This is practical, experiential learning. You’ll develop core counselling skills through live teaching, structured practice, observation, feedback and reflection — building confidence in how you listen, respond and relate to others.
Learn by doing.
The learning experience.
Counselling skills and theoretical studies are learned through experience as much as through theory itself. Our courses are taught in person, in a small group, creating space to practise, reflect, ask questions and learn alongside others.
Sessions combine tutor-led teaching, discussion, practical skills work and personal reflection. You’ll have opportunities to try things out, receive feedback and gradually build confidence in the way you listen, respond and relate.
Learning with the same group over time also matters. As trust develops, the group itself becomes an important part of the experience — offering different perspectives, shared learning and the opportunity to understand how we affect, and are affected by, other people.
MEET YOUR TUTOR
Martin Dewberry
Counsellor · Tutor · Course Founder
A little about me
I’m a BACP-accredited counsellor with around ten years’ experience in counselling practice, alongside my work as a counselling tutor in further education. My experience spans private practice, education and student support, and I teach adult learners at different stages of their counselling training.
My approach to teaching comes from being both a practising counsellor and a tutor. I believe counselling is learned through a combination of theory, practice, reflection and relationship. Learners need opportunities to try things out, ask questions, receive useful feedback and understand not only what they are doing, but why it matters.
That approach runs through both levels of training at The Frederick School. Level 2 provides a substantial foundation in counselling skills and self-awareness. Level 3 builds on that foundation, introducing greater theoretical depth and helping learners develop a more informed understanding of counselling practice, in preparation for progression towards practitioner training at Level 4 or degree level.
The Frederick School brings the different parts of my work together. I wanted to create training that feels thoughtful, personal and properly paced — giving learners the space to develop confidence, challenge themselves and continue their counselling journey with a stronger understanding of themselves, other people and the work itself.
Training and qualifications explained.
How our independent model works
The Frederick School courses are independently designed Level 2- and Level 3-equivalent counselling programmes. A key benefit of this independent model is that the curriculum, teaching approach, assessment and standards are set and maintained directly by The Frederick School, rather than being prescribed by an external awarding organisation.
This allows the school to shape the programme around what learners need in order to develop counselling skills thoroughly, while retaining direct responsibility for the quality and integrity of the training.
Level-equivalent describes the educational stage, breadth and depth of the programme. The courses are designed to provide substantial foundation and intermediate study in counselling, including counselling theory and ethics, regular in-person skills practice, self-awareness, reflective and experiential learning, and formal assessment.
Teaching is led by an experienced practising counsellor and counselling tutor, bringing theoretical learning into direct relationship with real-world counselling practice. The Frederick School takes responsibility for the quality, assessment and standards of its programmes, with each course structured to provide substantial learning and a strong foundation for personal development and further counselling study.
What this means for your learning
In practice, this means the teaching can respond to the needs of the group while remaining within a clear curriculum and assessment framework. Important areas can be explored in greater depth when needed, skills can be revisited rather than simply introduced and moved on from, and theory can be connected directly with what learners experience during live practice.
That flexibility does not mean lower expectations. Learners are expected to participate fully, practise and develop their counselling skills, engage with personal reflection, make use of feedback and meet clearly defined assessment requirements. Successful completion depends on demonstrated learning and achievement, rather than attendance alone.
The result is training that is both structured and responsive: rigorous enough to provide a credible foundation for further study, while giving learners the time and space to develop confidence, self-awareness and relational skill through experience.
This balance sits at the heart of The Frederick School’s approach to counselling training.
How to join.
Joining the course begins with a conversation.
Registering your interest does not commit you to enrol or
make any payment.
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Register your interest
Suitability conversation
Place offered
Secure your place
Tell us what has drawn you to the course, what you hope to learn, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
We’ll arrange a short, informal conversation to explore whether the course is a good fit, answer any questions and talk through what the learning will involve.
If the course feels like a good fit, you’ll be offered a place and sent the full course terms to review before making any commitment or payment.
