Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Learners will complete this qualification with a comprehensive and full understanding of the following:
– How to conduct a counselling session with a client in an ethical, and safe way
– Ethical frameworks, including setting up a working agreement and conducting assessments, supervision and casework management.
– Counselling in a diverse society
– One major therapeutic model (Person-centred) while acquiring knowledge of CBT, Psychodynamic TA and Gestalt
-Professional organisational issues in counselling including basic knowledge of major mental health issues
– The important of awareness in the counselling process
– Research into counselling

The course runs over two years, two evenings per week in the first year and one evening per week in the second year.
Additionally, in the first year, there are termly mandatory experiential workshops to complement counselling knowledge and skills. A residential will take place in the second year. Throughout the course learners will engage in experimental work.

The portfolio must be completed by the end of the second academic year. A maximum extension of 6 months may be granted for learners who have not yet completed the required 100 supervised placement hours.

Classroom based and may include some online lessons and/ or tutorials

Each unit will be assessed by the tutor and internal assessor. Learners will produce a comprehensive portfolio of units 1-6, which will be subject to external moderation and assessment. The placement unit will be directly assessed by SEG, the awarding body (formally known as ABC).

Learners are required to find a suitable placement where they are able to conduct 100 hours of supervised counselling. Learners are able to complete placement hours within one of our colleges.

In order to progress to year 2, learners must successfully complete year 1.

SEG Awards – Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Upon achievement, learners are considered qualified counsellors, and are able to practise within a counselling organisation. On obtaining the Level 4 Diploma, learners will take the short online BACP Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) assessment. This is a multiple choice assessment based on case studies s. It assesses the skills, knowledge and abilities, required to be a professional counsellor or psychotherapist.

Candidates may set up private practice on completion, although it is recommended to continue working in a counselling agency to build experience and expertise.

In addition, there are opportunities to progress towards national accreditation status with professional lead bodies.

Level 4