Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Yr1) (Evening)

This is a part-time, 2 - year study programme, successful completion of which provides qualified counsellor status. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods which will aim to enhance and further develop your knowledge of theory, counselling skills, self-awareness and your understanding of professional practice, ethics, equality and diversity.

Throughout the course you will study 7 units in total. These include:

¡ Professional Organisational Issues in Counselling

¡ Counselling in a Diverse Society

¡ Counselling Theory

¡ Advanced Counselling Skills

¡ Self-awareness for Counsellors

¡ Research Methodologies in Counselling

¡ Counselling Placement

Your progress will be assessed by completion of:

¡ The Seven Units listed above

¡ Conducting a research project

¡ Successfully completing two consecutive Fitness to Practice assessments

¡ Attending a 2 day Residential in year one and in year two (Saturday/Sunday)

¡ Keeping a Personal journal which you will reflect on to evidence self-awareness

¡ Completion of 100 hours placement – clients to be seen only after fitness to practice assessment

¡ External Supervision and Supervisor report on fitness to practice.

Learners should be aware that the course can be emotionally and intellectually demanding and awareness of your own mental health needs and support network are essential to your well-being. Although not a mandatory requirement learners are strongly encouraged to access Personal therapy as appropriate. Learners are also encouraged to gain student membership of BACP, Personal Indemnity Insurance and Enhanced DBS.
If you are interested in making a difference to people’s lives with a rewarding career in Therapeutic Counselling and have successfully completed prior education in this field you will find Level 4 Counselling stimulating and worthwhile.

· You will engage in class discussions, small group work, triads, personal development groups and case studies.

· You will have the opportunity to analyse and evaluate your own philosophy of counselling.

· You will gain knowledge of theory via lectures, demonstrations, videos and practical tasks.

· You will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills through extended peer counselling skills practice and specific feedback from your tutor. Video evidence of skills will enhance your awareness and deepen your skills development.

· You will have the opportunity to explore self-awareness and personal development at a deeper level through attending two weekend overnight residential’s.

· You will be supported via small group and 1:1 tutorial’s throughout your course.

· In order to attend your counselling placement, you will undergo an enhanced DBS chec
SEG Level 3 Counselling Skills – or equivalent

Your prior Counselling training must include skills practice and personal development group work. Attending face-to-face counselling courses provides a deeper experience of this and learners with qualifications gained online may be required to complete further study before progressing to Level 4.

You will be interviewed for this course via telephone in the first instance to ascertain your previous experience, motivation, academic qualifications. You will be asked to provide information on your plans for gaining client hours and accessing casework supervision. From this you may then be invited to attend the second stage of the interview process. This skills interview will be face-to-face and include a small group discussion and written task. You will also be required to provide a supporting reference.
· You will be assessed through a variety of assessment methods including written assignments, research project, video-recorded practical assessments and fitness to practice assessments from your tutor. Your external supervisor will also produce a report on your progress at 50 hours and 100 hours of client placement.

· Assignments will be submitted via Microsoft Teams

· Client placement hours will be logged via an online resource.

· A mandatory part of your course is a minimum 100 hours of client placement supported by a minimum 1.5 hours’ external supervision delivered each month.
On successful completion of this qualification you can progress onto:

· Employment within the Counselling profession.

· Self-employment within the Counselling Profession

· Registration as an Individual member of the BACP.

· Further study.

· Specialism in your preferred field or mode of counselling.
Fees:
£2,225
£2,225 Advanced Learner Loan Available (Fee is per duration of the course)
If you are aged 19+ at the start of the course please refer to the section on Advanced Learner loans.
Course Code:
AL0158MQ/1
Category:
Care, Childcare And Health & Social Care
Centre:
Beaufort Road
Start:
08/09/2026
Duration:
2 Years
Times:
(Tue 2:30pm-9:00pm (tbc))

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