At the core of the GCS Foundation programme is the focus on ongoing personal process work through both group and individual exploration and reflection.
The ethos is person centred in nature and based upon Existential and Humanistic principles, philosophy and theory.
The course process parallels the counselling relationship in seeking to form a constructive and collaborative relationship whereby you are encouraged to nurture personal responsibility, self reflectiveness, and form interdependent relationships based on respect, understanding and authenticity.
The three main elements of the course (theoretical learning, skills and personal development) run in conjunction throughout the eight weekends as is best practice in counselling and psychotherapy training.
Existential and Humanistic psychology both emphasise the importance of developing the core qualities of empathic understanding, non judgemental acceptance and authenticity in relationships. Valuing difference in people and an understanding of the boundaries which help maintain safe counselling practice are essential elements of the course as is personal development through ongoing self reflection, self support and self challenge.