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Oxford Diploma: Professional Counselling : 50+ techniques (Udemy.com)

Practical counselling skills through case studies, active Q&A, regular updates, and strong instructor involvement

Created by: Chris Sivewright

Last updated September 2026

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What you will learn

  • Develop the core skills needed for effective counselling/counseling
  • Use a wide range of counselling/counseling techniques with greater confidence
  • Apply counselling/counseling concepts through case studies and practical exercises
  • Strengthen active listening skills to better support and understand others
  • Understand the main ideas and applications of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Explain how Motivational Interviewing can support change and client engagement
  • Identify the effects of addiction related to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex
  • Understand the role of counselling/counseling in addiction support and recovery

How it compares

Against the other 1,107 rated Udemy courses in Personal Development on CourseDuck:

  • Rating4.8 out of 5higher than 85% of them
  • Reviews270#573 of 1,108 by number of reviews
  • Length52.9 hourslonger than 99% of them
  • Last updatedSeptember 2026more recently than 97% of them

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Course Description

Professional Counselling Diploma Course

Most counselling courses give you information. This one is designed to help you apply it.

If you want a counselling course that is actively taught, regularly updated, and built around real engagement, this course is for you.

What makes this course different from many others in this section on Udemy is simple: it is not a static set of lectures uploaded and then forgotten. New content is added regularly, students are encouraged to take part in the Q&A, case studies are used to deepen understanding, and there is a high level of instructor involvement throughout.

This course is built for learners who want more than passive viewing. It is designed for those who want to learn, reflect, discuss and apply counselling ideas in a meaningful way.

Why this course is different

  • Lectures are regularly added and updated

  • Students are encouraged to participate in the Q&A

  • Case studies help you apply what you learn

  • There is a high level of instructor involvement

  • The emphasis is on active learning, not passive watching

  • Discussion and reflection are treated as central to the learning process

When studying counselling, real learning does not come only from watching videos or reading notes. It comes from thinking carefully, reflecting on practice, exploring case material, and applying principles to realistic situations.

That is why this course includes case studies written specifically to help students move beyond theory.

Learn with confidence

Created by Chris Sivewright, bestselling instructor with over 250,000 individual students (900,000 enrolments) in more than 200 countries.

Learners consistently value the course for:

  • clear and accessible teaching

  • thorough subject knowledge

  • practical and well-structured content

  • an engaging learning experience

  • support for deeper understanding and personal development

What you will study

This course includes lectures on:

  • what is necessary to be a professional counsellor

  • essential counselling skills

  • essential counselling techniques

  • applying counselling skills in the workplace

  • applying counselling skills in your own life

  • resilience and stress management

  • ethical decision-making

  • addiction, including drug, sex and gambling addiction

  • ALGEE and its application

  • counselling case studies that help you apply your learning

Extended study on key counselling skills and approaches

You will also explore key areas such as:

  • Active Listening

  • Cognitive Restructuring

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • EMDR

Additional topics included

Further modules include:

  • What Is Psychotherapy — same as Counselling?

  • The Brain and Hormones

  • The Conscious and the Unconscious Mind

  • Memory

  • Stress

  • Behaviour

  • Affective Disorders

Regularly updated content

This is a growing course, with new material added over time.

Recent additions have included topics such as:

  • eco-anxiety

  • archetypal counselling

  • chronic anxiety and CBT

  • becoming a licensed professional counsellor

  • helping a child overcome separation anxiety

  • rebuilding trust in couples counselling

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for those who want:

  • a substantial introduction to counselling

  • practical understanding, not just theory

  • regular course updates

  • strong instructor presence

  • case studies and discussion-based learning

  • a course that encourages application of knowledge

A course built around application

As this is not a live face-to-face course, the closest equivalent to practical application comes through case studies, reflection, discussion points, and active engagement in the Q&A.

That is where this course is different.

It is not simply a course about watching lectures.

It is a course about counselling, communicating, discussing, learning and applying.

If you want a counselling course that is current, practical, interactive, and designed to help you engage deeply with the subject, then enrol today.

