LEVEL 5 DIPLOMA IN THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING


We are pleased to share that starting September 2026, the Level 4 Diploma will become a Level 5 Diploma. The Skills and Education Group, which awards the qualification, is currently updating it to meet the SCoPEd counselling framework. This framework, adopted by six leading UK professional bodies including the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), sets out the key competencies, training requirements, and professional standards for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults.

The application and fee structures will stay the same. While there will be updates to the curriculum, we expect the overall format of the course to remain largely unchanged. The programme will continue to be part-time over two years.



Integrative counselling combines techniques from Clarkson’s Five Relationships model, drawing on Rogers’ Core Conditions, Gestalt, and Existential perspectives. Unlike eclectic approaches, it merges methods rather than keeping them separate. The two-year course is intensive and guided by expert tutors.

What does the course encompass?

  • 100 hours of clinical placement
  • Peer and process groups
  • Advanced counselling techniques
  • