Counsellors and psychotherapists are being given the chance to enhance their skills by taking part in online learning from The Open University to meet the changing demands from society.
The OU is Europe’s largest provider of psychology education and has developed high-quality continuing professional development short courses to arm professionals with essential skills that they can put into practice straightaway to support clients.
According to the British Medical Association (BMA), mental health services in England received a record 4.6 million referrals during 2022 (up 22% from 2019).
And it warns that the mental health workforce is not rising at the rate needed to meet current demand or the expected increase in demand on services.
Naomi Moller, Professor of Psychology and Psychotherapy at The Open University, said:
“The UK mental health services have always been under pressure but more so now since covid. We hear professionals telling us all the time that they need more Continuing Professional Development to respond to the new demands faced by counsellors today.
“Our high-quality online courses mean professionals can continue their vital day jobs and fit extra learning in around them to expand their competencies and their reach within their communities.
“Counsellors, psychotherapists and trainees can keep abreast of latest practice and gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest theories, techniques and best practices that will help them meet the needs of their clients.”
The four 25-hour courses have been created by the same leading OU academics behind the OU’s undergraduate, postgraduate and research qualifications.
They designed them along with industry experts, experienced practitioners and partners such as the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Courses are aligned with the Scope of Practice and Education (SCoPEd) framework (Level B competencies) and focus on providing safe and effective online counselling, as well as achieving the most productive relationship with clients and getting a better knowledge of trauma-informed counselling.
Registration is now open for the fee-paying courses that are studied completely online. Learners can start any time and work through the materials at their own pace.
For the two courses Online counselling: getting started and Online counselling: advancing your knowledge discounts are available to members of BACP or those completing the CPCAB Level 5 Award in Online and Phone Counselling Practice.
Courses available include:
- Trauma-informed counselling
- Online counselling: getting started
- Online counselling: advancing your knowledge
- Advanced therapeutic relationships
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