CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING
An Introductory Course
Connexions Training brings you this Certificate in Counselling with a Christian Perspective. An introductory course which will help learners to grow in knowledge, skills and self-awareness, becoming a more effective helper.
Students will expect to gain the following:
Counselling Skills to use in a helping role
Self-development opportunities
A rationale of how to integrate the Christian Worldview with key counselling theories
A safe community of learning to share experiences, learn new skills and grow in mutual understanding
An understanding of mental health and what are the barriers to human flourishing
A prerequisite for those wishing to pursue further study to become a counsellor
This course will also be beneficial for church leaders and those in pastoral care, equipping church ministries to support people effectively through psychological distress.
Course Outline
Week 1: Foundations of Counselling from a Christian Perspective
Theme: Biblical Understanding of Suffering and the Call to Counsel
Core Theory:
What is counselling from a Christian perspective? How it differs from secular counselling.
The image of God in humanity (Genesis 1:26-27) as the basis for human dignity in counselling.
The role of Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit in the counselling process. – Churchill Framework
Relationships – how we relate to self, others and God
Skills Training:
Introduction to active listening and building rapport.
Practising non-judgmental presence through role-play.
Observing verbal and nonverbal cues.
Week 2: The Heart of Listening
Theme: Listening as a Christlike Ministry
Core Theory:
Theological foundations of listening
Barriers to effective listening
Recognising and managing personal biases.
Introduction to person-centred counselling (Carl Rogers’ principles).
Skills Training:
Practicing paraphrasing and summarising during simulated sessions.
Listening with the whole body
Week 3: Understanding and Stewarding Emotions
Theme: Emotions as a Gift and Challenge from God
Core Theory:
Exploring the role of emotions in human experience: Created by God, corrupted by sin, redeemed in Christ.
Differentiating between healthy and unhealthy emotional responses.
Understanding defences and wounds
Biblical lament and its relevance in counselling.
Skills Training:
Techniques for helping people articulate emotions.
Validating feelings without affirming behaviours
Guiding clients to see emotions as signals, not dictators.
Week 4: Cultivating Hope
Theme: Leading Others to Hope
Core Theory:
Understanding resilience and hope from a psychology perspective
Basic introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques: Challenging unhelpful thoughts.
The power of Scripture in reframing thoughts and renewing the mind (Romans 12:2).
Co-regulation via spiritual disciplines
Skills Training:
Identifying distorted thinking patterns
Helping people develop achievable goals
Week 5: Boundaries, Confidentiality, and Duality
Theme: Practicing Wisdom in Relationships
Core Theory:
Principles for setting healthy boundaries in counselling and ministry
Confidentiality: The importance of trust and when disclosure is necessary (e.g., safeguarding)
Ethical dilemmas in counselling and in the church: Navigating duality, authority and boundaries
Skills Training:
Boundary-setting conversations
Recognising signs of over-identification or emotional enmeshment with other
Week 6: Bringing it All Together
Theme: Serving Others with Christlike Love
Core Theory:
Integrating skills and biblical principles into a cohesive counselling framework.
Understanding the role of self-care in sustaining a counselling ministry
Glasser’s choice theory - unmet needs
Knowing your limits: When to refer to professionals or specialists
Skills Training:
Practice beginning, middle and end of a counselling session
Group discussion on lessons learned and key takeaways
Content is delivered in a didactical style, integrating interactive and experiential elements with taught theory. Classes will begin with worship and bible teaching relevant to the daily topic. Skills will be demonstrated by tutors and practiced in triads by students. All students are encouraged to hold a safe learning space for each other, developing peer support and promoting growth environment.
Students will pass with a Certificate on completion of a weekly learning journal and book review.
Fees:
£550 for 6 day certificate programme
Where:
The Journey Church
Unit 3B, Retail Park, 45 Moira Rd, Lisburn BT28 1RD
Dates:
This Certificate Course will run one day per week over 6 weeks commencing 30th April 2026. Dates are as follows:
Weekend 1 - Friday 27th and Saturday 28th March
Weekend 2 - Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April
Weekend 3 - Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd May
Classes will commence at 9:30am and finish at 4:00pm each day
**PLEASE NOTE, THIS CERTIFICATE COURSE DOES NOT QUALIFY YOU TO WORK AS A COUNSELLOR, RATHER THIS IS AN INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING SKILLS, THAT AIMS TO EQUIP YOU BETTER IN A HELPING ROLE. IT ALSO SERVES AS A PREREQUISTE FOR THOSE WISHING TO PROGRESS ONTO THE DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIPLOMA, PLEASE CLICK HERE.**
For more information, contact info@connexionstraining.com
To apply, please complete the application form here.