DIPLOMA COURSE IN COUNSELLING

Outline of the Course

This course aims to provide a good foundation in Counselling and knowledge on related theories in the area of mental health & abnormal psychology, sociology and psychology and their application to counselling. The practical aspect of the course includes basic counselling skills and personal development.

The course is conducted over a year during weekends at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Clinical training is provided at the University Psychiatry Unit at Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila. Students who successfully complete both practical and theory components are awarded the diploma.

Upon completion of this course you are eligible to function as an independent counsellor.

Duration

One Academic year
Lectures and practical classes are to be conducted on weekends (Lectures are mainly physical. Few of them will be held via Zoom depending on requirements)

Medium

Sinhala and English in alternative years

2023/2024 – Sinhala Medium
2024/2025 – English Medium

Course Fee

120,000/-
This payment has to be made in full at the time of registration

Admission Requirements

  • Age between 22 – 55 years

Minimum Qualification

  • Candidate should pass G.C.E (A/L) with 3 passes in any subject stream.

Additional Qualifications

  • Degree from a recognized University (Recognized by the University Grant Commission)
  • Certificate of Nursing or Teacher Training

Objectives of the Course

General Objectives

At the end of the training programme a trainee should be able to;

  • Function as a competent counselor who is capable of counselling the service seeker with compassion and highest ethical standards.
  • Identify those with special needs and refer them to appropriate agencies.

Specific Objectives

At the end of the course a trainee should be able to;

  1. Describe the concepts of counselling
  2. Describe the basic concepts of sociology relevant to counselling
  3. Describe the basic concepts of psychology relevant to counselling
  4. Describe the concepts of health (mental, physical and social)
  5. Describe human behavior and deviations from the norm
  6. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills
  7. Identify the psychological needs of service users and provide appropriate support
  8. Identify clients with serious mental illnesses and refer to relevant mental health services
  9. Identify existing support services in Sri Lanka and refer as needed
  10. Identify the existing support services in Sri Lanka
  11. Identify and refer to appropriate support services when necessary
  12. Function with highest ethical standards

Course Structure

Consist of 19 modules, the course is delivered in a variety of modes including lectures, group discussions and practical exercises and role plays in a learning atmosphere. Students will be awarded 30 credits for successful completion of each module.

Modules
Module 01
Introduction to Psychology and Counselling
Module 02
Theories of Personality
Module 03
Treatment Methods
Module 04
Developmental Psychology and Life Cycle
Module 05
Self Development
Module 06
Elements of Anatomy, Physiology and Bio-chemistry
Module 07
Basic concepts of Sociology relevant to counselling
Module 08
Mental Health and Abnormal Psychology
Module 09
Communication and Counselling Skills Development
Module 10
Problem Solving Counselling
Module 11
Special Applications of Counselling
Module 12
Knowledge of support services in Sri Lanka to mentally ill and socially disabled
Module 13
Referral Counselling
Module 14
Ethics in Counselling
Module 15
Electives
Module 16
Clinical attachment programme
Module 17
Project work
Module 18
Social Responsibility
Module 19
Nutrition Counselling

How to Apply

Information about the new recruitments will be advertised in this web page and in the weekend newspapers.

Applications for the 2023/2024 batch – closed

Applications for the 2024/2025 batch – will be announced mid-next year.