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Instructor Details

Chris Sivewright

About Me

Hi, I’m Chris Sivewright!  With over 40 years of teaching experience, I’m passionate about helping students achieve their goals, whether it’s mastering Economics, Business, or exploring creative subjects like Psychology or Literature. My background is incredibly diverse—I’ve been a teacher, examiner, business leader, writer, actor, and volunteer.

Education

I’ve studied at some of the most prestigious institutions:

University of Oxford – Philosophy and Economics

Oxford Brookes University – Teacher training

University of Glamorgan – Business and Economics

Qualifications

Professional qualifications at Masters level

Degree in Business and Economics

Examiner for four major exam boards (O and A Level)

Holder of three teaching diplomas and CELTA certification

Qualified fitness trainer

Key Roles in Education

I’ve had the privilege of holding leadership positions in various institutions:

Principal – Oxford School of Learning

Director of Studies – St. Joseph’s Hall, Oxford

Head of Economics – Cherwell Tutors

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Reviews

4.8

270 ratings on Udemy

Select a bar to show only those reviews.Select the bar again to show every rating.

By Chan Pak Hoi on 2/8/2026

It is my pressure to share my reviews on this course. Overall, this curriculum goes beyond my expectation. I have gained a lot from the designed videos, case study materials, visual aid tools and exercises. It is really a good space for building our muscle for counseling ability. Also, this course is fulls of fruitful materials so it looks like a digitalized library. Before I joined this course, I felt so stressful and intimidating because it needs my spending much more times and efforts on engagement. When I watched the brief introduction session by Chris, the tutor said that very few students on Udemy obtained the Oxford Certificate. I questioned myself of whether I would have meet the criteria or not as it needs to post a lot on QA and assignments.I thought that it is a tough and harsh requirements. I heasitated for some times just like other Udemy students. In fact, I hope to become a freelance mental health professional in the future but I have difficulties of studying few years course at University. Therefore, I took a look for psychology or mental health related courses on online. I have a chance for visiting Professional counseling skills course taught by Chris. Finally, I decided to give it an attempted because of my passion on psychological counseling. After my first attempt to do case studies, I found it so surprised because I can internalize my learned theories into the practical application on case study booklets, visual aids toolboxes and valuable articles. It is really different from other Udemy course on just watching videos. This counseling course encourages us not only to watch the lectures, but also learn by doing and participating with others. This method is similiar to the engagement case analysis into the group discussion in classroom. When I do homework with case study or exercise, I realize that I can really internalize from abstract theoetical knowledges into the practical case scenarios. I have gained a clearer structure and framework on how to apply for real-life case work by step-by-step way. Besides case studies, it also includes the most valuable sources for my clear understanding, such as authorized websites, role-play videos, self-development toolboxes and specialized tutoring on videos. Even though it is a challenging process, I found it really beneficial for my future aspiration. Therefore, I decide to keep going to this course. The content of this counseling course is varied. I can learn the counseling skills exceeding my thoughts. Not only I grasp the concept of counseling theories, but also the clear demonstration and application on booklet or visual aid tools. I can gain not limited to basic counseling skills such as active listening and summarizing skill, which is crucial for building rapport and stress many times on the lectures. The counseling theories are also include the traditional approach, like CBT, SFBT and Motivational Interviewing. Moreover, I can have a chance to explore for modern approach, like Narrative therapy, Art therapy and even animal-assisted therapy. I really feel that this course has been teaching us many martial arts, in order to prepare us to work with complicated situations. For our tutor Chris, I can see that he is really enthusaism and passionate onto his teaching responsilities. He always actively answer his student's questions with efficiency on messages or social media. His teaching is actually presenting very well that make his students apprehend easily. In his designed lectures, booklets, mannual and other sources, I can see his wholeheartedly on helping his students benefiting a lot. Moreover, he regularly update new contents and mannuals so I can benefit a lot. This course is never ending but I think it is good to students who have strong passion on psychology. However, I think that two things wait for some improvement. The first thing is to tailor-made learning journey to new coming students. It is because few hundreds of lectures and reading materials within the courses. Chris can support new students a lot if the new Udemy students feel hard to prioritze their learning. Secondly, the posting QA need to be more clearer. Some case studies or assignments has been grouping together, but some assgnments are still seperating. It had been more structural if the two areas would have improved. Overall, I would recommned this course for Udemy students who are interested to mental health or psychology, or having an aspiration of pursuing for helping professional sectors. Undeniably, it is not easy process and it takes us more times and hardworking. It is not situable for students who are just hope for a certificate. However, we can benefit a lot over our thoughts. This course is actually a better space for bulding our ability of helping people with healthier well-being.

