
Counselling Skills Certificates
HTC's counselling skills certifications is available in 2 forms:
Certificate Progression Path


Specialist Certificate in Counselling Skills
The Specialist Certificate in Counselling Skills is a foundational program designed for individuals seeking to develop essential counseling skills and techniques to support others effectively. This course provides a structured introduction to the principles of counseling, active listening, empathetic communication, and rapport-building. Through interactive lectures, role-playing, and classroom practice sessions, students gain confidence in applying fundamental counseling skills within various settings, such as workplaces, educational institutions, and community environments.
Key areas of focus include understanding ethical considerations in counseling, mastering active listening and reflective techniques, and applying basic intervention strategies for emotional and mental support. This certificate serves as an excellent starting point for those interested in advancing to more specialized counseling programs or integrating counseling skills into their current profession.
Learning
Outcome
By the end of this course, learners will:
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Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental counseling techniques, including active listening, empathy, and reflective questioning.
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Build and maintain rapport with clients or individuals in need of support within professional and community settings.
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Identify and apply appropriate intervention strategies for basic emotional and psychological support.
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Understand and adhere to ethical guidelines in counseling, recognizing the boundaries and limitations of the counselor's role.
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Develop self-awareness and reflective practices to improve personal effectiveness as a supportive listener.

Course Outline
Chapter 1: Introduction to Counselling
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Overview of the role and purpose of counseling
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Understanding different counseling settings and applications
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Key principles and values in counseling practice
Chapter 2: Foundations of Effective Communication
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Essentials of active listening and effective communication
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Verbal and non-verbal cues in counseling
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Developing empathy and building rapport
Chapter 3: Understanding Emotions and Psychological Needs
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Basics of human psychology and emotional needs
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Identifying and addressing emotional cues
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Introduction to mental health concepts relevant to counseling
Chapter 4: Core Counselling Skills and Techniques
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Open-ended questioning, reflection, and summarizing
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Skills for promoting self-awareness in clients
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Practice exercises for skill-building
Chapter 5: Ethics and Boundaries in Counselling
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Ethical guidelines and professional boundaries in counseling
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Confidentiality and informed consent
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Managing challenging situations and avoiding dual relationships
Chapter 6: Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity in Counselling
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Understanding the impact of culture on counseling
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Approaching clients with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity
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Adapting counseling techniques to diverse backgrounds
Chapter 7: Managing Stress and Self-Care for Counsellors
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Recognizing signs of burnout and compassion fatigue
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Strategies for self-care and personal resilience
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Importance of supervision and ongoing professional development
Chapter 8: Practical Application and Case Studies
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Case study analysis and practical applications of counseling skills
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Role-playing and supervised practice
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Feedback and reflection for skill enhancement
Sample Certificate


Professional Certificate in Counselling Skills
The Professional Certificate in Counselling Skills is an intensive program designed for individuals seeking to develop advanced counseling skills for professional use. This course delves into both foundational and advanced techniques, focusing on building empathy, active listening, effective questioning, and supportive interventions. Students will learn to handle diverse client needs and apply structured counseling frameworks in various settings, from workplaces to community organizations.
Through hands-on practice, supervised roleplay sessions, and case studies, students gain practical skills and confidence in managing real-life counseling scenarios. This certificate is ideal for those in supportive roles, such as HR, social services, or healthcare, and for anyone aiming to advance in a counseling career with a strong ethical foundation and professional competency.
Learning
Outcome
By the end of this course, learners will:
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Apply advanced counseling techniques, including active listening, empathy, and effective questioning, to support clients in diverse settings.
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Develop and maintain professional boundaries while building rapport and trust with clients.
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Recognize and respond to a range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues using structured intervention strategies.
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Demonstrate ethical decision-making and adhere to professional standards in counseling practices.
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Reflect on and assess personal skills to continuously improve effectiveness and resilience as a counselor.

Course Outline
LO1: Applied Practice
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Learners will be required to seek out 5 volunteer clients and to see each clients for at least 4 sessions to practice and apply their foundational counselling skills.
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Sessions are at 60 minutes each.
LO2: Supervision
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Learners will be documenting their counselling sessions with their volunteer via case notes and to be discussed with their course instructor about the applied practice.
LO3: Roleplays
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Learners will be supported and prepared for actual client sessions through the roleplays assigned in classroom setting with the guidance of the course instructors.
Sample Certificate

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