I'm neurodivergent or managing a health condition — will the course suit me?

At a Glance

Many of our students are neurodivergent, and many are managing a long-term health condition alongside their practice. Every lecture comes in four formats, the self-directed learning is entirely self-paced, and we have a reasonable adjustments policy. The single most useful thing you can do is tell us what you need before the course starts.

Every lecture comes in four formats

You are never required to take information in one fixed way. Each lecture in the learning portal is available as:

• Video — the tutor with the accompanying slides

• Audio — for listening away from a screen, or while walking

• Full written transcript — for reading-preferred learners, and for use with screen readers and other assistive tools

• Downloadable slide pack — for visual reference and for making your own notes on

Dyslexic students often tell us they play the audio and read the transcript at the same time, and that the combination works better for them than either one on its own. The materials are available around the clock from any device, so you can return to anything as often as you need.

You get a head start before the live sessions begin

You are given access to the self-directed learning portal at least two weeks before your first live session. This exists so you can read into the material at your own pace before the group gathers.

If you are returning to study after a break, or you know you need longer to absorb new material, use those two weeks. It means the first live day is not the first time you meet the content.

The self-directed learning is genuinely self-paced

During the live phase of the course you will need around 8 to 9 hours a week of self-directed study. How you break that up is entirely yours to decide — short focused bursts, one longer sitting, early mornings, whatever fits how you process and how your energy runs.

The live training days

There are six full live days on Zoom, running fortnightly from 10am to 4pm. A dedicated tech host runs alongside the tutor on every one of them, managing the Zoom environment, sharing links and sorting out any glitches. Technology is someone else's job, not yours.

Breaks and managing a health condition

If you need regular breaks, need to eat at particular times, monitor blood sugar, manage pain or fatigue, or step away to take medication, this can be accommodated. Tell the Academic Admin Team in advance and it will be planned into the day, so you are not having to ask in the moment or explain yourself to the group.

One thing to be clear about

Live days include observed practice in breakout rooms, where the tutor needs to see you working. That means breaks within the day are straightforward to arrange, and leaving early is harder. If you think a full day will be difficult, talk to us before you enrol rather than after, so we can look at it properly with you.

If you do have to miss a session

You need to attend at least five of the six live days — 80%, in line with the BACP supervision training curriculum. Any session you miss live is caught up by watching the recording and confirming to the team that you have done so.

If you know in advance that a session will be difficult, contact the Academic Admin Team as early as you can and they will talk through the options with you.

Reasonable adjustments — please tell us

We have a reasonable adjustments policy, and it can only work if we know what you need. That includes anything affecting how you engage with the live days, the portal material or the written assignments.

Many practitioners have had accessibility needs brushed aside on previous training. We take them seriously here, and disclosing something does not affect your place on the course.

The written work

The assignments are the part students worry about most, and the support is built around that. There is a full assignment briefing in week 6, plus a separate optional workshop at no extra cost where you bring your draft work and your questions directly to the tutor.

Both assignments are graded as pass or referral. If your work is referred you receive detailed feedback on what needs addressing and can resubmit free of charge.

Our tutors hold formal teaching qualifications, so they are trained in how people learn rather than only in the subject they teach. If you are worried specifically about the academic side, see also I'm worried I'm not academic enough — can I cope with the work?

Still Need Help?

Our support team is always on hand if you get stuck.

Email us at support@counsellingtutor.com and we will be happy to help. If you would like to discuss a specific adjustment before enrolling, say so in your email and we will make sure the right person picks it up.