By Angelita Babaan on 1/27/2026

This Course Exceeded Every Expectations And I Mean That Wholeheartedly! I have taken many courses in my life as an English teacher and educator, but nothing has come close to the impact this one has had on me. Chris Sivewright is not just an instructor, he is a true mentor with a gift for making complex psychological concepts feel warm, accessible, and deeply human. The lectures, videos, exercises, and discussions don't just teach you counselling - they transform you organically from the inside out. I found myself growing with every module, not only as a future counsellor but as a person. Chris, if you read this - thank you. You have given me tools I will carry for life and a passion I didn't know I had. This is learning with soul. To anyone considering this course please enroll without hesitation. You will not regret it!

By Paul John Anis on 10/28/2025

The Oxford Diploma in Professional Counselling by Chris Sivewright is not your typical Udemy course. It’s highly interactive and encourages active participation, reflection, and discussion. I really appreciate how much effort Chris puts into guiding his students — he takes the time to reply thoughtfully to our posts and direct us on how to answer the discussion questions properly. His dedication truly makes a difference. The videos and case studies are engaging and practical, and you can see the effort he puts into creating meaningful content. I’m currently at 47% of the course, and it continues to challenge me in the best way — it’s not passive learning at all. I also love that the course is regularly updated, giving students a reason to return and keep learning even after completion. Overall, this course has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It’s a 5-star experience that truly makes learning come alive!

By Silpa S on 8/17/2025

This course has been one of the most holistic and enriching learning experiences I’ve had. Unlike many other programs that rely on repetitive “talking head” videos, this one truly stood out with its creative presentation—different scenarios, thoughtful use of music, and varied settings that made the learning process engaging and memorable. What sets this course apart even more is the Q&A component. It’s not just an add-on, but truly the heart of the program. Prof. Chris is exceptionally responsive, meticulous, and genuinely attentive to learners’ needs. The way he engages with our questions makes the experience feel highly personalized. In fact, if you’re lucky, you might even receive a lecture tailored to the exact area you’re looking to develop. That level of attention and commitment is rare. Personally, I feel I would have struggled to stay motivated if not for the Q&A sessions. They pushed me to reflect, participate, and grow in ways a passive course never could. The only improvement I could hope for (not from the instructor, who already does everything possible) would be to have more learners actively participating in the Q&A. It would make the discussions even richer. Overall, this course is holistic, engaging, and far beyond the standard online learning experience. It balances depth with creativity, and with Prof. Chris’ dedication, it’s an invaluable program for anyone serious about counselling psychology.

By Jennifer Lind on 8/3/2025

I enjoyed this course. It covered a lot of different topics and gave ideas for certain things that will come up as you navigate the world of mental health. Chris is enthusiastic about the subject matter and speaks clearly to ensure that you can understand the material. It relates to every day life and is good for both personal and professional growth. The only thing that I felt was not great, was the extended time spent on Eco-anxiety. While this is an issue in today's society, I feel more attention could have been given to other topics rather than spending so much time on this one. Otherwise this is a great course and I definitely recommend it.

By Varsha on 5/25/2025

First and foremost, I’d say that writing this review was crucial to the successful completion of the course, and also part of obtaining the course certificate. That being said, it is an honest review and rating. In other words, even if this wasn’t a prerequisite and I would be writing it out of my own free will and volition; this would be my review. The Professor/Author is excellent. This course is easy and convenient to do and follow through on your cellular device. The Author is very learned and has taken great pains to formulate this course (you will see as you navigate through the course). He has provided many useful links and articles. It was a well structured and brilliantly put together course. I feel that my personal understanding of the subject has immensely bettered and has grown. I highly recommend this course to any one who’s interested in psychology and understanding human behaviour.

