Institute of counselling: CBT certificate

[calla lily]

Has anyone studied with this institute? The reason i ask is that while my OU degree has a cognitive psychology module, it's : a) a lot o' money and b) doesn't start until next year.

At present, CBT has really grabbed my interest, where the IOC has a certificate which would do me nicely as i may be able to transfer the credits over to my OU degree. I know it's not BABCP accredited, but as an undergraduate, this wouldn't be an issue because i want to complete my degree first (which i would need to do anyway as the BABCP courses seem to be aimed at postgraduates).

warmest wishes- calla lily x

[sportstherapy]

hi there,
I studied with the institute in the early/mid 90s and I thought they were really good.

I actually did this alongside my OU studies too, and though it was hard work, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I liked the fact that you can transfer credits, and they also had great learning materials such as videos and audio cassettes (at the time they were the bees knees!), and they also had summer schools where you could gain valuable practical experience.

I would be happy to back and do more courses with them.

best wishes

Richard

[calla lily]

Many thanks Richard for your endorsement pleased to read you had a fab time with them as i was a bit worried with distance learning courses -bit of a minefield and all that re whether the qualification gained would be worth the paper it's written on!

warmest wishes- christine x

[David100351]

Its good to hear of positive feedback, because I share most therapists' prejudices against correspondence courses in counselling. Now that we actually have counselling itself by correspondence, e.g. on-line, chat, email, perhaps we should look at it again.

However my own view, for what it's worth, is that you need face to face learning to be a therapist. After you can do it, I'm sure you can gain a lot from correspondence courses about other ways of working, etc., but an introductory skills course by correspondence would not currently be valued highly.

[sportstherapy]

Hi David,
the course I did many years ago had great learning materials as I mentioned, so I could see and listen to actual counselling sessions. I actually got work experience with a counselling psychologist which was invaluable, as I would never have been able to do any face to face counselling without it. Also, the summer school and practical training that was on offer was also invaluable.

[calla lily]

Thank you David for your reply , for me personally, at this stage face to face is not essential because i 'd be using the certificate to learn the basics on an academic level and it tying in nicely with my chosen degree subject ( psychology).

I hear what you're saying though, i did a basic counselling skills course FTF several years ago and found the interaction valuable.

warmest wishes- calla lily x

[CarolineN]

Originally Posted by calla lily

I hear what you're saying though, i did a basic counselling skills course FTF several years ago and found the interaction valuable.

warmest wishes- calla lily x

Hi Calla

What does FTF stand for? I'm interested in doing a counselling course and just looking generally at options.

Many thanks

[calla lily]

Hi Caroline,

FTF = face to face I was being lazy last night...

I did a level 2 ( equates to GCSE) certificate in basic counselling skills, it was 3 months long and introduced me to what counselling entailed, the theories / helping &personal development models used and listening/talking skills. It was hard work, as back then, i was computer illiterate, didn't have the academic skills that i have now and several personal problems, but nonetheless, i enjoyed it and the people on the course ( as with the tutor!) were lovely.

warmest wishes- christine x

[David100351]

Originally Posted by calla lily

and several personal problems,

A good counselling course will always help you to notice these

[calla lily]

My counselling course did indeed do that, as it was through my reflective journal these personal problems were highlighted, and addressed accordingly.