The winner of this competition is Sophie Hudson!


Hello Everyone! It’s competition time here at NCC!

Do you have what it takes to become a counsellor? If you think the answer is ‘Yes’, why not take part in our short quiz to see if it could be a good career choice for you.

All you need to do is answer the questions below – everyone who completes the quiz will be entered automatically into a prize draw to win a free online counselling course.

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Terms & Conditions of Competition

Mediators are the people who can be asked to step in and help both sides solve a dispute or argument.

There are many times when mediation is required. Conflict is normal and an inevitable part of life, within the family, business or work setting. Every day, people express different values, needs, principles, prioritises and so on. This leads to disputes which, if poorly managed, can lead to family break-ups, workplace grievances and when things get really tough, court and tribunal hearings.
Mediators are the people who can be asked to step in and help both sides solve a dispute or argument. NCC Home Learning have mediation courses that can propel you into an exciting career.

 

What is mediation?
Mediation is an effective way of resolving a dispute between parties, without the need to go to court. It involves a third party, a mediator, who helps both sides come to an agreement.

It is a flexible process used to settle all kinds of disputes from consumer disputes to contract issues, from neighbourhood issues or problems, to family conflicts and workplace fallouts.

Conflict of any kind, whether at work or in the home, is physically and emotionally exhausting. However, a mediator is not a fancy term for referee; they do not bring two parties together, light the fuse and sit back. There is a process that is followed, with key questions that both side need answering.

Here is part of this mediating process:
What would you like to see happen? What does the resolution or the solution the problem look like for you?
These questions are asked of both parties but the mediator needs to ensure that both parties are listening and communicating with each other. People who are in conflict with another are usually surprised during the mediation process that both side actually want similar outcomes; it is that a set of circumstances and factors became involved in the process causing the end product to be lost.

What is needed to help us move forward? How do we get there?
There are no right and wrong answers. Part of the mediation process may be that both parties resolve that there is no common ground and moving forward is therefore not an option. This then means that the tangles of life need to be untangled so that people can go their separate ways. If both parties do decide to go ahead, then a path to peace and harmony needs to be decided upon.

In both cases, this can be an emotional and painful process.

Can you tell me more about…?
If you have been part of a mediation process or conflict resolution, you will notice that the mediator will not ask ‘why?’. ‘Why’ is a word that incites defensive reactions from people. Think about when you are asked why you did something – how did it make your feel? Did you feel you needed to defend your actions or your thoughts?

However, as part of the mediation process, it is important that people are able to express how they felt and thus the mediator will choose their words carefully.

Why is mediation necessary
Conflict can be long running with a high impact on people individually, as well as emotionally and physically. Productivity at work can also suffer, if this is the root cause of the conflict. As a business, holding on to skilled staff is essential but if there are issues, and people are not getting along, then output will suffer.

All too often, internal ‘mediators’ are used, people who may have an interest or qualification in psychology, counselling or human resources. But, there can be an issue with this; one of the parties may feel that because the person is internal to the company, that they are being judged. There is also the question of whether the mediator is also truly impartial.

This is why many companies and businesses employ external mediators. They have no prior knowledge of the people involved or the issue at hand. They will work through a set process. It may take one meeting, or it may take several.

Can you cut it as a mediator?
Mediation is used in all kinds of situation but there is one commonality: conflict. People in conflict are tense and there may be times when tempers become frayed and harsh words uttered. A mediator needs to stay calm and focused, unabashed by the language used or the sentiments expressed.

Mediation courses from NCC Home Learning can be studies at your own pace, in your own time and wherever you feel most at ease to do so – your lounge, the kitchen table or a paragraph or two as you wait for the train home.

Being a mediator is an interesting career choice, with plenty of scope to help people in all kinds of conflict and circumstances.

Research suggests that within a few weeks, the New Year resolutions have fallen by the wayside, all but forgotten.

 

Why New Year’s Resolutions Do Not Work – But Can with NLP!
New Year is a perfect time, or so you would think, to make those all important changes in your life. From stopping smoking to being more active, New Year resolutions are made by many people.

But, they don’t last. Research suggest that within a few weeks, the resolutions have fallen by the wayside, all but forgotten.

 

The reasons why resolutions don’t work

Resolutions are about making a change. Breaking one routine and attempting to replace it with an-other may, on the surface, seem like an easy thing to do.

