5 Top Counseling Online Courses For Canadians in 2024

Written by Fiona Thompson

If you are considering shifting to a counseling career or want a refresher for your existing abilities by learning a psychology-based counseling technique, worry no more, as we have listed some of the best online counseling courses you can choose from.

Course Name Students Enrolled Reviews
Udemy – Counselling Skills Certificate Course (Beginner to Advanced) 30,000+ 16,000+
Coursera – Social Psychology 50,000+ 19,000+
ICS Canada – Online Counseling Training Program 15,000+ 6,500+
Athabasca University – Graduate Diploma in Counseling 12,000+ 4,500+
University of Manitoba – Certificate in Applied Counseling 8,000+ 2,400+

Udemy – Counselling Skills Certificate Course (Beginner to Advanced)

the screenshot from the course of Udemy - Counselling Skills Certificate Course (Beginner to Advanced)

The course examines the time-tested ideas that underpin many counseling approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approaches. The Certificate in Counselling Skills program will teach you the psychological principles and communication skills required in counseling.

You will learn how to apply counseling skills in various scenarios, such as relationships, transition management, stressful situations, and self-regulation.

The syllabus provides a crucial viewpoint on the distinction between Counselling, a professional activity, and Counselling Skills, which can be helpful for people in a variety of jobs.

After taking this course, you will learn the following:

  • Listening abilities that are beneficial in both personal and professional relationships
  • Self-awareness and forming collaborative partnerships
  • The psychological theory 
  • Nonverbal communication
  • Self-reflection and immediacy
  • Using your counseling abilities in your personal or professional relationships
  • How to plan a series of counseling sessions within the context of a helping relationship
  • Recognizing the factors that influence human emotions and decision-making
  • Counseling psychology’s various theoretical frameworks and techniques

This Udemy course includes more than 43 hours of formal instruction and demonstration. The course’s multiple sections each feature counseling skills, theoretical knowledge, and increasing self-awareness, which involves self-reflection throughout. Learners say that this course is insightful and significantly impacts their journey.

This course is designed for individuals who are looking to enhance their skills, advance their careers, or have a particular interest in psychology.

Get started with the course by following this link.

Coursera – Social Psychology

the screenshot from the course of Coursera - Social Psychology

Coursera’s “Social Psychology” course provides an insightful exploration of the subject, drawing on the latest research from social psychology. With access to over $1,000 worth of video and reading materials, students can delve into the fascinating world of social psychology.

It covers various intriguing topics, including decision-making, persuasion, group behavior, personal attraction, and factors contributing to health and well-being. Topics on this course are:

  • Social Perceptions and Misperceptions
  • Psychology of Self-Presentation and Persuasion
  • Obedience, Conformity, and Deindividuation
  • Group Behavior
  • Helping, Hurting, and Peace Making

Students can develop a deeper understanding of human behavior and enhance their counseling skills by integrating social psychology principles into their practice.

Furthermore, students who opt for the Certificate track will also receive complimentary membership in Social Psychology Network, enhancing their access to a wealth of valuable resources and connections within the field. Get started with the course by following this link.

ICS Canada – Online Counselling Training Program

the screenshot from the course of ICS Canada - Online Counselling Training Program

ICS Canada’s online Counselling Skills Career Diploma training program covers the following topics to help you start your career in counseling.

  • Role of counseling
  • Active listening and empathy
  • Goal-setting
  • Advanced counseling skills

Choosing ICS Canada is beneficial for you, no matter your career path, since the institution is DEAC-accredited (Distance Education Accrediting Commission). 

ICS Counselling Training Program students found valuable insights into the counseling field after taking this course.

Discover the course at this link.

Athabasca University – Graduate Diploma in Counselling 

the screenshot from the course Athabasca University - Graduate Diploma in Counselling

The online Graduate Diploma in Counselling program at Athabasca University is intended for students who do not choose to pursue a full master’s degree or who do not achieve the GPA entrance criteria for the Master of Counselling program.

Athabasca University is Canada’s Open University, providing open and flexible distance learning with high-quality online courses, degree programs, and professional development opportunities.

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is an 18-credit graduate program delivered entirely online. 

The course covers the principles of counseling psychology, theory, and practice. Athabasca University requires that you finish at least 12 credits.

The following are the courses included in the program:

  • Models of Counselling and Client Change
  • Professional Ethics
  • Counseling Psychology: Sociocultural and Systemic Influences
  • Responsive Case Conceptualization & Counselling Interventions
  • Responsive Counselling Relationships & Interpersonal Communication

This curriculum can be finished in as little as 1.5 years of full-time study. All requirements can be completed in up to three years. Check out the course here.

University of Manitoba – Certificate in Applied Counselling

the screenshot from the course of University of Manitoba - Certificate in Applied Counselling

The curriculum is designed to help students develop practical counseling strategies. You must be willing to actively participate as a learner and demonstrate skills learned in practice situations.

Additionally, you must be willing to address and resolve conflicts respectfully while maintaining professional and ethical behavior per the Counselling Code of Ethics.

This program is excellent if you work or volunteer as a professional or paraprofessional counselor in a counseling setting.

This program is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The program length is from two to five years. You will have to take the following required courses in this program:

  • Counseling Skills – Level I
  • Counseling Skills – Level II
  • Counseling Skills – Level III
  • Counseling Theories
  • Working with Families
  • Working with Groups
  • Capstone

Find the course details right here.

Conclusion

There are many counseling courses available online. All the listed courses above will be beneficial for your counseling journey.

Our top picks in the list are Udemy’s Counseling Skills Certificate Course and Coursera’s Social Psychology. These courses provide comprehensive and valuable information to enhance your counseling skills. Plus, they are affordable and accessible, giving you more learning flexibility.

You have many online counseling course options, whether you want to shift to a career as a counselor or wish to learn more about counseling and apply your learnings to your current job. 

Enrol in one of the courses now and elevate your knowledge!

About the author

Fiona Thompson

Fiona Thompson is an education consultant who has dedicated her efforts to assisting international students in coming to study in Canada. However, during her work, she realized that many Canadians were unaware of the affordable online options available for studying within their own country. With her extensive research and experience in the education sector, Fiona decided to create CanadaCourses.ca, a website aimed at helping Canadians find the best online course options available across various industries.

Leave a Comment