In episode 121 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast – the second in this new season – Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes offer tips on stepping up to the next level in your counselling training. Our new regular segment, ‘Check-In with CPCAB’, then looks at counselling assessment criteria and learning outcomes. Last, the presenters explore the pressure we might put ourselves under to get our counselling skills right.
Perhaps you may be moving from level 2 to level 3, from level 3 to level 4 – or from one year to the next on a diploma or degree course – this coming academic year. Ken and Rory’s tips are as follows:
Rory has written an essential checklist for those preparing for a new level of counselling training. You can download this free handout here; it is also available through the Counselling Study Resource (CSR).
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“The Student Library has been BRILLIANT, I can’t recommend it enough!
It has been a lifeline in helping me prepare for practice and my first clients. If you’re considering it, go-for-it, it’s absolutely worth it!”
Kelly – Graduated and now in practice.
So what are learning outcomes and counselling assessment criteria? Rory speaks to Kelly Budd (Head of Qualifications) at CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) about this question.
Kelly explains that the learning outcomes for a qualification list what you will learn by studying it. The counselling assessment criteria, meanwhile, describe how the awarding body will test that you have achieved these learning outcomes.
When CPCAB puts together a new qualification, it looks at purpose, target learners, level (i.e. how it fits within the National Qualifications Framework) and size (i.e. whether it will be an award, certificate or diploma).
The depth of understanding expected increases with the levels. For example, level 2 is GCSE standard, level 3 is A level standard, and level 4 is first-year degree standard.
More advanced learners are expected to be able to do more complicated things with information in that field.
The verbs (doing words) in learning outcomes are key here (for example, you might be called on to show that you can reflect on, use and understand, compare and contrast, analyse or evaluate something).
It’s important always to think:
Above all, CPCAB tries to keep things really clear. It’s important that you too work to keep it simple: try to resist getting sucked into the criteria hysteria that can affect some students and be contagious throughout the whole class!
CPCAB also aims to be flexible in its approach. So although the learning outcomes and assessment criteria are set, you and your tutors have scope to meet these in different ways.
For more information, please see CPCAB’s website. CPCAB is the UK’s only awarding body run by counsellors for counsellors.
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Ken recalls the burden he felt when being observed in skills practice – and indeed when starting placement – to get his skills right. This can lead to the paralysis of analysis!
It’s really important to try to take the pressure off yourself. If you are feeling very on edge about your skills, your client may well pick up on this.
Ken and Rory offer valuable tips on how to become more relaxed and confident in skills sessions:
In short, give it a go and don’t be held back by a fear of not getting it ‘right’!
Preparing for a New Level – Essential Checklist
*Check in with CPCAB is proudly sponsored by CPCAB, the only awarding body run by counsellors for counsellors. To learn more about CPCAB qualifications and to get more detailed information on today’s podcast topic, visit CPCAB.co.uk.