Your Course at a Glance
START DATE
January/
February 2026
(Day TBC)
SCHEDULE
One full day per week
9:30am - 3:00pm
DURATION
18 weeks
(UK term dates)
INVESTMENT
£1,995
Payment plans available
TOTAL HOURS
170 hours
(90 guided + 80 self-study)
Why Choose the Intensive
Fast-track your learning with one immersive day per week. Perfect for those who can dedicate focused time, want to complete quickly, or are preparing for Level 3 and beyond.
Complete training faster – Finish in just 18 weeks and be ready for Level 3 by summer
Immersive, focused learning – One full day allows for deep exploration without interruption
Perfect for career changers – Fast route if you're transitioning into counselling
Build strong cohort bonds – Full-day sessions create deeper connections with your learning community.
Emotionally intensive work – Time and space within each session to process what surfaces
Progress to Level 3 sooner – Many intensive students move straight into Level 3 with us
Fast-Track to Level 3 and Beyond
Complete Level 2 by summer, start Level 3 in September, and you're on track for Level 4 or MSc applications within 18-24 months.
This is the fastest route from beginner to qualified counsellor.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Morning: Theory, discussion, and group exploration
Lunch break: Time to process and connect
Afternoon: Skills practice, integration, reflection
Between weeks: 1-2 hours self-study
What Makes The School of Counselling Different?
Whether you choose intensive or standard, you'll experience the same quality teaching and depth of learning. This is what sets us apart.
Experiential, Not Box-Ticking
We focus on who you're becoming, not just what you can demonstrate. Every lesson integrates theory, self-discovery, and practice.
Qualified Counsellors, Not Just Teachers
All our tutors are practicing counsellors who hold you through the emotional intensity of this work. They're facilitators of your growth, not lecturers.
Nurtured, Not Policed
We treat you as an adult learner developing at your own pace. You're supported, challenged, and held – never judged or policed to success.
Because we're online, you'll learn alongside students from across the UK and around the world – Austria, Spain, Dubai, Canada, and beyond. This diversity of perspectives enriches everyone's learning in ways a local classroom never could.
What You'll Learn
Over 18 intensive weeks, you'll cover the complete CPCAB Level 2 curriculum. Here's your journey:
📚
Weeks 1-4
Beginnings
Respect
Boundaries
💡
Weeks 5-9
Empathy
Safety
Self-Enquiry
🚀
Weeks 10-14
Patterns of Self
Challenge
🎓
Weeks 15-18
Self-Reflection
Endings
By the End, You'll Be Able To:
Use counselling skills ethically and safely
Establish and sustain the boundaries of the helping role
Work empathically as a helper
Focus on the helpee's needs and concerns
Use self-awareness in helping work
Use a range of counselling skills to facilitate the helping interaction
Use feedback and reflection to enhance counselling skills
Is the Intensive Right for You?
Perfect If You Are...
A career changer ready to immerse yourself fully
Able to commit one full day per week (currently unconfirmed, likely a weekday)
Motivated and self-directed in your learning
Someone who thrives with intensive, focused study
Eager to progress to Level 3 as soon as possible
Applying for MSc programmes and need to complete quickly
Consider the Standard If You...
Cannot commit to full days due to work or family
Prefer a more gradual, steady pace of learning
Need evening or weekend study options
Want more time to process between lessons
Aren't in a rush to complete your training
Not sure which pathway? Call us on 01844 612 510 and we'll help you decide.
Investment & Next Steps
£1,995
18-Week Intensive Course
Your investment includes:
90 guided learning hours with qualified counsellor tutors
All course materials and resources
CPCAB registration fee (included in deposit)
Ongoing tutorial support throughout your 18 weeks
Access to online learning tools (Padlet, Zoom, breakout rooms)
Payment Plans Available
£400 deposit secures your place
Remaining balance in monthly installments
How to Apply
1
Enquire
Get in touch via phone or form
2
Interview
Informal chat within a week
3
Offer
Receive offer in 24 hours
4
Deposit
Secure place with £400
5
Start
January/
February 2026
Or call us on 01844 612 510 to discuss your application
How You'll Be Assessed
Assessment is flexible, creative, and designed to respect you as an adult learner. We're interested in your authentic learning, not just ticking boxes.
Written Work
After each lesson, we set a short piece of work (around 300-400 words).
No rigid deadlines – we trust you to submit when you're ready around your other responsibilities.
The intensive pace means weekly rhythm helps, but we're flexible if life intervenes.
In-Class Assessment
Much of your learning is evidenced through discussions, workshops, and skills practice during lessons.
This creates alternative routes for those whose strengths aren't in writing – you can demonstrate your understanding through participation and engagement.
Your tutors assess your development throughout the course, not just through written submissions.
You won't be overwhelmed. The workload is manageable – around 1-2 hours per week outside of your lesson. This is about building skills and self-awareness, not drowning in assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day of the week will the intensive run?
The specific day is to be confirmed closer to the January/February 2026 start date. We'll let all applicants know as soon as it's finalised. Historically, our intensives have run on weekdays to accommodate working professionals who can take one day off per week.
What if I miss one of the intensive days?
Life happens, and we understand that. If you need to miss a session, speak with your tutor as soon as possible. We'll work with you to catch up through additional reading, recordings where appropriate, or a brief one-to-one tutorial. However, attendance is crucial for this format, so consistent presence is expected.
How much self-study is required between sessions?
You'll need around 1-2 hours of self-study per week. This includes completing your reflective written work (300-400 words), reading assigned materials, and processing what came up during class. The intensive format allows more in-class time, but personal reflection is still essential.
What technology do I need for online learning?
You'll need a reliable internet connection, a computer or laptop with webcam and microphone (tablets and phones aren't ideal for full-day sessions), and Zoom access (we'll send joining links). We'll provide full tech guidance before you start.
How does the intensive differ from the standard 30-week course?
The content and qualification are identical. The difference is purely in delivery. The intensive runs as one full day per week for 18 weeks (9:30am-3:00pm), while the standard course runs for 2.5 hours per week over 30 weeks (evenings or weekends). The intensive suits those who can dedicate full days and want to complete faster. The standard suits those with work or family commitments who prefer shorter, regular sessions.
Will I be ready for Level 3 after the intensive?
Absolutely. Many of our intensive students progress straight into Level 3 with us. Completing in 18 weeks means you could start Level 3 by summer or autumn 2026, putting you on a fast track to Level 4 or MSc applications within 18-24 months of starting.
Do I need any previous experience or qualifications?
No formal qualifications are required. We're looking for genuine interest in counselling and helping others, self-awareness and willingness to explore yourself, ability to commit to the intensive schedule, and openness to learning and receiving feedback. Your life experience and motivation matter more than academic background.
Can I switch to the standard course if the intensive feels too much?
We want you to succeed, so if circumstances change or you find the intensive pace overwhelming, we can discuss options. However, switching mid-course isn't always straightforward due to scheduling differences. It's best to be honest with yourself upfront about whether the intensive format truly suits your life right now.
Apply for the 18-Week Intensive Course
Complete the form below and we'll send you an interview invitation within 48 hours.
By submitting this form, we'll use your information only to process your application and contact you about your course.
Still Have Questions?
Not quite ready to apply? That's okay! We'd love to chat with you about the course and help you decide if it's the right fit. No pressure, just a friendly conversation.
Ready to apply? Scroll up to complete the application form