Level 5 – Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Overview

This qualification is for qualified counsellors to develop their skills and competences. The qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as self-employed counsellors in independent practice. It also equips learners to take on a more senior counselling role in an organisational context where client assessment, referral and routine evaluation are part of the role.

This qualification meets the competencies of SCoPEd Column B and with sufficient practice hours provides candidates with a route to membership and accreditation with professional associations in counselling approved by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) e.g. BACP, NCPS, ACC.

Course Content

The qualification is made up of 7 mandatory units, each of which has learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The course will cover learning within the academy, alongside placement for client work and personal therapy.

The 7 units are:

• Work safely, legally and ethically as an independent counsellor
• Work with complex aspects of the counselling relationship
• Use theory and research to work with client diversity in independent practice
• Use a coherent approach to respond to the needs of individual clients
• Work with self-awareness as an independent practitioner
• Use theory, research and skills within a coherent framework for independent counselling practice
• Monitor and maintain professional effectiveness as a counsellor in independent practice

Residential

This is an integral part of the Level 5 course allowing for a focus on personal development. It is essential that you attend this weekend in order to complete the course.

Student Pack

The level 5 Student Pack includes:

• Text book
• Course portfolio folder
• Personal Journal

Course Requirements

• Hold an SEG / CPCAB (or equivalent) Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (course to have been completed in the last 3 years).
• A successful interview (see ‘Enrolment Process).
• DBS check (dated within 3 months of the start of the course).
• Membership of BACP (this will be submitted at the start of the course and is at your own expense).

During the course you must

• Undertake 60 hours of client work

• Complete at least 40 hours in one-to-one counselling with a BACP accredited therapist

• Undertake a minimum of 13, ninety minute one-to-one sessions with an appropriately qualified supervisory counsellor. (NB: one ninety minute session is required for every twelve hours on placement work.)

When

This course will be available later this year – to register your interest select the ‘Register my Interest’ button below and we’ll be in contact once dates have been finalised.

Fees

Fees are £2,600

NB: for returning students, (for those who undertook the level 4 courses with the academy) there is a £100.00 discount.

This cost includes:

• Tuition
• Residential weekend
• Registration with awarding body

The course fee can be paid by you personally or your employer (or other third party).

NB: a deposit of £600 is required to reserve your place, the balance can be paid in full before commencement of the course or paid in ten equal instalments during the course.

You will need a signed confirmation of this when you enrol.

Once you have accepted a place on the course you are liable for the full course fee, regardless of whether the full course is completed or not.

Enrolement 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. (cou

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