JHD is once again commended for its outstanding performance as a Counselling Training Provider.

We are absolutely delighted that JHD is once again commended for its outstanding performance as a Counselling Training Provider. 


External Examiner’s Comments:
The External Examiner again endorses the Centre for its training ethos, strong learning programmes and for its commitment to maintaining standards and quality in the delivery and assessment of its counselling training programmes. The Centre has been worthy of its status and recognition by the NCC Education Ltd and is meeting all the demands of professional recognition.


The content of JHD’s Counselling Training Programmes is comprehensive, varied, challenging, and demanding. This foundation to training will guide and prepare learners, students and trainees towards competency and proficiency in counselling skills and preparation for practice and graduate potential practitioners who are safe and fit to practice.


It is also important to record that, whilst the mode of learning may have changed, JHD have been able to maintain the training programmes with great success through the blended learning approach of online delivery and Zoom training sessions and assessment of learning, and a synchronous process of learning. Since September 2021 over 70 learners, students and trainees have enrolled on JHD courses at Levels, 2, 3 and 4 underlying the success of the Centre and the reputation of its training programmes....

The methods of planned assessment at all three levels are comprehensive and robust. Level 2 is the equivalent of GCSE level; Level 3 is the equivalent of 2 ‘A’ levels and Level 4 equates to the first year of an undergraduate degree. The assessment processes are modelled upon the Ofqual descriptors for each level, and the Examiner’s scrutiny of assessed samples demonstrates that these are being clearly addressed and achieved. The Assessment process is also supported and reinforced through the input of the Internal Verifier.
The assessment process at each level ensures that Course(s) participants are engaging in a programme of learning that is fit for purpose, and results in graduating trainees who are fit to practice. The Centre strives to ensure that the qualifications are worthy of their recognition by NCC Education Ltd....

External Examiner’s Report on evidence of Good Practice.


1    Evidence of assessed coursework demonstrates that the teaching is of a very high standard and learners, students’ and trainees are producing quality coursework submissions.

2    Excellent training venues and facilities, conducive to the training and development of counselling learners, students, and trainees.

3    Highly qualified trainers who are also practitioners.

4    Quality training programmes - exceptionally designed, structured, and including appropriate content for each level of training.

5    Commitment to delivering training programmes to a high standard which guides learners, students, and trainees towards professional practitioner status.

6    Robust assessment processes - fairly and consistently applied to each learner, student, and trainee.

7    Benchmarked training standards identified in previous EV visits/contacts and maintained/consolidated within the current academic year.

8    Strong leadership and academic management and administration of the Centre.

9    Sound management and teaching support for all learners, students, and trainees.

10  Strong IV process and procedure and ongoing mentoring of Tutors.

11  Standardisation of teaching and assessment across all levels.

12  Excellent retention and achievement of Learners, Students and Trainees.

13  Ongoing developing of CPD training programmes.

 

 

JHD Counselling Services’s philosophy has been to uphold and enhance the standards and quality of training required and demanded for recognition by NCC Education Ltd.


JHD are once again commended for maintaining their outstanding standards and quality of teaching and assessment. Reaching standards of excellence requires commitment, strong management and experienced tutors who can use their skills of teaching and assessment to prepare students and trainees for practice within the counselling arena. It requires more of the same to retain those standards - this Report can confirm that JHD have been successful in furthering their reputation as a centre of excellence in the delivery of its suite of counselling training programmes, which are now recognised by the NCC Education Ltd.


JHD Counselling Services is an exceptional training centre and has been worthy of its academic recognition and status for Levels 2, 3 and 4 with NCC Education Ltd, and continues to be outstanding as a beacon of training provision and centre of excellence within the counselling arena. 

