Counselling - Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
This part-time qualification gives learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context. It is designed to lead to an employed or voluntary role in a counselling agency in both health care and non-medical settings. Learners with sufficient post qualification experience can also begin working as independent practitioners in private practice. The course is delivered one day a week over two years.
- Course Information
- Validated By
- CPCAB
- Learner Aim Reference
- 5008088X
- Price
- Advanced Learn Loan available, please contact our adult team for further information (correct at December 2024)
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime
- Course Level
- Level 4 / Diploma
- Study Mode
- In person
- Course Location
- Leyland Campus
- Start Date
- 03/09/2025
- Age Group
- Adults (19+)
- Course Duration
- 2 years
- Overview
The course involves experiential elements and learning that will involve some personal disclosure and associated personal development activities. The course incorporates a minimum of 100 hours formally-contracted counselling (one-to-one), with at least 5 different clients in an agency setting and will cover the following units:
- 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
The awarding body for this course is the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). This is a UK awarding body that is managed by professional counselling practitioners, trainers and supervisors. It is the only awarding body in Europe to specialise in the field of counselling.
You will be required to undertake a minimum of 10 hours personal counselling at an appropriate point during the 2 year course. This cost is included in the course fees.
Once you start your agency client work, you are required to attend clinical supervision- minimum 1.5 hours per month. This cost is included in the course fees.
In addition, you will be expected to join the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a student, please follow the link to find out more – Student member (bacp.co.uk)
FUNDING
Please note that there will also be a mandatory two day residential trip (with overnight stay) during the course which promises to be a very valuable learning and personal development experience. This is an additional cost of approximately £250. The course requires you to undergo a minimum of 10 Person-Centred Personal Counselling sessions, along with monthly supervision (once out on placement), these are additional costs that will have to be covered by yourself. To fund this course, you have the option to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your fees, subject to eligibility criteria. The course fee does not include BACP membership. You could also either pay in three instalments or pay the fee in full.
Advanced Learner Loans are available for this course. Please contact a member of our team for further details surrounding the price of this course, or you can either pay for this course in full or a payment plan of 4 consecutive, monthly payments.
Enhanced DBS – During your course you will attend a placement, in a workplace related to your course. Due to this, you are required to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check which is a criminal records background check to assess whether you are suitable to work with vulnerable people, such as children and vulnerable adults. The college will guide you through the online application process, however you will have to produce identification as part of this. Information about what a DBS check is and the ID required to process your application can be found here.
We strongly advise you to obtain the ID required as soon as possible, so your application isn’t delayed.
- Entry Requirements
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies or their equivalent. Candidates are required to have completed tutor observed Person-Centred skills sessions.
Interview – applicants need to be able to demonstrate their ability to handle the level of academic work required and show a willingness to take responsibility for oneself. An enhanced DBS is required. The two day residential is mandatory and not included in the fees.
- How will I be assessed?
Assessment is ongoing and made up of self-assessment, peer feedback, tutor assessment, written assignments, case studies and presentations.
You will also need to produce a portfolio of documentary evidence based around the units outlined above. This will include assignments, supervision records, a personal therapy record, an agency record, case studies and self-reviews.
- Progression Pathway
Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply for higher level qualifications.
Please be aware that if your long-term goal is to work in an area with vulnerable adults or any person under the age of 18, further training will be required, and you will need to undergo a disclosure and barring services (DBS) check at your place of employment. If you have a criminal conviction, this may exclude you from working in some job roles.
You will also need to satisfy the Runshaw College Fitness to Practise Policy. A copy of this policy is available on request.
- Safeguarding
Runshaw College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
- Health, Safety & Well-Being
Runshaw College is committed to ensuring you have a happy, successful and productive time with us – ensuring your health, safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
We proactively encourage the disclosure of any disabilities or issues which may impact on your learning experience – this can be at interview, enrolment, or at any other stage during your studies. Any information you disclose will be held in strict confidence and will be used to assess your in-class support needs and inform a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to ensure your safe evacuation from the College in the event of an emergency. If you would like further information, please contact Course Enquiries on 01772 642040.
- National Careers Service
For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.
- Delivery Method - Classroom
This course is delivered fully in the classroom.
- DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Check
You must be prepared to comply with the vetting procedures for those working with vulnerable adults, children and young people as required by current legislation (ie undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check).
You will need to complete an enhanced DBS for this course and in doing so will need to provide 3 ID documents. These can include; Birth Certificate, Driving License, Passport, Bank statement or a letter.
Please note that if the course is fully funded for you, you may get your DBS for free, if not, there may be an additional fee for this to be processed.
Please contact our Adult Admissions Team to find out more on how to obtain an Enhanced DBS check through the college.
To find out more information on DBS checks, please visit https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/enhanced-dbs-checks
