Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Course aims

The aim of this course is to provide training 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 a supervisor), progressing to independent practice.

Course objectives

On completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate that they are prepared for counselling work within an agency setting, including:

• working within a professional, user-centred agency framework;
• working with clients with common mental health problems;
• working ethically and safely according to the BACP ethical framework;
• working within a framework of counselling theory and skills;
• working with client diversity;
• using the process of supervision effectively;
• working as a self-reflective counsellor;
• using counselling skills concepts in personal exploration to develop self-awareness within counselling practice.

Target Candidates

The Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is intended for candidates who want to train to become a professional counsellor working in a counselling service agency, or those who wish to go further and train to work in independent practice.

Recruitment Criteria

This qualification welcomes applications from all candidates. However, it is an advandage if candidates have passed the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or equivalent qualifications. Candidates must be at least 19 years old; however, the CPCAB strongly recommends that candidates be at least 25 years old, and state that potential trainees under this age need to be assessed especially carefully prior to course entry. Candidates are also required to possess a sufficient level of literacy and numeracy. All counselling qualifications are not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty. Prospective candidates will be asked to attend an informal interview with the tutors.

Course focus

The Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling prepares trainees to work as a counsellor in an agency setting. 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. In year 1 of the diploma, you are expected to be ready to work with clients experiencing difficult life events and life crises whilst training for work with clients experiencing common mental health problems, whilst in year 2 you will be expected to be ready to work with the latter.

The framework for counselling studies is based on the CPCAB seven process model, which reflects the processes at work when a counsellor/helper is working with a client/helpee. For the diploma these are as follows:

1. work ethically and safely as an agency counsellor
2. work within a counselling relationship
3. work with client diversity
4. work within a user-centred agency approach
5. work with self-awareness in the counselling process
6. work within a framework of counselling theory and skills
7. work self-reflectively as an agency counsellor

Students embarking on this course are expected to undertake an additional 6-8 hours of study time on top of the guided learning hours, which is to include (for example) assignments, supervision, client work experience and personal therapy. This qualification requires trainees to undertake at least 50 hours of personal therapy, and a minimum of 200 hours formally contracted counselling.

Assessment

• Write weekly 800 – 1000 word learning journals
• Complete 2 self reviews
• Complete 2 case presentations
• Complete 2 theory essays
• Complete 3 mock exams

Course fees

The total cost of the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Course is £1400 per year. There is a payment plan available.

Please note: We recommend that students who feel that course costs may be a barrier to learning should contact the local authorities to enquire as to the possibility of financial support. We are also willing to discuss further payment options so that financial restrictions may not prove a barrier to learning.