Special introductory offer
JANUARY 2027
Counselling Training & Personal Development
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Ready to take the next step? Our application process is straightforward, with a suitability interview to ensure the course is right for you.
If you have any questions before applying, you’re always welcome to contact us without obligation.
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Apply and pay deposit
Suitability conversation
Offer of admission
Admission confirmed
Complete our online application form and pay the course deposit. We’ll acknowledge your application and contact you to arrange your suitability interview.
We'll have a short, informal conversation to explore your expectations, discuss the course and establish whether it's a good fit. If your application is unsuccessful, your deposit will be refunded in full.
If your application is successful, we’ll send you an Offer of Admission and your Student Agreement, setting out the terms of your enrolment for you to review and sign.
Once you’ve signed your Student Agreement, we’ll issue your Admission Confirmation. Your remaining course balance will be payable by the agreed deadline, before the course begins.
Questions you may have.
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.
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.
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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.