And yet, as soon as the first hurdle or obstacle looms, the resolution fades away and here are five common reasons why:

#1 Emotional investment is lacking
We all know we should eat healthier/eat less/exercise more/not be as stressed and so on but un-less you feel the desire deep down inside of you to make a change, it can seem like an uphill battle right from the start.

#2 Unwillingness to raise standards
Everyone has different standards and desires when it comes to certain facets of life. Someone who gets up at 5 am for a morning run has a high dedication than someone who does no exercise at all. Making a change or sticking to a resolution may mean upping your dedication to a cause.

#3 Hedging your bets
It is a common phrase and this means holding on to something, ‘just in case’. For example, quitting smoking is a common New Year’s resolution but you don’t throw ashtrays away, just in case. If you decide to make a change, burn your boats, get rid of stuff and you will find a way to make it hap-pen.

#4 Lacking in internal motivation
Frankly, if your mo-jo to make a change is not in place, it ain’t gonna happen. To make a change and follow through with it, you need to have a strong emotional desire.

#5 You don’t believe you can change
What is often lacking is the self-belief that change is possible. This can be a negative cycle that many people are caught in. As soon as something happens that potentially thwarts the ‘new you’, you slip back into old ways.

How can NLP help?

There is help at hand with NLP courses which can be instrumental in helping people to make per-sonal and professional changes. NLP or Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a behavioural modification technique that came to prominence in the 1970s. Used by psychiatrists, psychologists, managers, counsellors and so on, NLP is a popular tool in the workplace. It is also used by many people in their personal lives and relationships too.

Essentially, it is a tool to initiate and motivate personal and positive changes. It focuses on the con-nection between mind and language, assessing how this connection affects both the body and be-haviour.

Over the years, there have been all kinds of claims, studies and research projects that have linked NLP with successful person changes including weight loss, reducing anxiety, negative moods and so on.

It has also been used in the sphere of learning as well as by many managers and supervisors in the workplace. The impact of making a positive change in anyone’s life is not to be underestimated.

NLP as a vocational skill

Understanding NLP in depth and how it can be applied in the workplace can open up many oppor-tunities for employees, as well as having a beneficial effect on productivity. Like New Year resolutions, changes in the workplace can be stressful and have a negative impact on employees and their morale.

For managers and supervisors, a grounding in NLP techniques can make a positive impact on how a team is managed but, finding the time to study for an NLP qualification can be tough.
Learning online through a home learning provider is one solution for gaining an NLP qualification:

NLP can make a big difference to your personal life but in your workplace too. Take a closer look.

Now 89, Frank Serpico is famous for exposing police corruption in New York between the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. He was the first officer to testify against a fellow officer.

 

Now 89, Frank Serpico is famous for exposing police corruption in New York between the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. He was the first officer to testify against a fellow officer.

Basics

Name: Frank Serpico

Born: April 14th 1936

Occupation: Law Enforcement

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York

Overview

Frank Serpico was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1936 and became a New York City police officer in 1959. He served for 12 years. He is renowned for reporting and exposing corruption within the New York City police department. In 1971, he testified against colleagues in the Knapp Commission. This led to him being disliked by colleagues who refused to come to his aid when he was shot on duty during a drug raid in 1971. After moving to the Netherlands during retirement, he returned to the US and now lives in upstate New York.

Background

Serpico was born on April 14th in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest child of Vincenzo and Maria Giovanna Serpico, Italian immigrants from Marigliano, a province of Naples.

At the age of 17, Serpico joined the United States Army and was stationed in South Korea for two years, as an infantryman. Once out of the army, he worked as a private investigator and a youth counsellor while he attended Brooklyn College.

In September 1959, Serpico joined the New York City police department as a probationary patrolman. He became a full patrolman on March 5th 1960 and was assigned to the 81st precinct. Serpico then worked for the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) for two years before he was finally assigned to work plainclothes. It is here he discovered widespread corruption.

Corruption in the NYPD

During his time working as both a uniformed and plainclothes officer in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem, Serpico was bothered by what he saw as the department’s widespread corruption and bribery by his fellow officers. Serpico refused to take bribes and spoke to his department superiors about corruption in the force. This earned him the distrust of his colleagues and partners.

In 1967, Serpico reported credible evidence of corruption and bribery to his department superiors. However, it was ignored, and nothing was done. Serpico met another officer, David Durk, who was willing to help him expose the widespread corruption within the department. However, Serpico believed his colleagues and partners knew about his secret meeting with police investigators.

