The CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is concerned with the training of counsellors to a professional level of competency. Learners will build on the knowledge, skills and self-development gained from their Level 3 experience. It is required that learners will be involved in placement with rigorous and qualified casework supervision. This should enable an integration of placement practice and classroom experience and allow students to reflect on their role in the therapeutic relationship as well as their clients presenting and on-going needs.  The course is part-time, however, it does require a great deal of commitment, in terms of time, cost and openness to on-going personal development. This will include full attendance at in-person and online sessions, 100 placement hours, regular supervision, engagement in and openness to personal development, as well as, about 10 hours personal study time per week (engaging in assignments, journal reflections and wider reading).

Successful completion of the Level 4 Diploma means you will be able to provide a therapeutic counselling service – initially within the context of an agency’s service framework but later (with experience and support from the supervisor, or by completing PC-L5 or its equivalent) may progress to independent practice.

This two year part-time qualification gives learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context in both health care and non-medical settings.: 

• Those wishing to continue their training as a professional counsellor to qualified status
• Those who want to improve their professional and personal relationships as part of personal development 

Course Duration: 2 years
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 420hrs (minimum)
Total Qualification Time: 1204hrs

Teaching Schedule: there will be monthly residential blocks of 2 days over the 2 years and a 4-day summer school each year, with 3 evening sessions between blocks of 3 hours each.

Credit value: 120
Minimum Age: 19

Entry Requirements: CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills or their Recognised Prior Learning Equivalent.