This course is designed for adult learners who have successfully completed Level 2 and Level 3 counselling qualifications and are ready to train as professional counsellors. It is a two-year, practice-based qualification that prepares learners to work safely and ethically as therapeutic counsellors in a range of settings.
- Train to become a fully qualified therapeutic counsellor
- Develop and apply a range of advanced counselling theories and skills
- Learn how to manage ethical dilemmas, professional boundaries, and client diversity
- Gain supervised real-world experience through a counselling placement
- Work towards independent practice, registration, or employment in counselling roles
Placement Requirement
A key component of the qualification is the completion of 100 supervised counselling hours in a suitable placement setting.
- Learners are responsible for securing their own placements during Year 1
- You will need to hold an enhanced DBS certificate before beginning your placement
- A formal fitness to practise process is undertaken during the first year
- Progression to Year 2 will be deferred if a placement is not secured by the end of Year 1
Your placement must be supervised by a qualified professional and meet the standards required by the awarding body.
You will also need to begin private counselling yourself as part of your ethical development and there is a requirement to complete a minimum of 20 hours per year.
The course consists of 7 modules:
- Professional Organisational Issues in Counselling
- Counselling in a Diverse Society
- Counselling Theory – main theory covered is Gestalt, alongside Transactional Analysis and Person Centred Theory.
- Advanced Counselling Skills
- Self-Awareness for Counsellors
- Research Methodology in Counselling
- Counselling Placement