Integrated Diploma

Having completed a level 2 (Counselling Concepts course) the academy offers different pathways for those looking to progress their studies and ultimately work as a qualified counsellor.

Option 1

Progress straight to a three-year integrated diploma.

NB: on passing the first year of this course students will be awarded a level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills

Option 2

Elect to undertake a level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills (equivalent to year 1 of the integrated diploma)

Option 3

If you complete a level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills at the academy (or equivalent with a different provider) you can then elect to undertake the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (years 2 & 3 of the integrated diploma program).

NB: Your level 3 must have been completed within 3 years of the course start date.

Course Profile

Integrated diploma – Year 1 / Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills:

Overview:

42 weeks in the classroom in addition to a residential weekend.

Each week you will spend 4 hours in class this will include whole class work, study groups, group research, group presentation, one-to-one tutorials and practical skill sessions.

Away from the classroom you should allow an equivalent amount of time (4 to 5 hours per week) for individual research and assignments.

Content

• • Understanding the context for the use of counselling skills
  • Understanding counselling theory
  • Using counselling skills
  • Personal development for users of counselling skill

Skills Work

Skills are an integral part of training, during this year you will build your knowledge and experience working from 15 min to 30 min sessions. During the year you will undertake a minimum of 30 hours skills work providing a strong basis on which to build.

Residential

The residential weekend is an integral part of the course.

Focused on personal development and designed to facilitate greater personal insight, understanding and self awareness.

What you get out of this weekend will depend on what you put it, and whilst by the end you might be tired and ready for your bed, you will find it an enjoyable experience with great learning, good food, fantastic scenery and a comfy bed.

Student Pack

The year 1 Student Pack includes:

• • Book: ‘Next Steps in Counselling’
  • Personal Journal
  • Portfolio leaver arch file, with labelled dividers

Fees

Integrated diploma – Year 2 / Level 4 (year 1) Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling:

Overview:

35 weeks in the classroom in addition to a residential weekend.

During this course you’ll also undertake a placement where you will work with clients to achieve 100 client hours.

Each week you will spend 5.5 hours in class this will include whole class work, study groups, group research, group presentations, one-to-one tutorials and practical skill sessions. Away from the classroom you should allow an equivalent amount of time (5 to 6 hours per week) for individual research and assignments.

Course Content:

• • Professional organisational issues in counselling
  • Self-awareness for counsellors
  • Counselling in a diverse society
  • Advanced counselling skills

Residential

The residential weekend is an integral part of the course and builds the work undertaken in year 1.

Again the weekend is focused on personal development although the underlying theme of the weekend is distinct. As with the first residential it’s designed to facilitate greater personal insight, understanding and self awareness.

What you get out of this weekend will depend on what you put it, and whilst by the end you might be tired and ready for your bed, you will find it an enjoyable experience with great learning, good food, fantastic scenery and a comfy bed.

Fees

Integrated diploma – Year 3 / Level 4 (year 2) Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling:

Overview:

35 weeks per year in the classroom.

During this course you’ll also undertake a placement where you will work with clients to achieve 100 client hours.

Each week you will spend 5.5 hours in class this will include whole class work, study groups, group research, group presentations, one-to-one tutorials and practical skill sessions. Away from the classroom you should allow an equivalent amount of time (5 to 6 hours per week) for individual research and assignments.

Course Content:

• • Counselling theory
  • Research methodologies
  • Advanced counselling skills
  • Self-awareness for counsellors

Additional Requirements – Years 2 & 3

• • Undertake 100 hours of placement work.
  • Complete at least 20 hours in one-to-one counselling with a BACP registered therapist
  • Undertake ninety-minute one-to-one sessions with an appropriately qualified supervisory counsellor. (NB: one ninety-minute session is required every 28 to 30 days you are in placement and allows for a maximum of 12 client sessions.)

Pre Placement Requirements:

• • DBS check
  • Student membership of the BACP
  • Insurance
  • Fitness to Practice

Skills Work

The first few months are heavily focused on developing skills practice, not only will you increase sessions to 50 minutes, undertake telephone and online sessions you will also conduct 6 consecutive weekly sessions with the same ‘client’ as you work towards achieving your ‘Fitness to Practice’ (an essential requirement for securing your placement).

At the Training Academy we don’t believe skills development should stop there are through the remainder of the course you will take part in additional skills practice, accumulating an additional 60 hours of skills work, in addition to your placement hours.

Student Pack

The year 2 /3 Student Pack includes:

• • Book: ‘Next Steps in Counselling’
  • Personal Journal
  • Portfolio leaver arch file, with labelled dividers

General Course Details:

Applicant Requirements:

• • A English level 4 (GCSE – C) or above.
  • Hold an SEG (or equivalent) course to have been completed in the last 3 years.
  • A satisfactory reference from your previous tutor.
  • A successful interview (see ‘Enrolment Process).

NB: The course is available to anyone over the age of 18, however, due to the nature of the course, emotional resilience and an ability to reflect and draw on life experiences is essential

Class Time

Year one you will be in the classroom 4 hours per week, typically 5pm to 9pm, in years 2 and 3, this increases to 5.5 hours per week, typically 3pm until 8:30pm. Teaching days will be confirmed on application and where possible will remain consistent thought the course.

Personal Readiness

It’s important to acknowledge the personal nature and demands of this course. Whilst by no means ‘therapy’ for some it can present an emotional challenge. We therefore ask you to consider carefully whether you are able to take on the course at this time.

For example, we welcome applications from those who have experience of therapy, however, joining the course whilst still in therapy needs to be given careful consideration. If you have concerns about this, please don’t hesitate to speak with us in confidence.

Pastoral & Tutorial Support

Each year of the course we hold four dedicated one to one tutorials, these are in addition to the support provided in class and serve as an ideal opportunity to review studies, discuss progression and identify challenges / support requirements.

Course Progression

As you undertake your studies and work towards your qualification, your tutor(s) will work to support you at every step. Progression to subsequent years in only possible where you demonstrate appropriate skills competence, and achieve the learning outcomes from your current year.

Successful completion of the Integrated Diploma opens the door to further career progression courses including the Level 5 – Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. It’s essential however that you move into practice and are actively seeing clients on a regular basis before embarking on additional study.

Enrolment Process

In the first instance you should complete the ‘Apply Now’ application form, after which you will receive an email acknowledging your application has been received.

Next, we will contact you to arrange an interview. This interview will be conducted at the centre and in addition to a formal interview may also involve both skills practice and some group work.

Following the interview successful applications will be offered a place on the course. Acceptance of this offer will mean that the course fee is payable.

NB: The centre reserves the right to cancel the course (providing a full refund) dependent on student Numbers