The Heart Wood Training Certificate is an in-person residential course over six weekends, being offered as an eight-month long training experience. The focus will be on the philosophy, attitudes, ethics and structures necessary for practitioners wanting to work outside the counselling room. A large amount of the input will focus on the many attitudes and skills of working with groups in nature, most of which are transferable to one-to-one working. We will also include specific elements of working one-to-one in nature.​

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The course offers 100 hours of CPD training and includes a minimum of five days of input in Contact Work by including the “Extended Certificate in Pre-Therapy (contact reflections)” certified by the Pre-Therapy International Network. 

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In addition to the Training Certificate, participants may also obtain a Pre-Therapy Certificate if they wish, however it is not mandatory to complete this component of the training. To do this, they will need to include and present a case study on the experience of practicing at least twice between each weekend, with an individual from the group, or from their own practice outside of the charity, who could be identified as being high end grey zone functioning.

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More information about the course will be available to download in September. 

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COURSE LEADERS​

The course is led by Heart Wood Mentor, Consultant and Lead Facilitator, Rab Erskine and Heart Wood Founder and Lead Facilitator, Chip Ponsford. To find out more about Rab and Chip please go to Who We Are

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WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

This course is for qualified and practicing humanistic or person-centred counsellors who are receiving ongoing supervision and are members of a governing body. 

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COURSE DATES

Fri 21 – Sun 23 March 2025

Fri 2 – Sun 4 May 2025

Fri 13 – Sun 15 June 2025

Fri 25 – Sun 27 July 2025

Fri 5 – Sun 7 September 2025

Fri 3 – Sun 5 October 2025

Each weekend will run from 5pm on the Friday until 2pm on the Sunday. 

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COURSE LOCATION

This is a residential course which will be held in rural Northumberland in stunning woodland and within the Walled Garden at Minsteracres Retreat Centre, Consett, DH8 9RT

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COST

£2,400. The cost includes food and camping accommodation.

 

The course fee will be payable in instalments:

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On notification of your place: £75 non-refundable deposit 

January 2025: £800

April 2025: £800

July 2025: £725

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Other payment plans can be discussed. 

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APPLICATIONS

An application link will be available from mid-September.

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​​CONTACT INFO

If you would like to register your interest, or have any questions about this course, please do get in touch.

Emma Ponsford, Heart Wood Manager

admin@heartwoodcharity.org​