This qualification is intended for candidates who want to train to become a counsellor working in a counselling service agency. Successful completion of this qualification means that you will be able to provide a therapeutic counselling service – initially within the context of an agency’s service framework, but later (with experience and support from your supervisor) you may progress to independent practice.
Candidates will develop professionally as a Counselling practitioner. They will develop their knowledge and skills in the study and application of a variety of Counselling & Psychological models of therapeutic treatment.
Candidates will have to apply for suitable placement during their 1st year and they will provide counselling under clinical supervision. There are many different agencies and many types of associated counselling services, but all agencies should provide the trainee with a service framework that includes both a line manager and clinical supervision.
Placement experience
The course requires completion of 100 supervised counselling hours. A minimum of 100 hours formally contracted counselling with at least 5 different clients in an agency setting. If you are working with children or adolescents (up to age 17) you will be able to count up to 30 hours towards the 100 total.
Course content:
- Theory – Integrative and relational models (P. Clarkson, H Kohut), Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Attachment theory and Intercultural with a module on solution focussed and CBT approach
- Therapeutic counselling skills
- Professional development
- Practitioner workshops and supervision
- Personal development – There is requirement of forty sessions of personal counselling over the 2 years (15 sessions in year 1 and 25 sessions in year 2). This has to be arranged and self-funded by the candidate.
What experience and skills will you gain?
- Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor
- Working within a counselling relationship
- Working with client diversity in counselling work
- Working within a user-centred approach to counselling
- Working with self-awareness in the counselling process
- Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills
- Working self-reflectively as a counsellor
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Campus
This course will be delivered at London South Bank University - Southwark
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What do you need to apply?
You are required to have the following qualifications:
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB) and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB)
- GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, or Level 2 English and GCSE Maths (or equivalent) at grade E/2 or above, or Level 1 Maths
It is also recommended that you:
- are at least 25yrs old with five years independent adult life experience
- are open to working on your self-awareness in relation to others
At interview we ask you to provide examples of previous certificates and supporting documentation. Please bring with you:
- Your Level 3 certificate
- An example of a recent essay
- A reference from your last tutor. We also ask that you send us these electronically, once your interview is arranged (details will be sent to you about this).
Places on this course are also subject to a DBS declaration.
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How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed via a number of methods, in each of the seven key modules. These assessment methods can include tutor and peer feedback on therapeutic counselling skills practice; weekly learning reviews and summaries; written essays; presentations on theory; agency supervisor reports; case studies; and an external assessment in year two.
Your external assessment will require you to produce a 30-minute audio recording of a counselling practice session (using one of several role play scenarios provided by CPCAB), and then to complete a written Candidate Review Paper, under invigilation.
There is a qualification requirement for you to arrange and complete a minimum of 100 hours of formally contracted face-to-face counselling, with at least 5 different clients, in an agency setting.
You will also be required to arrange and complete 40 sessions of personal counselling; comprised of 15 sessions in year one, and 25 sessions in year two.
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Where can this course take you?
This qualification will allow you to work as a therapeutic counsellor in both healthcare and non-medical agencies. These agency settings can include community-based services, mental health, NHS, addiction recovery, schools, and social care.
After successfully passing the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, you may wish to consider progressing on to Higher Education and university-level qualifications. Suitable courses include:
- Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory (CPCAB).
- Graduate and Post-graduate courses in Counselling (The Open University provides further training routes with credits for CPCAB qualifications at Levels 4 and 5).
