With the huge upsurge in interest in counselling courses, the Association for Community Counselling, Education and Psychological Training (ACCEPT), is now offering its certificate and diploma courses and counselling, psychology and therapy by distance learning. The certificate is a one-year programme, the diploma takes two. The course is open to anyone who finds it of interest or of value irrespective of previous knowledge or experience. The cost is £380 per year.

The course is modular in structure and there are written assignments at the end of each module. ACCEPT estimates that students would need to devote three to four hours a week to reading and study for the course.

For some people distance learning is the only way they can fit a course of study into their lives and, while it's not the easiest way to learn, it is effective if students are prepared to make the time commitment. A big problem with home study is the so-called "loneliness of the long distance learner" who has to be a selfstarter capable of keeping up the momentum as the course progresses.

However, most distance learning courses assign students to personal tutors and some organise study events where participants can meet. Building a relationship with one's tutor and making time to attend study events are important ways of keeping the isolation factor at bay.