Once you’re happy to go ahead, you’ll be sent instructions to pay your deposit and confirm your place. Your Booking Confirmation will then set out the remaining steps before the course begins.
Questions you may have.
Learning and participation
Do I need previous counselling experience to apply for Level 2? No. The course is designed as a foundation in counselling skills, so you do not need previous counselling training or experience. What matters more is a willingness to take part, practise with others, reflect on your own experience and engage with the learning as the course develops.
Is the Level 2 course only for people who want to become counsellors? No. Some learners may be considering further counselling training, but that is not the only reason to take the skills course. Counselling skills can also be valuable for people who work with others, want to strengthen their communication and listening skills, or are interested in personal development and understanding relationships more deeply.
Will I be expected to talk about personal things? Personal reflection and self-awareness are an important part of experiential counselling training, so you will be encouraged to think about your own responses, relationships and experiences as part of the learning. However, you will not be expected to disclose anything you do not feel comfortable sharing. The aim is to develop awareness and understanding, not to turn studying into personal therapy. Learners are encouraged to work within their own boundaries while also respecting the privacy and confidentiality of others in the group.
Is what I share in the group confidential? Confidentiality is an important part of creating a safe and respectful learning environment. Learners will be expected to treat personal information shared by others within the group as private and not discuss it outside the course. As with counselling practice, there may be exceptional circumstances where confidentiality cannot be maintained, for example, where there is a serious concern about someone’s safety or wellbeing. These boundaries will be explained clearly at the beginning of the course so that everyone understands what they can expect from one another.
How much work is required outside the teaching sessions? Our courses are designed to be manageable alongside work and other commitments. You’ll be encouraged to keep a regular reflective learning journal and there may be occasional short activities or pieces of written work, but the emphasis is on your participation, skills practice and learning within the sessions rather than heavy academic assignments.
What happen if I miss a teaching session? Because our courses are experiential, much of the learning happens through participation, skills practice and working alongside the group. Learners are therefore expected to commit to attending as many sessions as possible, both for their own learning and for continuity within the group. If you do need to miss a session, we can look at what was covered and how you can remain connected with the learning. However, some aspects of the experience cannot be recreated outside the room, and regular attendance will form part of the requirements for successfully completing the course.
Assessment, completion and progression
How will my learning be assessed? Assessment is designed to support an experiential approach to learning, rather than simply test how well you can record or reproduce information. You’ll build evidence through participation, counselling skills practice, theory and reflective journal work and occasional written activities. The emphasis is on showing how your understanding, self-awareness and skills develop through the experience of the course, rather than completing a large volume of academic assignments.
What will I receive when I complete the course? Learners who successfully complete the Level 2 or 3 will receive The Frederick School Certificate in Counselling Skills or Counselling Theory, confirming successful completion of the programme and its 90 guided learning hours. The certificate is awarded on achievement, rather than attendance alone. Learners must meet the course requirements, including successful completion of the live counselling skills assessment and written assessment, as well as the expectations for participation and engagement across the programme. The certificate is independently designed and awarded by The Frederick School and recognises substantial foundation-level training in counselling skills, personal development, theory and ethical practice across both Level 2 and 3.
Will completing Level 2 or 3 qualify me to practice as a counsellor? No. These are foundation-level courses and they do not qualify you to practise professionally as a counsellor. They are designed to develop core counselling skills, self-awareness and an understanding of counselling theory and process. For those who want to continue towards professional practice, it can provide a strong foundation from which to explore further counselling training and professional training pathways.
Can these courses help me to progress to further counselling training? Yes. Both courses are designed to support progression through the counselling training pathway. The Level 2-equivalent course provides a foundation in counselling skills, self-awareness, theory and experiential learning, with Level 3 commonly being the next stage of training. The Level 3 course builds on this foundation with a greater focus on counselling theory, developing understanding, reflective capacity and readiness for more advanced training. Entry requirements vary between colleges and training providers, so progression to a particular course cannot be guaranteed. Learners planning to continue their training should always check the entry requirements of the next programme they are considering. This reflects the typical progression route through counselling training
Enrolment and fees
When does the Level 2 course run? The course begins on Wednesday 13th January 2027 and runs every Wednesday from 9.30am–2.30pm across 18 teaching weeks. Scheduled breaks are built into the programme around the academic calendar.