By Baliruno Marvin on 4/26/2025

A transformative journey: My experience pursuing this course was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As someone passionate about helping others, I was drawn to the field of counselling, and this diploma program exceeded my expectations. Key Takeaways 1. Deepened understanding of human behavior, the program helped me develop a deeper understanding of human behavior including the complexities of mental health and the importance of empathy in therapeutic relationships. 2. Practical skills development through role playing exercises, case studies and supervised practicum sessions, I acquired practical skills in an assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning. 3. Developed personal growth and self-awareness, the program encouraged self-reflection and personal growth, allowing me to develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. 4. Learned diverse perspectives through exposure to various theoretical approaches and models, broadening my understanding of the counselling field and enabling me to tailor my approach to individual clients' needs. Why was it a good match for me 1. The course aligns with my passion; the diploma aligned perfectly with my passion for helping others and making a positive impact on their lives. 2. The program's flexible schedule and online delivery made it accessible to me, allowing me to balance my studies with work and other commitments. 3. I was part of a supportive community of peers and instructors who shared my passion for counselling, creating a collaborative and motivating learning environment. Conclusion The professional counselling diploma has been a transformative experience that has equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue a career in counselling. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

By Peter K Joseph on 4/11/2025

I am a retired CXO of a media organisation in India and have been dedicated to volunteering as a counsellor at a de-addiction centre near my local town for the past two years. When I discovered your course online, my initial goal was to enhance the skills I have developed on my own at a professional level. I must express that this short-term course has truly transformed my perspective on counselling. I believe that undertaking this course earlier could have significantly benefited my journey as a volunteer counsellor. I would like to commend Prof. Chris for being an exceptional teacher with outstanding teaching abilities. The combination of video presentations followed by written articles was particularly beneficial and greatly appreciated. One aspect that I found to be somewhat less engaging was the art therapy sessions, although this may be due to my personal preferences, as I am not particularly drawn to art. Overall, I found all the other lectures to be immensely helpful and enriching. Prof. Chris, your commitment to supporting aspiring counsellors like myself is truly commendable. Thank you for this valuable opportunity. Best regards, Peter K Joseph Media Consultant and Management Coach Kerala, India

By Kenneth Springfield on 3/31/2025

Very thoughtful approach I signed up for this course to help me grow as a group leader for our church youth group. The church leadership encouraged all group leaders to enhance their skills and your course was incredibly helpful in providing practical tools that I am already using. Among the many effective counseling techniques you provided, the Vowel Technique A, E, I, O, U—stands out as my favorite. While I coined the name myself, it serves as a simple and memorable way to summarize my five favorite tools from your course You had so many that I narrowed it down to: Active Listening, Empathy, Intervention, Open-Ended Questions, and Unconditional Positive Feedback. All five are valuable but the three I find myself using most often are Active Listening, Empathy, and Open-Ended Questions. Active Listening is a powerful technique that I find helps others be heard and understood. By focusing on what someone is saying without interruption, I believe it shows that I truly care about what they are saying. This is especially true in the church youth group, where many teens are wanting to express themselves in a safe environment and it builds trust. Empathy is another key skill that I find incredibly meaningful. It involves putting myself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand their emotions from their perspective. I feel this helps create a stronger connection and trust. Open-Ended Questions may be my favorite and is helpful in encouraging meaningful conversations. Instead of getting one-word answers, these questions may help them reflect and come back to me with an answer. I believe a person feels comfortable and respected using this technique. Together, I feel these and all your techniques described promote trust and open communication. Whether I’m interacting with youth at church, collaborating with coworkers, or spending time with family, I find these tools very helpful. The Vowel Technique provides me with something easy to remember and use on a daily basis. Thank you for a course that has given me not only knowledge but also confidence in my role. These tools have already made a noticeable difference in how I connect with everyone.

By Victoria Poddubnaya on 1/14/2025

Couple days ago I started this course and I love it so much! It helps me not just learn more about counselling but also learn about myself more. I love watching and listening to Chris' lectures. He is truly one of the best teachers in the world. His courses, his lectures are real gems. I also can say that Chris is a person who motivates me a lot - to not give up, to continue learning step by step, not just to get diploma or certificate, but to get real knowledge and integrate it into my daily practice. I highly recommend this course (and other Chris' courses) for those who would like to become both - a better professional and a better version of themselves. P.S. Continuing my journey in this course. Super healing experience. The instructor is really caring, professional, and delivers the perfect lectures.

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Overall Score : 96 / 100