Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your counselling, teaching and learning related questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There are many questions and myths that surround the counselling profession. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we get asked.

If you still have further questions about studying to become a counsellor then please contact us.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a therapeutic relationship to facilitate change for a discomforted client. People enter into counselling so that they might find a more satisfactory way to live. Counselling helps to support emotional growth and well-being. Counselling is an agreement entered into by a client and counsellor. It is non-exploitative.

Sessions are usually about 50 minutes long. They will start with the counsellor offering an initial assessment. Together with the client, the goals the client would like to achieve are discussed before creating a contract for this work. Practical considerations of times, fees, confidentiality, data protection etc are all established at this point too. Clients have a right to expect transparency from the counsellor. They should find a counsellor they feel is right for them.

Find out more here: https://www.dunamistherapyhub.co.uk/what-is-counselling/

How do I choose a counsellor?

It may be that you have a word of mouth referral for a counsellor from a friend. Or you might choose to go to the BACP for a list of accredited therapists.

You will need to know that they adhere to a code of ethics. It is important that you feel comfortable and at ease to share intimate personal feelings thoughts and experiences so that you can create a good working relationship.

A counsellor should be open about their fees, credentials and experience.

Is a career in counselling right for me?

The first step towards becoming a professional counsellor is to undertake an introductory course or talk to a careers adviser. Our “come and see” days will help you to find out what is involved in becoming a counsellor and if it is right for you. 

Contact us to find out about the next come and see day and find out more: https://www.dunamistherapyhub.co.uk/contact-us/

You may wish to undertake additional online research to find out about the various theories that underpin different college certificates and diplomas. There are numerous counselling theories, and all courses should list their theoretical approach in advance. 

How do I become a counsellor?

The route to becoming a counsellor or having a career in counselling/therapy can be a little confusing. There can be a lot of jargon and lack of clear, streamlined advice: Do you need a PhD, master’s degree or diploma? Should you generalise or specialise?

There are five main established paths into a counselling based career. Ordering them from the least time it takes to qualify to the most, they are: counselling, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), clinical or counselling psychology, and psychiatry.

Dunamis Therapy Hub is a college that trains people to become counsellors.

Find out about all the steps to becoming a counsellor here: https://www.dunamistherapyhub.co.uk/become-a-counsellor/

What makes a good counsellor?

An ethical practitioner will support the client in finding the “right fit” of counsellor for them. They will know that the relationship they make with the client will, in a large part, determine the effectiveness of the therapy. The ethical practitioner will know if they need to refer someone on for specialist input. They will also refer a client on if they are concerned about their own limits of competency. They will be transparent with the client about note keeping, safety issues, fees, their training, and experience. An ethical practitioner will be willing to answer any questions that the client might have before committing to sessions.

Find out more about what makes a good counsellor here: https://www.dunamistherapyhub.co.uk/2020/01/31/can-anyone-call-themself-a-therapist-or-counsellor/

How many types of therapy are there?

There are numerous counselling theories that underpin different types of therapy. All counselling courses should list their theoretical approach in advance. Here at Dunamis we teach Humanistic Creative Counselling, a mixture of Person Centred Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Creative Therapies and explore Existential ideas.

You can find out more about our counselling courses here: https://www.dunamistherapyhub.co.uk/counselling-courses/

What is Gestalt Therapy?

There is no exact translation of the word ‘Gestalt’ in English. The nearest explanation is “whole or pattern or form”. One of the key goals of Gestalt therapy is that by integrating mind, body and behaviour the client will become more authentic.

Gestalt Therapy is an Existential / phenomenological approach. Meaning that each person’s perception and interpretation of the world is unique. It stresses that the client takes personal responsibility.

Gestalt falls within the category of Humanistic Therapies. It believes that humans have an innate drive to develop and reach their full potential.

What does Gestalt therapy focus on?

Gestalt therapy works in the “Here and Now” focusing on the clients’ experience in the present moment. Thus raising the client’s awareness to the possibility for change. Without awareness change is not possible.

Gestalt is recognised for its creative or experimental approach. A therapist may use many techniques such as dream work, working with metaphor and symbolism, chair work and visualization.

Fritz Perls was the main developer of Gestalt therapy in the 1940’s

What is Person Centred Therapy?

This approach is derived from the work of psychologist Carl Rogers.

As an approach to therapy it is non-directive. It is a theory that trusts the innate tendency of human beings to find fulfilment of their potential. Rogers suggested that a certain psychological should exist for successful therapy to take place. This is made possible when the client is in relationship with counsellor who is deeply understanding (empathic), accepting (having unconditional positive regard) and genuine (congruent).