When does the Level 3 course run? The course begins on Monday 1st February 2027 and runs every Monday from 9.30am–2.30pm across 18 teaching weeks. Scheduled breaks are built into the programme around the academic calendar.
What happens after I register my interest? Once you register your interest, The Frederick School will contact you with further information about the course and the next steps. If you would like to continue, you will be invited to a short suitability interview. This is an opportunity to talk about the course, your reasons for applying, what you are hoping to gain from the training, and whether the programme is the right fit for you. If the course is considered suitable, you will be offered a place and given the information you need to secure it, including payment arrangements and the relevant Terms and Conditions. Registering your interest does not commit you to joining the course.
Is there an interview before I enrol? Yes. After registering your interest, you’ll be invited to a short informal suitability conversation before a place is offered. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what you hope to gain from the course, explain more about the experiential nature of the training and make sure the programme feels like an appropriate fit for you. It is also a chance for you to ask questions before deciding whether you would like to continue with enrolment. There is no fee or commitment at this stage.
What happens if I change my mind after enrolling? Once your deposit (or full course fee) has been paid, your enrolment is confirmed and a 14-day cooling-off period begins. You can review our Terms & Conditions at any time using this link. A copy will also be included with your Booking Confirmation. If you cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period, the cancellation and refund arrangements set out in those Terms & Conditions will apply.
When is my place confirmed? Being offered a place does not by itself confirm your enrolment. Your place is confirmed once we have received either your required deposit amount or the full course fee. You will then receive your Booking Confirmation email.
Can I pay the course fee in instalments? The course fee is normally paid in two stages: a deposit to secure your place, followed by the remaining balance. The balance is due within 21 calendar days of your Booking Confirmation, or no later than two weeks before the course begins, whichever comes first. A monthly instalment arrangement may also be available in some circumstances. Any instalment options will be explained before you make payment, and you can also choose to pay the full course fee when confirming your place.
Can I transfer my place to someone else? No. Course places are offered to individual applicants following the suitability process and cannot be transferred to another person. If you decide not to continue, a friend or colleague would need to apply and complete the usual enrolment process before they could be considered for a place.
What happens if the course is full? Places are limited to 12 students. If the course is full when you register your interest, we’ll let you know and can place you on a waiting list in case a place becomes available. You may also be invited to register your interest for a future course, as we offer two course intakes each calendar year.
What happens if The Frederick School has to cancel or postpone the course? If we need to cancel or significantly postpone a course, we’ll contact you as soon as possible and explain the options available. Where the course cannot go ahead as planned, any refunds or alternative arrangements will be handled in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.
Is there a minimum age for the course? Yes. Applicants must be aged 18 or over to begin Level 2 training. Level 3 is a progression course for those who have already completed suitable Level 2 or equivalent training. Because readiness for experiential counselling training cannot be judged by age or previous study alone, all applicants take part in a suitability conversation before a place is offered.
Find us at Spring Grove House.
A welcoming West London setting for in-person learning.
A setting with a story
Spring Grove House is a Grade II listed building with a remarkable history. The site was home to botanist and explorer Sir Joseph Banks from 1779, and the house was later extensively rebuilt for the Pears family in the late nineteenth century. Today it forms part of West Thames College, continuing a long association with learning and education.
Easy to reach
The Frederick School’s in-person counselling training takes place in West London at Spring Grove House, London Road, Isleworth, TW7 4HS.
Isleworth Station is around a 5-minute walk away. Osterley and Hounslow East Underground stations provide Piccadilly Line connections nearby. Buses 117, 235, 237, E8 and H37 stop nearby.