Certificate in Counselling Psychology
Unit Overview
This course introduces you to the basics of counselling and human behavior. It is ideal for anyone who wants to start building skills in supporting others, even without prior background in psychology.
You will begin by understanding how people think, feel, and respond to different life situations. From there, you learn basic counselling skills — how to listen actively, how to communicate effectively, and how to respond in a way that is helpful and respectful.
At St. Mary’sCollege, the training is practical and relatable. You will work through real-life scenarios that reflect common situations in Kenyan communities, such as family issues, stress, peer pressure, and personal struggles. This makes it easier to connect what you learn with real situations you are likely to encounter.
The program follows the CDACC competency-based model, meaning you are trained to demonstrate actual counselling skills. By the end of the course, you should be able to support individuals at a basic level and know when to refer more complex cases.
Unit Objectives
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
- Introduce learners to counselling concepts and skills
- Develop basic communication and listening skills
- Build understanding of human behavior
- Promote ethical and responsible support practices
- Prepare learners for entry-level counselling roles
Unit Content
Key areas of study include:
- Basics of counselling psychology
- Communication and listening skills
- Introduction to human development
- Basic counselling techniques
- Stress and conflict management
- Ethics in counselling
- Community and peer support skills
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work in:
- Counselling assistant
- Peer counsellor
- Community support worker
- NGO support staff
Entry Requirements
Certificate: KCSE mean grade D (plain) and above
Duration of the Unit
Certificate: 6 months - 1 year
Why Study This Unit?
- High market demand
- Hands-on practical learning
- Pathway to further professional growth