Counselling courses can help you learn active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and assessment techniques. You can build skills in client rapport, cultural competency, and crisis intervention strategies. Courses can introduce tools like cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, and assessment frameworks that enhance your ability to support clients effectively.

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Human Development, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Psychiatry, Human Learning, Child Development, Neurology, Culture, Social Sciences, Critical Thinking, Scientific Methods, Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Triage, Crisis Intervention, Active Listening, Emergency Response, Trauma Care, Psychological Evaluations, Interpersonal Communications, Personal Care, Mental Health, Stress Management, Patient Referral
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Patient Education And Counseling, Patient Evaluation, Interpersonal Communications, Psychotherapy, Mental Health Therapies, Patient Treatment, Treatment Planning, Rapport Building, Interactive Learning, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Case Studies, Mental Health, Clinical Practices
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Relationship Building, Social Skills, Active Listening, Interpersonal Communications, Communication, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Needs Assessment, Assertiveness, Psychology, Cultural Diversity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Research, Crisis Intervention, Research Methodologies, Epidemiology, Behavioral Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Medical Terminology, Psychotherapy, Public Health, Mental Health, Demography
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Niel Asher Education
Skills you'll gain: Manual Therapy, Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Physical Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rehabilitation, Psychotherapy, Patient Communication, Mental Health Therapies, Athletic Training, Stress Management, Coaching, Communication, Intravenous Therapy
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Substance Abuse, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Trauma Care, Mental Health, Psychology, Psychosocial Assessments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Pharmacology, Diagnostic Tests, Psychological Evaluations, Neurology, Cultural Diversity, Patient Treatment, Epidemiology, Patient Evaluation
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Cambridge
Skills you'll gain: Human Learning, Child Development, Psychology, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Teaching, Decision Making, Learning Theory, Instructional Strategies, Pedagogy, Learning Strategies, Developmental Disabilities, Empathy, Working With Children, Neurology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Medical Imaging, Electrophysiology, Human Development
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Resilience, Positivity, Optimism, Cognitive flexibility, Relationship Building, Self-Awareness, Adaptability, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Behavioral Economics, Public Policies, Diversity Awareness, Compassion, Sociology, Culture, Psychology, Cultural Diversity, Mental Health, Resilience, Critical Thinking, Human Development, Behavioral Health, Personal Development, Social Sciences, Empathy, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Communications, Relationship Building
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Drug Interaction, Contraindication, Patient Education And Counseling, Mindfulness, Patient Referral, Pharmacology, Treatment Planning, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Pain Management, Patient Safety, Clinical Assessment, Health Care, Clinical Practices, Nursing Practices, Pharmacotherapy, Health Promotion, Health And Wellness Coaching, Mental and Behavioral Health, Patient-centered Care, Music
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Rapport Building, Growth Mindedness, Recognizing Others, Empathy, Relationship Building, Constructive Feedback, Interpersonal Communications, Social Skills, Leadership, Compassion, Collaboration, Mentorship, Teamwork, Empowerment, Decision Making, Active Listening, Independent Thinking, Open Mindset, Conflict Management, Accountability
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Counselling is a professional practice that involves guiding individuals through personal, social, or psychological challenges. It is important because it provides a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings, helping them to gain clarity and develop coping strategies. Counselling can lead to improved mental health, better relationships, and enhanced personal growth.‎
A career in counselling can lead to various roles, including school counsellor, mental health therapist, marriage and family therapist, and substance abuse counsellor. These positions allow you to support individuals in overcoming challenges and achieving their personal goals, making a significant impact on their lives.‎
To succeed in counselling, you need strong communication skills, empathy, active listening, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, understanding psychological theories and ethical practices is essential. Developing these skills will empower you to connect with clients and facilitate their growth effectively.‎
There are many online counselling courses available that cater to different interests and skill levels. Some popular options include introductory courses on counselling techniques, specialized training in areas like family therapy, and programs focused on mental health. Exploring these courses can help you find the right fit for your learning journey.‎
Yes. You can start learning counselling on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in counselling, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
To learn counselling, start by researching online courses that align with your interests. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and practice your skills through role-playing or volunteer opportunities. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding and prepare you for real-world applications.‎
Counselling courses typically cover topics such as communication skills, ethical practices, psychological theories, and specific counselling techniques. You may also explore areas like crisis intervention, group therapy, and cultural competence, which are essential for effective practice in diverse settings.‎
For training and upskilling employees in counselling, look for courses that focus on practical skills and real-world applications. Programs that offer case studies, role-playing exercises, and feedback from experienced professionals can be particularly beneficial in enhancing the skills of your workforce. ‎