Pershore College is one of two colleges that will deliver a newly accredited course that trains psychological counsellors across the Midlands.

The Counselling and Psychotherapy (FdSc) foundation degree at Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) recently achieved accredited training status from the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

The NCPS is a professional organisation that ensures all of its registrants are safe, competent, and ethical practitioners.

The course is delivered at the Royal Leamington Spa College in Warwickshire and Pershore College in Worcestershire.

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Graduates from the course will now have fulfilled the training requirements for the Accredited Register of Counsellors.

Courses accredited by the NCPS have been through a full assessment and inspection to ensure they meet the standards for training and education set by the professional association.

The newly accredited course strikes a balance between theory and practice which fosters the integration of theoretical knowledge, personal development, and practical experience.

Graduates of the course are recognised as safe, competent, and ethical practitioners, equipped with maintaining personal boundaries, utilising professional supervision, and employing ethical decision-making.

Students who complete the course at WCUC are eligible to join the register of practitioners in the NCPS, providing them with professional standing and underlining their commitment to meet high standards for their clients.

Last year alone, the course enrolled 60 students across both campuses.

Gaynor Boileau, the HE subject leader for Counselling and Psychotherapy at WCUC, said: “This accreditation is recognition of the high standards we set in delivering the course and supporting our students to develop into well-rounded and excellent professionals.

“Having the accredited mark from the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society is fantastic for our staff and our students, it will enable students to join the professional register after completing their course with us and give them a great foundation to start their careers as counsellors and therapists.

“We are proud to be receiving this accreditation for the first time. We will continue to strive to set the highest standards in order to remain accredited and deliver the best possible outcomes for our learners.”