Introduction to Counselling open university course - does it make any sense?

[wem]

I want to do an introduction to counselling course as I'm considering counselling as a career. With 3 month old dd complicating matters a bit the OU course would be easist to fit in, but I'm not sure if it makes sense, or whether a face to face course would be better. Do you practise counselling skills on an introductory course (and therefore need someone to watch you and give feedback) or is it more theory to get an idea of what's involved?

I have a friend who is just finishing this course - it is a theoretical introduction which focuses on the question "what is counselling?". It's not intended to be a substitute for face-to-face training which would, I assume, be essential if you intend to practise counselling.

Thanks Molesworth. I know there's a whole load of training to do before you actually get to work as a counsellor, I just wondered if the OU course was any good, is your friend enjoying it?

There's an introductory course at my local college, but it doesn't start til September. If I take the OU course which starts in April and enjoy it, then I can start the proper training in September. Perhaps I should just chill out for now?

I did an introduction to counselling course at our local college. Some of it was theoretical but some of it was also face-to-face, talking in groups/pairs etc about certain things. Nothing heavy, but I would say that the face-face does give an idea of what counselling is about which the theory doesn't. For instance what you probably wouldn't learn as part of your theory is that as part of the diploma (approximately two years into training)you will be required to go into therapy yourself.

I would say given the choice go for the face to face course..

She has enjoyed it (and she has previously done a face-to-face introductory counselling course too)- it serves as an interesting introduction to the topic which could lead to practical training later on. The requirement for trainee counsellors to undergo counselling themselves is certainly highlighted in the OU course btw.