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Course Overview

This qualification is intended for candidates who want to train to become a counsellor working in a counselling service agency. Successful completion of this course means that the trainees will be able to provide a therapeutic counselling service within the context of an agency's service framework.  Over the two years this course provides at least 420 hours of Humanistic Integrative training.

For information on the next course please email neilsonc@bpc.ac.uk 

In addition to the normal College attendance hours (one day a week 09.30 – 16.30) you will need time and additional finance for the following:

  • Counselling placement – students find their own placement with the support of the course tutors and the college has strong links with many local counselling and volunteer organisations
  • Client work - a minimum of 100 client hours throughout the duration of the course
  • Supervision – is usually provided within the placement (90 minutes a month)
  • Personal Therapy – a minimum of 40 sessions of personal therapy on a weekly continuous basis with the same therapist. (Costs of therapy are met by the student)
  • Personal study and research
  • Books and study materials

 

The course has 7 units in which competency has to be demonstrated these units are:-

  • Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor
  • Working within a counselling relationship
  • Working with 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

The core approach of the course is humanistic, this includes Person Centred, Existential, Transactional Analysis and Gestalt approaches to counselling.  Full details of course content are available from tutors.

You will need to attend a breifing, and need to have successfully completed the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body courses of Certificate in Counselling Skills and Certificate in Counselling Studies or equivalent skills and theory training of at least 165 hours.

The College take the health, safety and well being of students very seriously.  If you have recently experienced a significant life event (e.g. bereavement, divorce, arrest, court proceedings, etc.), are currently suffering or recovering from a serious medical condition, are being treated for mental health problems or if you are in recovery from addiction and are less than two years clean and dry you must discuss this with the tutors before applying for the course.  Failure to do so would be a breach of integrity and could prevent successful completion of the course.

Applicants must have a suitable level of literacy in English, for students who use English as a second language evidence of IELTS of 7 is needed.

You need to be aware that the course involves experiential elements which will involve personal disclosure and associated personal development activities.

Where applicable, we do not allow applicants to join this course with their partner.

For more information about the course please select/click  'I need more help choosing my course' and send us your contact details and your question and we will call / email you

Assessment of this course is as follows:-

  • Learning reviews
  • Competency assessment, audio visual recording and tutor observation
  • Portfolio / record of achievement
  • Essays
  • Case Studies / presentations
  • Research papers
  • Supervision
  • External assessments

Level 5 CBT

Foundation Degree in conjunction with the Open University

Higher Education / Honours Degree courses

Books - All students are required to purchase books to be used in conjunction with the course.  Although the college has copies of all course books in the library and extensive research facilities, the relevant books may not be available when needed.

£2180 per year.

Personal therapy\ 40 weekly consecutive sessions.

Books - All students are required to purchase their own books (8-10 minimum) to be used in conjunction with this course.

BACP Membership - All students are required to join BACP at the beginning of the course.

BACP Membership - All students are required to join BACP, work placement may require this as well as Indemnity Insurance.

For more information about the course please select/click: “I need more help choosing my course” and send us your contact details and your question and we will call/email you.

 

Awarding Body:
Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body

Course Options

Start Date

Wed 3rd September 2025

Attendance

Part-time

Duration

1 Years

Location

Poole Campus

Adult Fee

2180.00

Adult Fee with Concession

2180.00

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