Counselling – Therapeutic Counselling Level 4 – CPCAB

The course structure includes 7 mandatory units listed below. To achieve the qualification, you must be assessed as proficient in all the learning outcomes of these mandatory units and must be externally assessed by CPCAB as proficient.
* 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 course requires a minimum of 100 hours of formally contracted one to one counselling with at least 5 different clients within an agency setting.
Students will undergo weekly personal therapy (minimum 35 hours per year) and are expected to study outside of classroom hours.
Clinical supervision is an ongoing requirement for all professional and volunteer counsellors/trainees working with clients. This is usually provided through your clinical placement throughout your voluntary clinic work.

Applicants need to be aged 19+ as required by CPCAB.
You must have obtained both a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling studies, or their equivalent.
GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) is required.
Applicants' previous life experiences, both personally and professionally, will be considered in assessing their suitability for the course.
Further details will be requested once the online application has been received and considered.
This qualification is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty and/or severe psychological confusion. Please note:
* This course involves a significant level of personal reflection and emotional engagement. In line with guidance from CPCAB, learners should be prepared to explore and, where appropriate, share aspects of their personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings as part of their development as reflective practitioners.
* The nature of counselling training means that some topics and discussions may be emotionally challenging. Learners should be in a position to manage the emotional demands of the course and access appropriate personal support where needed.
* A core component of the programme is experiential learning, including participation in skills practice, group discussions, and feedback activities. Learners are therefore expected to actively engage, contribute, and work respectfully and effectively within small groups.
* The course requires a willingness to both give and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and professional manner, as this is essential for the development of counselling skills.
* Regular attendance, emotional readiness, and a commitment to self-awareness and personal development are essential to successfully complete the qualification

If you fall outside these criteria, you can either pay the full fee or apply for an advanced learner loan. A discount will be applied to the Standard fee for those learners who take out an Advanced Learner Loan. Please contact our Enrolments & Customer Services Team for further information.

If you would like to be contacted if a space becomes available on this course or a similar course is added, please click the ‘Register Interest’ button. In the meantime, please continue to check the website for the latest course availability.

Upon successful completion of this Level 4 course you can progress into employed or voluntary roles in both health care and non-medical agencies.
This qualification will give you the knowledge, skills and competencies you need to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context and can open the door to progressing to independent and private practice