on a journey into the theories of some of the greats of the counselling world. It’s been really interesting learning about the different models. It’s a chance to help us decide, when treating clients, which is the category that the client may fit into. TAC has…
I’ve really enjoyed the content so far, and our tutor. They have made the process of adult learning easy, and considered our needs as a group throughout the modules.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Foundation Course. Everything from the content, material and tutoring was absolutely spot on. Even the added complication of COVID was handled extremely well, with a good balance of online and face-to-face sessions. I can’t wait to begin the Diploma Course and would recommend The Awareness…
I have only completed the first module and found it to be interesting. As a qualified Life Therapist myself I wanted to underpin the knowledge of a counsellor in order to give my clients a full package. The module was well presented by our tutor Matt. I look forward to…
The Foundation Course has been a great introduction to counselling, and the mix of theory, personal development and skills work keeps the sessions really engaging and rewarding. The tutors are very welcoming and enthusiastic, and I feel like I’m getting a lot out of the course.
I have just completed the Foundation Certificate course which has far exceeded my expectations – Highly recommended.
The Foundation Course exceeded my expectations! The course content is well-structured, and The Awareness Centre’s learning experiences are well-balanced between theory and practical tasks. Karen Dempsey, our tutor, is an experienced and competent counsellor who provided us with numerous examples from her own work. She expertly guided our group, resulting…
Completing the Foundation Certificate with The Awareness Centre has been so worthwhile. It has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my 29 years! Our tutor Karen was amazing, and I have learnt an incredible amount from her. This course has increased my self-awareness, my empathy, and my…
The Awareness Centre feels like it is the start of a long but rewarding journey. I am left feeling inspired and motivated.
I have enjoyed the diversity of the class and being able to open and share our experiences and support each other with course work, which has been encouraged by our tutor. We have been given a good amount of time to complete assignments and the additional reading has been excellent.…
I have very much enjoyed my time as a student here at The Awareness Centre. Our tutor has been great. I look forward to continuing with my studies here with The Awareness Centre in the future.
Enrolling in the course has been the best decision I have made in a long time. Our tutor is a highly experienced counsellor and incredibly insightful, as well as being a great teacher. She continuously shares her knowledge and wisdom with us, but also allows us the space to explore…
The Awareness Centre has been amazing in teaching the Foundation Certificate in Counselling and at addressing both the skills and theoretical background of counselling. Bonny has been a great teacher. I enjoyed the learning seminars and working with a diverse group of students, this has shown me the practical part…
A pleasurable introduction to counselling located at an easy to get to location. Very comfortable room with plenty of facilities.
Fantastic course. Creates an organic space for self-development and genuine interactions and discussions with the other students. Engaging tutor who really gets you thinking.
It’s only been module one, I can feel transformation by the teachings already. This opportunity is invaluable just everything about it – WOW! This stuff should be taught early on, especially to all primary care givers.
TAC has really embraced an effective way of delivering to adult learners. I believe I am learning from experienced and caring members of this industry.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about the training process, our team is here to answer them – big or small. Don’t hesitate to call us!