Summary

Our comprehensive 2-year Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is designed specifically for learners who aspire to become counsellors working in counselling agencies. Upon successful completion of this course, you will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide therapeutic counselling services within the framework of an agency.

The Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling offers a coherent vocational and professional training in counselling. Emphasising the development of skilled practice through experiential learning, this competency-based training prepares you specifically for the role of a counsellor within an agency. Moreover, the training is aligned with the requirements for achieving BACP Registered Member status, a recognised professional accreditation in the field. This qualification also serves as a pathway towards pursuing the Open University Foundation Degree in Counselling.

Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of counselling theories and approaches, equipping you with a versatile skill set. The curriculum encompasses various essential units, such as working ethically and safely as a counsellor, working within a counselling relationship, working with client diversity in counselling, employing a user-centred approach to counselling, fostering self-awareness in the counselling process, and operating within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills. Additionally, the course emphasizes the importance of working self-reflectively as a counsellor.

How will I learn?

Learning for this course primarily takes place in a classroom setting, supplemented by additional time invested outside of the classroom. The learning methods encompass a diverse range of activities, including:

• Maintaining a weekly journal in which you reflect on your learning, personal growth, and relationships.
• Engaging in a counselling placement within a counselling service, where you will accumulate a minimum of 100 client hours under regular clinical supervision. This placement may be in a general counselling agency or one specializing in areas such as drug and alcohol or bereavement.
• Engaging in ongoing reading to enhance your knowledge and understanding of counselling theories and practices.
• Participating in personal therapy sessions, which are integral to your development as a counsellor.
• Completing regular assignments, both individual and group-based, to apply and integrate your learning.
• Actively participating in group work, which provides opportunities for collaborative learning and skill development.
• Compiling an internally-assessed portfolio that includes personal reflections, as well as tutor and peer-assessed criteria.
• Undergoing external assessment in Year Two, which contributes to the overall evaluation of your competence.

By undertaking our Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, you are embarking on a transformative journey that equips you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to pursue a fulfilling career as a counsellor within an agency setting.

Entry Requirements

To apply, you must have at least 170 hours of classroom-based counselling skills training which can be achieved via CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 2 and CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Studies Level 3. External candidates are welcome, and any previous formal counselling skills training is considered. The application process is applying on the SGS website in the first instance. You will then be sent via a CPCAB application form that must be completed fully as this is then used to shortlist candidates for interview for a place on the course.

If you are offered a place on this course, we will need 2 references one of which must be your previous counselling training tutor.

The Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is a significant investment of time, commitment and money. Your personal development, and being part of a continuous group, is an important part of your training and therefore 100% attendance and punctuality is expected.

Progression routes