On April 25th 1970, The New York Times published a front-page story on widespread corruption in the NYPD. Serpico was instrumental in providing the information for this article, and it was only his contributions that made it possible. This article prompted Mayor John V Lindsay to launch a proper investigation into the allegations. He appointed a five-member panel, headed by Whitman Knapp, to investigate charges of corruption and it became known as the Knapp Commission.

Serpico was finally able to testify before the Knapp Commission and was the first police officer to testify voluntarily against a fellow officer.

The shooting

Serpico seemingly paid for his perceived disloyalty to the NYPD when he was shot during a drug raid and fellow officers refused to come to his aid.

On February 3rd 1971, Serpico attended a drug raid with three other officers. After arresting two drug users outside the property, Serpico attempted to gain access to the apartment the drugs were being dealt from. His fellow officers would follow him, and he was shot in the head. The accompanying officers didn’t call in that they were an officer down, it was left to an elderly neighbour to call for an ambulance.

Serpico survived the shooting but lost his hearing in his left ear and has suffered from chronic pain caused by bullet fragments lodged in his brain.

Serpico left the force in 1972 after receiving the medal of honour from the NYPD. He then moved to Europe.

Post-retirement

Serpico lived and travelled around Europe before returning to live in upstate New York. In 1973, a movie starring Al Pacino was made about his life and his involvement in exposing corruption in the NYPD.

When Pacino asked Serpico why he had stepped forward to expose the corruption, Serpico responded, “Well, Al, I don’t know. I guess I would have to say it would be because… if I didn’t, who would I be when I listened to a piece of music?”

Serpico still speaks out about corruption in the police force, brutality and the weakening of civil liberties. He also provides support to individuals who he says, “seek truth and justice even in the face of great personal risk”.

As any self-respecting Game of Thrones fan will already know, the climax of season 4 will be aired on Sky Atlantic tonight. The build up has been incredible, with twists at every opportunity and no character safe from meeting an unsavoury end. In anticipation we thought we would take a look at the most suitable home learning courses for some GOT fan favourites.

Name: Joffrey Baratheon

Course: Relationship and Couples Counselling Diploma

 

 

 

King Joffrey is widely hated and for very good reason. From ordering the execution of Ned Stark or his constant demeaning of Tyrion, there are a multitude of reasons why it is impossible not to have an immense feeling of hatred towards Joffrey. Sansa Stark suffered vast amounts of torment at the hands of Joffrey and his sinister nature towards her is what many saw as his worst trait. The course features a module on boundaries and ethics in a relationship, which could have been a real eye opener.

 

NAME: Daenerys Targaryen

COURSE: Human Resource Management DIPLOMA

 

 

You might say that Daenerys already has an incredibly successful management style and has managed her resources admirably. Although with an army of 8000 unsullied in tow, there is some serious administration duties to uphold. I would guess that the unsullied are fairly easy to work with and would not make many employee demands. I suppose their previous employment under Kraznys mo Nakloz has been a somewhat frightening induction into the workplace. One of the modules focuses around employee retention and commitment, this may be useful for running a voluntary army of 8000 soldiers.

 

NAME: Jon snow

COURSE: Dog Grooming DIPLOMA

 

 

Jon Snow has become a huge fan favourite and his unbreakable bond with his beloved Ghost makes him all the more endearing. Although living on the wall can be quite stressful, Jon may have some extra time on his hands when the wildlings aren’t attacking. Ghost was released on the wildling’s and may have some undesirable stains in his beautiful white coat. Jon could learn the best techniques for creating the perfect shiny coat.

If you would like to learn more about home learning courses and how they could enhance your life, go to www.ncchomelearning.co.uk for more information

NCC Home Learning are currently looking for dedicated tutors to join our ever growing team. If you have relevant qualifications and work experience in Counselling then we would love to hear from you!

Please send your CV to [email protected] for consideration. We shall look forward to hearing from you.

 

This level four Advanced Counselling Diploma course is comprised of twenty modules which are designed to give the learner a good basic knowledge of the main theories underlying the most commonly practiced approaches to counselling and psychotherapy. It is a requirement for registration as a counsellor or psychotherapist that a candidate has obtained a certificate evidencing successful completion of a theoretical course providing a basic knowledge of the main theories in psychotherapy and counselling. Additionally the candidate will need to complete around 400-450 hours of supervised practical work, this is discussed in module 1 and in greater detail in module 19, together with suggestions as to how such practical training may be obtained.

