Level 4

LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA IN

COUNSELLING SKILLS

To be accepted onto any of our courses trainees will need to demonstrate evidence of the following qualities, or the potential for developing them:


  • Self-awareness, maturity and stability.
  • Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience.
  • Capacity to cope with the emotional demands of counselling training.
  • Ability to cope with the intellectual and academic requirements.
  • Ability to form a helping relationship.
  • Ability to be self-reflective and use both positive and negative feedback.
  • Awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression.

This qualification is for:

This two year course is aimed at those who are wanting to practice as a counsellor as part of an organisation and work towards BACP / NCS membership. This course will help you to develop your understanding of theory and translate this into practical work in a voluntary counselling placement. The course gives you a core model with which to practice and increase self-awareness.


This course is aimed at learners whose qualification goal is to achieve professional status in counselling. It may also be appropriate for those working in roles where counselling skills are needed: for example, nursing, teaching, social work, voluntary sector, the police and armed forces.

This two year part-time qualification gives learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context.



It is designed to lead to an employed or voluntary role in a counselling agency in both health care and non-medical settings. Learners with sufficient experience can also begin working as independent practitioners in private practice.

Entry Requirements:

  • You must have undertaken Level 2 and 3 in Counselling skills with at least 150 Guided Learning hours (in total).
  • Your Level 2 & 3 Certificate in Counselling must be from an approved examining board. Evidence will need to be presented before admission.
  • You must be 19yrs+ to study this course.

COURSE OVERVIEW



  • Two-year part time qualification
  • 405 Guided Learning Hours (minimum)
  • 1204 Total Qualification time
  • Minimum age 19 years
  • Delivered over one evening a week and one Saturday a month
  • Personal Counselling: a minimum of 10 hours’ personal therapy.
  • Client Work – a minimum of 100 hours formally contracted counselling (one to one) with at least 5 different clients.
  • Supervision – you need to undertake 1 hour of supervision for every 8 hours of client work.


WHAT WILL I STUDY?

There are three core modules for this course and four additional components:


  • Supervised Practice in Counselling
  • Counselling Theory
  • A Chosen Approach: Integrative Counselling
  • Working with; Anxiety, Trauma , Addictive Behaviours, Sex & Sexuality

Candidates are expected to undertake 100 hours of unpaid supervised counselling at a placement they facilitate. The placement requirement in this qualification is essential to the personal and professional development of the practitioner.


This qualification enables learners to embark on practice working within an ethical framework and will develop an understanding of legal and ethical requirements.


Learners are expected to make appropriate use of counselling supervision and evaluate their own work.

Learning Outcomes


  • Working within legal and ethical requirements as a counselling practitioner
  • The key professional issues arising in the counselling placement
  • How developing self-awareness can contribute as a counselling practitioner
  • Key professional issues arising in the counselling placement
  • Understanding and applying a professional ethical framework
  • Respond effectively to complex client issues and ethical dilemmas
  • Demonstrate the use of counselling supervision and evaluate the effects of using counselling supervision on own practice
  • Evaluate how developing self-awareness can contribute to the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship and process
  • Key concepts of Integrative Theory and Counselling Theory
  • The strengths and limitations of Integrative Theory and Counselling Theory
  • The contribution of an Integrative approach to therapeutic practice
  • The process and practice of counselling within Integrative Theory
  • Ethical practice when using Integrative Theory
  • Risk management in a counselling interaction
  • Know about an awareness of self in relation to others when using Integrative Theory
  • The importance of supervision in counselling practice

How will I be assessed?

  • Externally assessed exam: (2hr open book exam)
  • Internally assessed essay: x1 (2,500 words)
  • Internally assessed Scenario Analysis: x4, 1 per module (2,000 words each) 
  • Internally assessed weekly journals: (1000 words each)
  • Internally assessed report of your personal counselling: a minimum of 10 hours’ personal therapy x1 (1000 words)
  • Externally assessed Study of Supervised Practice: x1 (4000 words) a minimum of 100 hours formally contracted counselling (one to one) with at least 6 different clients
  • Internally assessed Supervisors report: you need to undertake 1 hour of supervision for every 8 hours of client work (This is written by your supervisor)

Who teaches the course?

