What to expect from Level 3 counselling training

Level 3 counselling training is where skills deepen, self-awareness grows and many students realise whether counselling is truly the right path. This blog explores what the experience is really like, academically and emotionally.

What to expect from Level 3 counselling training

Most people do not arrive at Level 3 counselling training by accident.

By this point, something has already shifted. You may have completed Level 2 and realised that counselling feels more than ‘interesting’. You might notice that listening differently has changed how you relate to people. Or perhaps you find yourself increasingly curious about emotions, boundaries and what really helps people feel heard.

Level 3 often arrives at a crossroads.

You are not yet training to work with clients. But you are no longer just exploring counselling skills in a light-touch way either. Level 3 sits in the middle - a space where learning deepens and many students begin to ask themselves, Could I do this professionally?

This guide offers an honest picture of what Level 3 counselling training feels like once you are inside it.

How Level 3 feels different from Level 2

Level 2 introduces counselling skills gently. Level 3 asks you to stay with them.

The biggest difference students notice is depth. Skills practice becomes more nuanced. Reflection becomes more layered. Tutors begin to invite you to notice not only what you say, but how you are present.

Classes often feel slower and more thoughtful. There is more space for discussion, for uncertainty, and for noticing what happens inside you during listening and responding. This can feel challenging at times - especially if you are used to wanting clear answers or quick reassurance.

Level 3 encourages you to tolerate not knowing straight away.

The learning environment: relational and supportive

Level 3 training is still very much held within a supportive learning environment.

Tutors understand that this stage of training can feel exposing. As skills deepen, self-awareness increases. You may notice habits, defences or emotional responses that were previously outside your awareness. This is not a problem - it is the point.

Groups often become close during Level 3. Students learn together, reflect together and support one another through moments of uncertainty. Many describe the group as a key part of their learning - a place where it feels safe to think out loud and grow.

Tutors play an active role in shaping this environment. They model empathy, boundaries and ethical awareness in the way they teach, not just in what they teach.

What learning looks like in practice

A typical Level 3 session might include theory, skills practice and reflection woven together.

You might explore a counselling concept, practise it in pairs or small groups, and then come back together to reflect on what emerged. Reflection is not about analysing yourself harshly. It is about noticing patterns, responses and learning edges with curiosity.

Skills practice continues to be central. Exercises become slightly longer and more complex. You may practise staying present when emotions arise, responding empathically without rescuing, and noticing when you want to move away from discomfort.

Students often worry about ‘getting it right’. Over time, most realise that Level 3 is less about performance and more about awareness.

Self-awareness and personal development

One of the most meaningful aspects of Level 3 is the growth in self-awareness.

As training progresses, you may notice things about yourself that feel surprising. Perhaps you become aware of how quickly you try to reassure people. Or how silence makes you uncomfortable. Or how certain topics evoke strong emotional reactions.

Level 3 invites you to notice these responses rather than judge them.

This awareness supports personal growth, but it also prepares you for later professional training. Counsellors need to understand their own internal responses so they can remain present for others. Level 3 lays the groundwork for this capacity.

Reflective work and assignments

Assignments at Level 3 remain reflective rather than academic.

You are not expected to write essays filled with theory. Instead, you are invited to reflect on your learning experiences, skills practice and personal responses. This reflective writing helps you integrate learning and deepen insight.

Many students find reflective work surprisingly powerful. Writing allows you to slow down, process experiences and notice connections you might otherwise miss. Over time, reflection becomes a natural part of learning rather than something separate.

Managing doubts and self-questioning

It is common for doubts to surface during Level 3.

Students sometimes ask themselves whether they are ‘cut out’ for counselling. They compare themselves to others. They worry about confidence, competence or emotional resilience.

Tutors are familiar with these concerns and normalise them. Level 3 is not about certainty. It is about exploration. Training creates space for questioning, not pressure to decide your future immediately.

For some students, Level 3 confirms that counselling is a clear next step. For others, it provides valuable skills and insight that enrich their current roles or personal lives. Both outcomes are valid.

What Level 3 develops in you

By the end of Level 3, most students notice meaningful changes.

They listen more patiently. They feel more comfortable with emotion. They communicate more clearly and ethically. They have a deeper understanding of boundaries and professional awareness.

Perhaps most importantly, they begin to recognise their own learning style and capacity for reflection. This self-knowledge is essential for anyone considering further training.

Who Level 3 is especially suited to

Level 3 suits people who are willing to engage with learning on a deeper level.

You do not need to be emotionally fearless or highly confident. You do need to be open to reflection, group learning and gradual growth.

Level 3 is ideal for those who want to explore counselling seriously, but without the immediate responsibility of client work. It is a thoughtful pause between curiosity and commitment.

Deciding whether to move on to Level 4

One of the key roles of Level 3 is helping students decide whether professional counselling training feels right.

Some students leave Level 3 feeling clear and confident about progressing. Others choose to pause, integrate learning into their lives, or use skills in different contexts. Both paths are respected.

Level 3 does not push you forward. It helps you listen to yourself more clearly.

Final reflections: a meaningful middle stage

Level 3 counselling training is often remembered fondly.

It is the stage where learning deepens, confidence grows quietly and many students begin to see counselling not just as a skill set, but as a way of relating to others and themselves.

If you are considering Level 3, know that uncertainty is part of the process. Training exists to support exploration, not to demand answers.

Find out more: To explore the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies at Aloe, visit the course page for full details about structure, expectations and progression.