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Courses and Training for Counselling and Life Coaching

National Counselling Psychotherapy Society logo
British Association Counselling Psychotherapy Approved Qualification

Approved by:

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Welcome to Three Pillars Training


We see you…You’ve felt the pull to do something more meaningful, to help others, to use your own life experience to make a difference. At Three Pillars Training, we help you turn that calling into a professional pathway through CPCAB accredited, counselling and life coaching that’s designed for you, people with busy lives.

Learn with the support of practising counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches who know exactly what it’s like to start where you are now - curious, hopeful and ready for change.

EXPLORE OUR COURSES

“I’d looked at so many training centres before finding Three Pillars. The difference was how personal it felt. I never once felt like just another student.”

— Level 2 Counselling Skills student
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Built by people who’ve walked the path

Three Pillars Training was founded by Sharon Williams and her team of experienced tutors and practising professionals who believe that great training should feel more human rather than academic. Focusing on what you can do rather than focusing on what you can’t.

We’ve spent decades delivering training collectively and have refined our approach so that every learner feels supported, included and confident they’re in the right place from day one.

Our tutor team brings not just the qualifications, but empathy, humour and real-world understanding of what it means to build a new career in counselling and coaching.

MEET THE TEAM
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Our Values

Learning with us isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about developing your mindset, skillset and heart needed for meaningful work with others.

Integrity & Trust

We act with honesty, professionalism and respect, creating a supportive environment where people feel safe and valued.

Inclusivity & Accessibility

We can adapt to diverse needs and real-life commitments, ensuring training is accessible and supportive for everyone.

Growth & Confidence

We are committed to high standards, fostering personal and professional development that leads to meaningful and lasting success which enables you to flourish.

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Your Journey: From Curiosity to Confident Practitioner

We believe in steady, sustainable growth. Here’s what your journey could look like:

  1. Discover your path – Start with a Level 2 entry level qualification to start to build a solid foundation on which you can confidently continue to build upon as you move forwards through your learning journey.

  2. Develop your foundation – Level 3 Counselling and Coaching qualifications deepen understanding, encourage reflection, self-awareness and theory.

  3. Qualify professionally – Level 4 Diplomas prepare you for agency work and/or private practice.

  4. Keep growing! – CPD, further qualifications and varied workshops expand your skillset as your career develops.

Each stage blends theory, practical experience and guided reflection. No exams,  just consistent learning, feedback and real-world application.

The Three Pillars of Growth

At the heart of everything we do are the three pillars that define our training:

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Counselling Training

Our counselling qualifications take you from Level 2 Counselling Skills through to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, preparing you for real work with real people. You’ll learn to communicate with confidence, understand yourself more deeply and gain the ethical framework needed to practise safely.

EXPLORE COUNSELLING COURSES
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Life Coaching Training

Empower others to achieve lasting change. Through our Level 3 and Level 4 Coaching courses, you’ll develop evidence-based tools from psychology, motivation and behaviour change theory, learning how to guide people toward clarity, balance and fulfilment.

EXPLORE COACHING COURSES
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CPD Hub

Keep your practice fresh and your skills sharp. Our CPD workshops and short courses cover specialist topics including Understanding Substance Misuse. More courses will be added soon. Designed for counsellors, coaches and wellbeing practitioners who believe that growth never stops.

EXPLORE CPD HUB

Accreditation & Credibility
- What CPCAB Means

All our qualifications are awarded by the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) — the only awarding body in the UK created by counsellors, for counsellors.


CPCAB qualifications are regulated by Ofqual, recognised by professional bodies such as the BACP, and the NCPS. While every centre delivers CPCAB courses differently, our programmes have been shaped through years of experience, collaboration and learner feedback making them engaging, inclusive and grounded in real practice.

Whether you’ve studied a CPCAB course before or are brand new, you’ll notice our approach is refreshingly human, accessible and manageable. We pride ourselves on high-quality teaching, smaller cohort sizes and one-to-one support, particularly for learners who are neurodivergent, those who are returning to study after a break or those that are looking at a complete career change.

British Association Counselling Psychotherapy Approved Qualification
National Counselling Psychotherapy Society logo

Why Choose Us?

Because quality support changes everything

Training for a new career can feel daunting but you don’t have to do it alone.

Here’s what makes Three Pillars Training different:

  • Smaller sized, friendly cohorts and tutors who genuinely get to know you. We are tutors that ‘really’ read your work and offer constructive feedback rather than generic comments with little meaning or support.

  • Varied learning materials and compassionate understanding for diverse learning differences including dyslexia, ADHD and autism.  We know that everyone is different and we are open to hearing what works best for you as an individual.

  • You have options! Daytime and evening courses which are online or face to face live sessions designed to fit around work and family life. Courses, for the most part, will not take place during school holidays - full schedule of dates will be available to you at the start of the course so you can plan ahead.

  • We are practising professionals who combine theory with decades of experience. We have been just where you are right now.  We know it can be overwhelming with so many options.  We can chat with you if you wish to know more information to enable you to make an informed decision about what’s next for you.

  • We can provide you with clear pathways from building the pillars of your foundation, through to thriving in your practice and continued professional development.

  • You’re not just on a course, you’re part of a supportive network that continues beyond your course ending. Community is at the core of connection. When people feel seen and supported, they thrive. That’s what we build into every class, tutorial and conversation.

  • We are here to support you in your placement where you may be counselling or coaching real clients (Level 4).  We will also help you in finding a placement when you’re ready to practice.  We are well connected with professional supervisors in counselling and coaching so you’re never short of support and guidance.

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Ready to start your journey?

You’ve thought about it long enough — now’s the time to take the next step. Learning with Three Pillars Training isn’t just about gaining a qualification, it’s about changing your life and the lives of others.

Let’s build the future of helping professions… one learner at a time.

EXPLORE OUR COURSES