The Level 4 Course is taught by members of NWCH’s training team. All our trainers are qualified counsellors and are registered with the BACP and/or NCS.

Meet the trainer

Christopher Morris

  • Trainer Bio

    Prior to becoming a counsellor, Christopher worked for over 20 years in health and social care, establishing and managing bespoke services for people with severe mental ill health, Autism and learning disabilities. He was responsible for developing specialist supported living environments for people who were considered at risk following the ‘Transforming Care: A National Response to Winterbourne View Hospital’ report. He was also a vocational learning assessor and has delivered a wide range of Mental Health, Positive Behaviour Management, and Autism Awareness trainings to front line mental health staff, teachers, GP’s and support workers.


     


    He is a BACP qualified counsellor, experienced in working with children, young people and adults. Having trained as an integrative and relational psychotherapist, he is able to make use of a range of models and approaches to therapy. Furthermore, he places a great deal of emphasis on the need for a positive therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client.


     


    Christopher is a highly experienced trainer who oversees all of the NWCH training.  He ensures that all students receive detailed and informative feedback to support their learning and enjoys seeing people develop their skills and passion for the profession.

Meet the trainer

Penny Smith

  • Trainer Bio

    Penny trained as a counsellor to advanced Diploma level and currently runs a private counselling practice in Lincoln. She also holds a diploma in CBT as well as a Bsc (Hons) degree in Psychology and has had over twenty years of experience in teaching and tutoring. Penny is a member of the BACP and an accredited Rewind Therapist. In addition to running her own private practice she has also worked with a local university, charity and not for profit organisation. Penny is highly enthusiastic in her approach to tutoring counselling and Psychology and offers a patient and caring approach to her students.

How is the course taught?

Sessions are a mixture of teaching; group work and practical role play exercises to develop counselling skills. Students study one main theory in depth (Integrative), and learn about three other theories – Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Humanistic. Students enhance their counselling skills and prepare for counselling practice in placement. The course involves self-reflection and encourages growth in self-awareness. The course covers a range of issues a client may present with, enabling the student to feel equipped to counsel when they finish the course. Each student receives comprehensive course materials including additional background reading, with a comprehensive reading list. Guidance and support is provided, to write the journals, study for the exam and complete the course criteria.

Who Accredits the course?

The course is accredited by AIM Awards and is a nationally regulated OFQUAL qualification.


Progression: The course can lead to employment in agency settings and registered status within the BACP or NCS. Successful candidates can also progress into independent practice.

Why study here?

NWCH HAS AN EXPERIENCED TEACHING TEAM

We take pride in ensuring your learning experience is structured, supportive and enjoyable. All course tutors are qualified counsellors and registered with the BACP/NCS.

INTERALLY ASSESSED ROLE PLAY

Our training environment is comfortable and inviting, located in Lincoln with free parking.

OUR STUDENTS RECEIVE PRIORITY ACCESS TO QUALITY CPD / EVENTS

You are provided with discounted rates to CPD and our annual conferences 

How to Apply?

You can apply using our online application form downloadable here, please email to: admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk


Or


You can also apply using a paper application form which can be requested by emailing admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk or calling 01522 253809


Once this is received we shall invite you in for an interview, the questions are provided beforehand, with a list of the documents we will need to see.


We also request two references – a professional one and a character one.

Fees: £2999 per year

A deposit will be required on booking your place. Payment plans available – please contact admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk to discuss the options.


Please note we make every effort to ensure information within our website is accurate and a true representation of the courses we are offering. However, we do reserve the right to make changes if necessary.

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We Give our Best Each and Every Time!

  • Every client is treated with respect
  • Everyone is offered a hot drink and warm welcome
  • From your first contact to your last session you are cared for
  • We do our best to make sure you are leaving us more confident

We Give Hope Where There is None!

  • No waiting list (unless funded then only 4 weeks)
  • We don't turn anyone away
  • We are often people's 'last chance'
  • We properly 'listen' to our clients needs

We Save Lives!

  • Fully qualified counsellors (we don't use trainees)
  • 'Out of the box' counselling
  • Funded sessions
  • Every team member is amazingly friendly & respectful
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