CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies – Dorset
At The Luminary Compass, we offer the nationally recognised CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills at our welcoming training centre in Poundbury, Dorchester. This is a face-to-face, portfolio-based qualification designed for people who want to deepen their counselling skills, improve their ability to support others, and take the next step toward a career in counselling or related professions.
Why Choose Our Level 3 Course?
Face-to-Face Learning
Experience in-person training with experienced tutors who bring warmth, clarity, and professional expertise. No online exams, no distance learning—just real connection in a supportive classroom.
Nationally Recognised Qualification
CPCAB is the UK’s leading counselling awarding body. Completing Level 3 with us opens the door to further training, including Level 4 Diploma courses.
Practical, Portfolio-Based Assessment
Build a reflective portfolio that demonstrates your skills and understanding. No written exams—just steady, practical development with tutor support.
Skills That Go Beyond Counselling
The tools you’ll learn—active listening, empathy, boundaries, and relational awareness—are valuable not only for counselling, but also for work in education, health, social care, HR, leadership, and family life.
Supportive, Person-Centred Approach
We create a safe and inclusive environment where learners grow in confidence, self-awareness, and professional readiness.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is open to anyone with a genuine interest in counselling skills and personal development. Many learners join us after completing Level 2 Counselling Skills, but this is not the only route. We also welcome those with relevant professional or life experience—for example, people working in education, health, care, pastoral or support roles, or those who have developed strong listening and relational skills through lived experience.
Course Structure
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Location: The Luminary Compass, 14 Crown Gate, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3EJ
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Delivery: Weekly in-person sessions, with interactive practice, group work, and tutor support
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Duration: 15-week intensive and 23-week standard learning.
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Assessment: Portfolio of evidence, practical skills, and reflective work
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Accreditation: CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
What to expect:
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Getting to know the course and each other
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Counselling in different settings, skills practice
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Client needs and expectations, skills practice
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Ethics and safety + Workshop, tutorials
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Portfolio building, ethics continued
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Assessment and assessment tools, skills practice
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Diversity and protected characteristics, skills practice
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core conditions
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Who are you? Self-awareness Theory recap and case presentations
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Supervision and expectations + workshop
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Theory continued, humanistic and psychodynamic, skills practice.
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CBT, skills practice -putting theory into practice
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Introduction to research, mindfulness and mental health, skills practice
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Group dynamics and feedback
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Our journey, portfolio sign off.
Our next course:
Starting 21st February 2026 for 15 weeks (Saturdays)
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18 July 2026 - Course Fee: £750 [SEE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT BELOW]
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Plus £185 for the CPCAB registration fee.
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Instalment payment plans available
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Small group sizes ensure personalised support and strong tutor contact.
How to Apply
Applications are open now for the next cohort.
To secure your place:
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Pick a payment plan below
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Complete the online form
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Make your payment to save your place
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Email your brief reflected essay to level3@theluminarycompass.co.uk
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We will call you to confirm
1. Counselling Studies Level 3 Training
735£One Off Payment WITH EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - LIMITED AVAILABILITYValid for 6 months- £185 CPCAB Awarding Body Registration Fee,
- £550 Course Fee EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT until 24 April then £750
- 23-Week Course - at our rooms in Poundbury
- Next course starting 18 July 2026 - 09.30 to 13.30 weekly
- Course held in a professional counselling environment.