Overview

Year 1 (Level 2) introduces students to the core principles, values, and practical skills of counselling. It’s designed for those who are exploring a career in counselling or wish to develop deeper interpersonal and listening skills for personal or professional growth.

Aims of the Course

• Develop active listening and empathic communication skills

• Understand the role of the counsellor and ethical boundaries

• Explore key theoretical models, with a focus on the person-centred approach

• Reflect on personal development and self-awareness

• Learn about confidentiality, non-judgement, and respect in practice

Key Topics Include:

• Core counselling skills (e.g., reflecting, paraphrasing, summarising)

• Introduction to counselling theory (Humanistic, Psychodynamic, CBT basics)

• The counselling relationship and the importance of unconditional positive regard

• Ethical practice and the BACP Ethical Framework

• Personal development and journaling for self-awareness

Learning Methods

• Interactive group work

• Skills practice sessions

• Reflective journals and self-evaluation

• Tutor and peer feedback

• Short written assignments

Who is this for?

This course is ideal if:

• You're considering a career in counselling

• You work in a helping or supportive role (e.g., education, health, social care)

• You want to improve your interpersonal and communication skills

Progression

On successful completion, students may progress to Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, which deepens theoretical understanding and prepares learners for more advanced practice.

Overview

Level 3 builds upon the foundations laid at Level 2, introducing more advanced counselling theory and professional practice concepts. This stage supports students in developing greater self-awareness, deeper understanding of the counselling process, and readiness for further professional training at Level 4 and beyond.

Aims of the Course

• Expand understanding of counselling theories and therapeutic approaches

• Enhance practical counselling skills through structured practice

• Deepen self-awareness and the ability to reflect on personal development

• Explore mental health awareness and client diversity

• Develop a clearer understanding of the counselling profession and its boundaries

Key Topics Include:

• In-depth exploration of theoretical models (Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, CBT)

• The counselling process: beginning, maintaining, and ending sessions

• Mental health conditions and the counsellor’s role in a wider support system

• Diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice

• Ethical and professional issues in counselling

• Developing a reflective and ethical mindset

Learning Method

• Supervised skills practice with structured feedback

• Theory classes with group discussion

• Reflective journals and personal sdevelopment assignments

• Case studies and role-play scenarios

• Coursework and written assessments

Who is this for?

This course is ideal if:

• You've completed a Level 2 counselling course

• You’re serious about becoming a professional counsellor

• You want to understand how theory and ethics shape real-world counselling practice

Progression

Successful completion of Level 3 enables progression to a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, which includes clinical placement and prepares learners for professional qualification.

Overview

The Level 4 Diploma is a rigorous two-year professional training programme that prepares students for competent and ethical therapeutic practice. This stage includes clinical placement, supervised counselling hours, and advanced theoretical integration, allowing students to work towards professional registration with bodies such as the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).

Aims of the Course

• Develop professional-level counselling skills for working with a diverse client base

• Integrate counselling theory with practice across a range of therapeutic models

• Gain extensive supervised placement experience in real-world settings

• Deepen understanding of ethical, legal, and professional frameworks

• Prepare for employment or private practice as a qualified counsellor

Key Topics Include:

• Advanced theory (Person-Centred, Integrative, Psychodynamic, CBT approaches)

• The therapeutic relationship and working with the therapeutic process

• Working with trauma, loss, abuse, anxiety, depression, and other client issues

• Supervision, assessment, and referral

• Ethical dilemmas, risk, and safeguarding

• Mental health, diagnosis, and multi-agency working

• Self-care and professional resilience

Counselling Practice

• Minimum 100 hours of supervised counselling practice required

• Students are supported in finding and securing placements (this could be internal)

• Ongoing supervision and reflective casework

• Practice logs and supervisor reports form part of assessment

Learning Methods

• Skills training and live practice

• Theory lectures and discussions

• Peer group supervision

• Personal therapy (required by many providers)

• Reflective essays, case studies, and portfolios

• External and internal assessments

Who is this for?

• Those who have completed Level 3 and are ready to work at professional depth

• Individuals committed to becoming qualified counsellors in organisational or private settings

• Professionals seeking a nationally recognised qualification aligned with BACP or equivalent standards

Progression

Graduates may:

• Will be accredited by BACP automatically

• Begin or continue work in counselling settings

• Set up private practice (subject to supervision and insurance)

• Undertake further specialist CPD or a Level 5/6 Diploma, Degree, or Master’s in Counselling/Psychotherapy