Level 4 CPCAB Diploma Therapeutic Counselling

The Diploma in Counselling consists of 420 guided learning hours.  In addition each candidate will log a minimum of 100 client hours (in placement), with supervision, and a minimum of 20 personal therapy hours.

Aims and Objectives

The overall aim of the Diploma is to provide professional training in counselling through which candidates will acquire both a sound theoretical framework and the practitioner skills required to work safely and effectively as a counsellor. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate:

•  a thorough theoretical understanding of an integrative approach to counselling with a grounding in the main schools of counselling

•  an ability to link theory to practice and the development of sufficient confidence and maturity to establish and maintain a one-to-one therapeutic relationship with a range of clients

• an increased level of self-awareness and the ability to think critically about assumptions, beliefs, value systems, development and relating

• a sound knowledge and understanding of ethical boundaries and the BACP ethical framework

• a thorough grasp of both theoretical and practical issues surrounding equality of opportunity  in the areas of race, class, gender, sexuality and sexual orientation and disability

•  a good understanding and experience of counselling supervision through working as a counsellor in the community within a counselling placement

Successful completion of the course will be based upon:
• 80% attendance
• Portfolio - ‘Sources of evidence’ to include: observation of candidate performance; written journal; assignment/project work; workplace logs/diaries; candidate self-assessment and peer group assessment.

• Applicants must have several years experience of life after compulsory education
• Prospective candidates are required to show evidence of successful counselling training to certificate level, involving a recommended minimum of 180 hours tuition. Accreditation of prior learning is possible with other training and experience being considered
• Candidates are already working with people, or demonstrate an interest in working with people.

There are seven units
• Work Ethically and Safely as an Agency Counsellor
• Work within a Counselling Relationship
• Work with Client Diversity
• Work within a User-Centred Agency Approach
• Work with Self-Awareness in the Counselling Process
• Work within a Framework of Counselling Theory & Skills
• Work Self-Reflectively as an Agency Counsellor

Friday 16th September - 26 June 2011, (30 weeks) 09.30-17.00