It is a theory which holds that being human is to be sociable and in relationship with others, and to have a desire to know and be known by other people. It also asks that we are open to experience, that we can trust and be trusted, that we are curious about our world and about ourselves, and that we are creative and compassionate.

What is Existentialism?

Existentialism was at one time the ground of philosophical enquiry but later Binswanger in Switzerland began to use this in his work in psychotherapy. Rollo May amongst others was instrumental in maintaining this approach to engage with people’s ultimate concerns, their understanding of their position in the world and what it means to be alive. Existentialism holds that thought disturbance and health are two sides of the same coin, living satisfactorily means to be open to what life brings both positive and negative and involves coming to terms with life.

The goal of existential therapy is not one of cure or to change people but to support the individual to take responsibility for their own lives and to come to terms with the transformative process of life itself and in so doing find the meaning of their existence. 

Do I need a degree to become a counsellor?

No. You do not need a degree to study to be a counsellor/psychotherapist. You will however need a good level of English and numeracy and be able to understand and clearly communicate in English.

What counselling courses do you offer?

Our East Sussex based Counselling College, Dunamis Therapy Hub, offers a range of counselling courses suitable for you. Gain counselling qualifications or attend our CPD (Continual Professional Development) sessions to extend your knowledge and develop a deeper understanding.
Our courses include:

How much does the counselling certificate cost?

Our 60 hour taught, basic counselling skills course costs £800 (as of February 2024 – Subject to change).

Gain insight into the counselling profession and learn about the core concepts of counselling theory, approaches, and how to utilise and convert this knowledge into counselling skills.

The course has been designed to strike the perfect balance of teaching and self directed learning. It gives students real insight into the counselling profession and a deeper understanding of what will be required from them at the next level.

Find out more about the course and book your place here: https://www.dunamistherapyhub.co.uk/certificate-in-counselling-skills/

Are your counselling courses near me?

Dunamis Therapy Hub is located in Crowborough, East Sussex. There are good public transport routes to the college and car parking is available near by.

Dunamis Therapy Hub is easy to get to from Brighton, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Uckfield, Forest Row, East Ginstead, Wadhurst, Haywards Heath, Rotherfield, Heathfield and surrounding areas.

Am I eligible for the Diploma course?

Entry requirements:

Who is this course for and do I need a degree to become a counsellor?

  • Anyone who wishes to become a Fully Qualified Counsellor.
  • Those that are already within the field of Counselling & wish to update their skills.
  • Those that are already a therapist and wish to add Counselling to the existing skills
  • You do not need a degree to study to be a counsellor/psychotherapist.
  • However you will need a good level of English and numeracy and be able to understand and clearly communicate in English.
  • You will need to pass a pre-course interview before being accepted onto the course.
How long is the diploma course?

Our course is taught over 5 terms and will teach you about Person Centered, Gestalt and Existential approaches.

After each lesson you will have an online learning check to complete in order to check your understanding and progress.

Our next diploma course starts this September.

How much does the Diploma course cost?

Diploma Price / Tuition Fees

£9,870 (as of September 2023 – price subject to change)

All students need to pass a pre-course interview before being accepted onto the course. The interview is informal and will last approximately an hour. There is a group work element and an individual element. The purpose of the interview is to ensure that you are ready for the course and will get the best out of it.
If you wish to be invited for an interview please complete the following form – download form

If you’d like to find out more about the Diploma course and the price structure then you can here: https://www.dunamistherapyhub.co.uk/counselling-diploma/

Who teaches at Dunamis?

Our Tutors

have been working in the field of psychotherapy for over 60 years combined. We were inspired to set up Dunamis Therapy Hub to share our experience, skills and ethos.

Sara Bishop

Is an experienced therapist with over 30 years experience of private practice with a special interest in trauma. Sara loves sharing here passion for the wellbeing of people. As a trainer of adults Sara enjoys seeing students push themselves to their true potential. “I believe that education needs to be fun, humorous and that the stories we tell each other go to the heart of the human condition. I believe in the marvelous way people find creative solutions to their issues. “

Sally Valentine

In 1993 Sally gained her diploma in counselling followed by a diploma in supervision. Sally has been in private practice since qualification. Sally Then trained in person centred art therapy. “I am interested in trauma and the impact it has on people and have trained to diploma level and attended many courses on the subject. I am also BACP Accredited.”

“My area of interest is working with children and adults with ADHD, ASD and other similar conditions.”

Dunamis Therapy Hub, Counselling College, Crowborough
We have moved.
Find us at:
12 April Court
Sybron Way
Crowborough
TN6 3DZ