Training for counsellors. Training, development, courses, qualification and CPD in Lancashire.

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

An overview.

Based in Blackburn, Lancashire, this course is for those who would like to work as a Therapeutic Counsellor. It combines experiential and theoretical learning so that people who qualify as therapeutic practitioners are recognised against the national standards to achieve Level A (SCoPEd) competences and capabilities for professional practice.

Who is this course for?

Those who would like to study to become Therapeutic Counsellors.

When does the course begin?

January 2025

Aims of the course.

To provide students with knowledge, awareness and skills required to be able to sustainably practice as a Level A (SCoPEd) Therapeutic Counsellor in a range of settings.

Upon qualification, you will be certificated for your ability in the following areas:

Working ethically and safely as a counsellor.
Working within a counselling relationship.
Working with a client diversity in counselling work.
Working within a user-centred approach to counselling.
Working with self-awareness in the counselling process.
Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills.
Working self-reflectively as a counsellor.

What are the main theoretical models?

Person centred counselling forms the foundation of this course and is the main theoretical model. Yet, students on this course will be able to explore a range of therapeutic modalities so they can develop an integrative approach.

Expectations

How is the course delivered?

Consistent with the therapeutic modality, the course has been developed in the person-centred philosophies of Carl Rogers. Alongside this, every effort is made to develop a therapeutic outlook based in social justice and anti-oppressive practice. There is a recognition that each person brings their own personal and professional experiences to the course, and these are sensitively invited into the course to enhance learning for all.

The course is intentionally delivered to a small cohort so that every person has space to learn in a range of ways and is delivered weekly over two years.

Structured and semi-structured learning opportunities including knowledge sharing, discussions, workshops, skills development and practice, presentations and reflections on practice provide a spiral framework so personal and professional development becomes embedded over time.

The assessment process.

Qualification is gained through the production of a portfolio which will include a range of assessment methods. These include assignment work, observed practice, presentations, learning records, evidence of practice and supporting reports from professional practitioners and volunteer agencies. The portfolio is internally and externally verified to ensure that at least minimum standards of practice are achieved by qualifying students.

Full details of assessment are provided throughout the course and indicated in the course handbook.

Course practicalities.

Where is the course based?

The course is taught in person at Training for Counsellors, Haydock House, Haydock Mews, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, Lancashire. BB1 9RP

When does it take place?

9:30am – 3:00pm on Thursdays from January 2025 till January 2027.

Over the two years, there will also be 8 Community Days.

Costs

£5500 per person for all teaching, handouts and materials, assessment and certification. Payment by instalments is an option.

As a professional course requiring professional practice, there are additional requirements and costs*:

Registration as a student with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society*.
Professional liability insurance*.
To obtain a volunteer placement in a charitable organisation and accrue at least 100 hours of clinical experience.
To have 60 minutes of clinical supervision for every 8 hours of clinical practice*.
To attend at least 10 hours of personal therapy with a qualified counsellor*.

[Items marked with * incur additional costs and are not covered in the course fees.]

About the facilitators/assessors.

Samantha Crapnell MACPP, MNCPS (Accred), MBACP, CIPD

Sam is an accredited Therapeutic Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Training Facilitator, Personal Development Facilitator and Executive Coach. Working mostly in private practice now, she also has experience of working with the charity sector, adults and young people in education. Her broad spectrum of therapeutic work most commonly resides in anxiety, depression and relational trauma.

She is active in the counselling community, providing opportunities for continuing professional development which enhance practice and is currently studying for her Professional Doctorate with a specialist interest in the personal and professional learning and development of counsellors.

Linsey Bailey-Rowles (MNCPS (Accred), MBACP)

Linsey is a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Counselling Tutor and Mental Health Training Facilitator. Working in both private practice and the voluntary sector, she has experience working with adults and young people. Her spectrum of therapeutic work most commonly resides in Compassion Focused Trauma Informed practice supporting Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ communities and those with Hidden Disabilities / Chronic illness. She is passionate about equality, equity & social justice both within and outside of the counselling community and provides opportunities for continuing professional development within a broad spectrum of helping professions.

Application process.

The application process is a three-step process.

Step 1:

You are invited to apply if you have a genuine interest in understanding and working towards the requirements for practicing as a Therapeutic Counsellor and:

Are aged 19 or over,
Are not experiencing severe emotional or psychological difficulty,
And meet one or both of the following:
- You have acquired a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and/or the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies as awarded by a recognised body such as CPCAB or ABC, or equivalents, thereof.
- You have experience in the therapeutic helping professions (voluntary and/or paid).

You will also:

Have at least a basic understanding of person-centred philosophy.
Be able to understand the nature of the programme and what is involved.
Be sufficiently mature to be able to use personal resources to cope.
Be able to commit to attending a minimum of 85% of the entire programme.
Be prepared to attend private counselling during your studies, both to address personal issues in a confidential and supportive environment and to experience counselling as a client.
Bring a curious mind and withstand the challenges of learning a new and complex topic where values, prejudice, beliefs, assumptions, difference and diversity are all addressed as a matter of course.
Be willing to engage in non-defensive communication with peers and tutors.

Step 2

Upon application, you will be invited to a 30-minute recorded meeting held and recorded via Teams. This will be attended by one facilitator and further verified by the second facilitator.

Step 3

If you are successful at Step 2, you will be invited to a Community Day. As well as being an experiential day in which final assessment of your eligibility will take place, it is an opportunity for you to gain insight into what this course will be like.

Interested? Click here to begin your application.