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Therapeutic Counselling Diploma
Therapeutic Counselling Diploma

Therapeutic Counselling

Level 4
Cheltenham

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate

The Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling course is available for those candidates who wish to progress to a professional qualification as a Counsellor.  Successful completion of this course will enable you to provide a therapeutic counselling service within the context of an agency's service framework.

The Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling provides training in:

  • Coherent vocational and professional counselling training
  • A competence based training which highlights the development of skilled practice via experiential learning
  • Specific training for the role of counsellor in an agency
  • The opportunity to learn a wide range of counselling theories and approaches
  • Use of Martha Stark's Modes of Therapeutic Action integrative framework for integration of Person Centred and Psychodynamic theory and skills

There are 7 mandatory 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

In addition to the College fees there are other costs to be considered including:

* 40 sessions of personal therapy (typically £45 per session)

* Supervision: most agencies provide supervision but occasionally students either supplement existing supervision, with the agreement of the agency, or organise supervision privately at around £45 per hour

* Books, photocopying, travel, childcare, etc.

 

If you need information about a loan for your fees and other related information try

The Student Loan Company www.slc.co.uk/services/higher-education.aspx

For further information about this course see our Awarding Body’s website at www.cpcab.co.uk/qualifications/tc-l4

 

Although this course is not accredited by the BACP it meets their requirements for course accreditation and prepares student counsellors for individual accreditation (see www.bacp.co.uk/accreditation/). Students will complete 100 hours of counselling work in an agency to pass the course.

Following completion of the course, students may consider continuing to work in their agency in order to gain experience prior to applying for other roles (e.g. with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)) or counselling in private practice.

 

Class times:

     September 2024 intake: Thursdays 9am-5pm

     September 2025 intake: Tuesdays 9am-5pm

     (subject to change)

 

 

  • Typical Entry Criteria

    • CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
    • CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

    You must be aged over 19 at the start of the academic year.

    Once you have submitted your application you will be required to complete a ‘Further Information Form’ as part of your application step’s.

    Following completion of the ‘Further Information Form’ applicants are invited to attend a mandatory briefing session to assess their suitability for the course. Typically, these are held during June / July.

    The briefing session will give you the opportunity to find out more information on the course and share your experiences and previous qualifications with the academic team.

    Please note due to the popularity of our Counselling courses our briefing sessions are selection events. We will be looking for applicants who are ready to embark on training of this nature and we will offer places to those we judge to be most suitable. 

  • General progression route will be:

    • CSK-L2 Counselling Skills (Level 2)
    • CST-L3 Counselling Studies (Level 3)
    • TC-L4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (level 4) -OR- Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Counselling (level 5) [validated by the University of Gloucestershire]

    The Foundation Degree can be topped up to a Full Degree with a further year at Level 6, e.g. the BSc Hons Psychology, Health & Wellbeing with the University of Gloucestershire

Shortlist and Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

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Therapeutic Counselling

What You Will Pay

Please contact Student Services on 0345 155 2020 for pricing information.

In recent years, research has proven that counselling is an effective way to help people with mental health problems. Various programmes to improve access and recruit more counsellors mean that it is a good time to consider a career in counselling.

Our counselling courses are incredibly popular with students and highly regarded by employers. The qualification can lead to a professional career as a counsellor but also equips students with listening skills that can be helpful in a wide variety of professional and voluntary roles.

Experience is essential for job applications so, while you’re studying, you can gain practical work experience in a local counselling agency or within our own counselling service. Many of our students have moved on to work for local counselling services or have also successfully started their own counselling practices.

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Student Stories

Catherine Hews

I was at the point in my career as a Foster Care Supporter that I felt additional skills in counselling would be beneficial, not just for me but for the families I support. I have always been curious about people’s behaviour and their motivations and this course gave me an understanding of these topics. The support is excellent here from lecturers, they are always there to help out. I hope to have my own counselling practice one day and definitely think that this course is a stepping stone towards achieving that!”

Catherine Hews

Foundation Degree – Counselling – Gloucester Campus

Gemma Curtis

I couldn’t commit to university as I have children so Gloucestershire College was really local and convenient. I could gain the qualifications to take my career down a slightly different path, while looking after my family. I much preferred the relaxed atmosphere of the College as opposed to a university. You have to be committed, counselling can be challenging but it is very rewarding when you complete it. Within just a few months of graduating, I set up my own business and I am now self-employed.”

Gemma Curtis

Foundation Degree – Counselling – Gloucester Campus

Helen Jenkins

“I completed my foundation degree at Gloucestershire College in 2013, and in the same year, met Daryl. He’d been thinking about a change in career and after hearing about my experience, decided to study the same Therapeutic Counselling course, which he completed with a merit this year. “Since completing my Foundation Degree I’ve worked for the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, Let’s Talk, the Terrance Higgins Trust, and I’m now a Sexual Health Counsellor for the NHS.”

Helen Jenkins

Foundation Degree – Therapeutic Counselling – Cheltenham Campus

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Next Steps

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