The learner will note that the terms counselling, psychotherapy and therapy are used interchangeably, as are the terms counsellor, psychotherapist and therapist; no apologies are made for this as these terms are used interchangeably in most of the literature on counselling and psychology.  The term clinician is used in some texts on counselling and psychotherapy, this term has overtones of medical qualification and has been deliberately avoided in this course.  Any learner who successfully completes this course is not medically qualified, and if presented with a client who raises the slightest suspicion of requiring medical or psychiatric treatment, should advise such a client to consult their medical practitioner.

Much of the early work in counselling and psychotherapy was carried out in Europe and particularly Germany and Austria; as a result some German terminology is universally used, particularly in the early psychotherapeutic approaches.  Where such words are used in this text, an English translation is offered, or where the word does not translate literally, an attempt has been made to describe the concept referred to.  Since many of the early psychologists and psychotherapists were Jewish, they were forced to flee Europe and Nazi persecution in the late 1930s, many of them making their homes in the USA.  This lends a North American flavour and the incorporation of a good deal of American terminology to counselling and psychotherapy from the 1940s onwards.

The learner will note a marked similarity in some of the techniques used in the different approaches, particularly those such as Existentialist, Rational Emotive and Adlerian therapies, which are based on the assumption that human beings can control and change their destinies.  For instance, there are some strong similarities between Ellis’s Rational Emotive Therapy and Glasser’s Reality Therapy, yet there are also significant differences. The learner should not treat the use of techniques as being universal, there are subtle differences between approaches and the learner needs to be aware of these differences.  Every module in the course requires the same attention, if the learner is to appreciate the similarities and differences in the varying approaches.

Take a look at the other online counselling courses we have on offer.

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in the UK by a considerable margin, beating heroin and crack cocaine into second and third place, according to an authoritative study published today which will reopen calls for the drugs classification system to be scrapped and a concerted campaign launched against drink.

Led by the sacked government drugs adviser David Nutt with colleagues from the breakaway Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, the study says that if drugs were classified on the basis of the harm they do, alcohol would be class A, alongside heroin and crack cocaine.

Today’s paper, published by the respected Lancet medical journal, will be seen as a challenge to the government to take on the fraught issue of the relative harms of legal and illegal drugs, which proved politically damaging to Labour.

The classification of drugs is a long debated issue. Whether for career development or personal interest NCC Home Learnings Substance Misuse courses will provide you with the most comprehensive information.  These courses are also available in a selection of course bundles:

To read this article in full please click the following link:  The Guardian

Some people with a mental health problem are having to wait up to three years to talk to a counsellor, depending on where they live.

Mental health charity Mind says three quarters of sufferers first start to get problems when they’re under 25.

Ten leading doctors groups and charities have joined the campaign to get rid of the “postcode lottery”.

They want everyone to be able to get the right sort of counselling they need within 28 days of asking.

Colin Walker says there has never been a greater demand for talking therapies, as there are so many people struggling after the economic recession.

Whether you are already working this area, are considering this as a career or simply want to learn more about what is a very prominent issue, NCC Home Learning have a great selection of Human Understanding courses:

Counselling Diploma
– Life Coaching Diploma
– Mental Health Courses

To read the above article in full please click the following link: BBC News

The annual cost of mental ill health in England has soared from £28bn to £105.2bn, according to new research by the Centre for Mental Health.

The economy loses more than £30bn a year from sickness absence and unemployment caused by mental ill health while treating mental health problems costs the NHS and social care over £21bn a year.

However research has shown that most the financial burden falls on patients and families with the total cost reaching £53.6 billion.

Centre for Mental Health joint chief executive Bob Grove said: “Mental ill health carries a heavy cost, especially for those who experience mental health problems and their families.”
“Mental ill health is a fact of life. Every day, one in six of us experiences mental ill health, while one in 100 has a severe mental illness.”

Especially at this time of financial difficulty there is an even greater need for mental health care, particularly in terms of prevention.

NCC Home Learning offer a range of mental health courses online.  If you have a specific interest in this area or wish to develop in a care related job role, take a look at the below courses.

 

Mental Health VRQ

 

Abnormal Psychology Diploma

Managing Stress

We also offer fascinating Diplomas in the area of Life Coaching and Counselling!

To read this article in full please click the following link: Guardian