Train the Trainers: Introduction to
Biblio-Counselling Skills
Tuesday 20th October - Thursday 22nd October 2026
This brand new course prepares experienced professionals to deliver Exeter UNESCO City of Literature's National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society Quality Checked Introduction to
Biblio-Counselling Skills course.
Short course
Professional-focused
In-person training in Exeter
Duration: 3 Days | 9am - 5pm
Admission: Open for October 2026
Course fee: £295
Assessment: Participants will deliver selected sections of the course, facilitate activities, receive peer and tutor feedback, and demonstrate they can maintain the integrity of the curriculum before approval to teach independently.
“The trainers made it a very safe space for discussion and exploration. I would have to say this is the most enjoyable, interesting and insightful course I have ever had the pleasure to partake in.”
Introduction to Biblio-Counselling Skills Course Attendee | May 2026
Overview
This course prepares experienced professionals to deliver Exeter UNESCO City of Literature's NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) Quality Checked course Introduction to Biblio-Counselling Skills course consistently, ethically, and to the required standard. It focuses on pedagogy, facilitation, safeguarding, fidelity to the curriculum, and adapting delivery while preserving the core learning outcomes.
The course will run Tuesday October 20 - Thursday October 22 from 9am to 5pm each day. It is co-taught by a practicing, licensed therapist and an English literature specialist, and the course is capped at 14 participants to provide a more personal, in-depth teaching and learning experience. The location will be in Exeter. A light lunch will be provided each day. This is an in-person course, and is £295 per person.
Learning Outcomes from the course
Deliver the Introduction course with consistency and confidence.
Understand which elements are fixed and which can be adapted.
Facilitate skills practice and reflective discussion.
Assess learner readiness and provide developmental feedback.
Model ethical boundaries, safeguarding, and signposting.
Represent Exeter UNESCO City of Literature's philosophy and quality standards.
Who should apply?
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Be either:
(a) a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist holding a minimum Level 4 counselling qualification (or equivalent).
OR
(b) a literary professional with substantial expertise, such as a librarian, English Literature teacher, lecturer, or professor, or a bookseller with at least 8 years' professional experience.
Have 8+ years’ experience teaching, training, and/or facilitating groups.
Be confident leading reflective discussions and managing group dynamics when discussing sensitive topics.
Be committed to person-centred, ethical practice and safeguarding.
Have a high degree of self-awareness.
Timeline for Applicants
Thursday 3rd September | Application deadline
Monday 14th September | Applicants informed whether they were successful or not
Monday 28th September | Payment due to confirm place on the course
Tuesday 20th October | Course begins
“This course has already helped my professional development by totally reframing my perspective on reading as a tool for wellbeing in my work setting. I feel newly energised and excited about ways in which we can support our service users and connect through books, reading and stories.”
Introduction to Biblio-Counselling Skills Course Attendee | May 2026