The Invisible Weight – Why We Don't Have to Walk Alone

7 May 2026
In our previous post, we spoke about finding your rhythm through movement. This week, as we continue to mark Mental Health Awareness Week , JHD Training wants to address the invisible weight that so many of us carry: the pressure to be "fine." Whether you are a professional in a high-stress role, a parent supporting a family, or a student navigating your own path, societal expectations often tell us to be the "strong and silent" type. At JHD, we know that true strength isn't found in silence; it’s found in the courage to speak up. Recognising the Signs Stress and trauma don't always look like a crisis. Sometimes they manifest in subtle ways that we might dismiss: Physical Pain: Unexplained tension, headaches, or exhaustion can often be your body’s way of saying it has reached its limit. The Cycle of Silence: Withdrawing from friends or family because you feel like a "burden" is a common but dangerous path toward isolation. Time Blindness: Especially for those of us navigating neurodiversity, like ADHD, the feeling of being "stuck" or overwhelmed by manual admin can cause significant mental strain. Building a Safe Space For nearly a decade, JHD has been consistently rated "Outstanding" by external verifiers because we don't just teach counselling skills—we foster a culture of safety. We believe that "Order leads to growth" . By creating order in our minds and our environments, we create the space needed for healing. Take the Next Step If you have been waiting for a sign to prioritise your mental well-being, this is it. Listen to your body: If you are tired, take a break. Challenge the stigma: Whether it’s OCD, self-harm, or emotional abuse, no topic is too "heavy" for a professional to help you navigate. Invest in your future: Join a community that cares about your legacy.

Mental Health Awareness Week: Small Steps to Finding Your Rhythm

7 May 2026
As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, the spotlight is on a theme that connects every one of us: Finding Your Rhythm .  At JHD Training, we have spent nearly a decade supporting the counselling journey of our trainees. Our constant "Outstanding" feedback from external verifiers isn't just about the professional success of our graduates; it's about the genuine care and support we prioritize for the people behind the practitioner. When life feels intense or overwhelming, it is easy to fall into a pattern of judgment—either for feeling too much or, conversely, for feeling "numb." This week, we want to lend our support to you, the public, by exploring simple, practical advice centered on Movement and Connection that helps you reclaim your pace without the weight of guilt. 1. Move for Your Mind (It's Not a Marathon) The term "movement" doesn't have to mean intense gym sessions. When you are struggling, even thinking about exercise can feel like a barrier. Overcome Motivation Slumps: If motivation is a hurdle, start with just one minute. A simple stretch, a quick walk in the garden, or even moving from your desk to a different chair counts. Grounding Through Action: Physical movement, however small, is a powerful form of grounding. It can shift you out of rumination and help reconnect your mind with the physical present. 2. The Courage to Connect Connection is another powerful pillar of well-being, yet it can be the first thing to suffer when we feel mentally exhausted. Reaching Out is Strength: The idea that you "should have it all together" is a stereotype we strive to break. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, please reach out. Talking can prevent a feeling from escalating into silence and isolation. Listen Beyond the Words: If a loved one shares their struggle with you, your greatest gift is simply hearing their words without interruption or judgment. Being heard and validated is often the beginning of a healing path. Be Gentle with Yourself Remember, we are all human, and we all reach our limits. Healing is rarely a linear path. If your only movement today was taking a slow breath, that is a start. If you are struggling with deeper issues like the effects of trauma, please know that specialised support exists. We believe that order and compassion lead to profound growth. Find your rhythm this week, one small, gentle step at a time.

The Power of Connection: Why We Don't Have to Walk Alone

by Lauren Speller • 2 May 2026
Following the theme of Movement for Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to talk about another vital ingredient for our well-being: Connection. When we move, we often feel better, but when we move together—or simply share our journey with another human—that's where the real magic happens. At JHD Training, we often see that the biggest hurdle for those struggling with mental health isn't a lack of strength; it’s the heavy blanket of silence and isolation. Whether it's the stigma surrounding self-harm, the cycle of OCD, or the unspoken pain of emotional abuse, the "human" part of us thrives when it is seen and heard. Breaking the Silence We are all human, and we all reach our limits. Sometimes, stress doesn't just feel like a busy mind; it manifests as physical pain or a feeling of being completely stuck. You are not a burden: Reaching out for help is a sign of immense courage, not a weakness. Listen without judgment: If someone opens up to you, your greatest gift is simply hearing their words without trying to "fix" or judge them. Hope exists: Even when your brain tells you otherwise, there is always a path forward. A Legacy of Support For the last 9 years , JHD Training has received "Outstanding" feedback from external verifiers. Why? Because we care deeply about our trainees and their individual counselling journeys. We believe that "order leads to growth," and that order starts with a safe, supportive community. Whether you are a professional looking to better support your staff, or an individual ready to start a new career, your journey is important to us. Upcoming Training Opportunities Ready to join a community that puts people first? Our September 2026 intake is now open for registration:  Level 2/3 Counselling Skills: Build the foundation to support others confidently. Level 4 Fast Track: A one-year intensive path including 450 hours of supported learning , supervision, and placements. Level 4/5 Mental Health and Trauma: Specialized training to understand the deep impact of trauma. 📧 Email secretary@jhdcounselling.co.uk to join an "Outstanding" legacy of care.