• Course Type
    Adult Courses
  • Course Code
    AE401
  • Campus
    Hamilton
  • Start Date
    9th Sep 2025
  • Level
    Level 4
  • Duration
    2 years

This is a two year part-time qualification (1 full day per week) which 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 experience can also begin working as independent practitioners in private practice.

  • Course Details

    The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is designed for those learners who are seeking to be professionally qualified counsellors.

    • Professional Organisational Issues in Counselling — In this unit, learners will develop an understanding of the essential relationship between counsellors, as professionals, as well as the organisations and other people with which they may work.
    • Counselling in a Diverse Society — In this unit, learners will explore the impact that diverse cultures and heritage can have on the client / counsellor therapeutic relationship in a multicultural society. They will also examine power issues within the counselling process.
    • Counselling Theory — In this unit, learners will analyse one major theoretical approach to influence, inform and empower their practice as a counsellor. They will also compare other theoretical approaches alongside the major approach.
    • Advanced Counselling Skills — Learners will demonstrate a range of skills illustrating their development as practitioners.
    • Self-awareness for Counsellors — This unit aims to enable learners to increase self-awareness by analysing and evaluating the impact that their own counselling philosophy, counselling theory and practice has on self and relationships.
    • Research Methodologies in Counselling — In this unit, learners will explore the importance of research in counselling. They will develop their research skills and will learn how to present findings.
    • Counselling Placement — Learners will complete this unit linked to a supervised counselling placement practice of 100 hours. They will analyse how their theoretical approach has influenced their practice, and evaluate learning gained from supervision.
  • Entry Guidelines

    GCSE English, grade A*/9 - C/4

    Level 2 and in-person Level 3 counselling skills qualifications, amounting to 190+ GLH.

    Satisfactory interview/assessment/reference from previous tutor.

  • Timetable

    Tuesday 10:00 - 15:30

  • Assessment Methods

    Continuous skills and personal development assessment together with a range of assignments, case studies, case presentations, self reviews and professional reports. Additionally you will be required to complete 100 hours in a skills placement. There is a placement portfolio to complete in the second year of the programme which is externally verified by the awarding organisation.

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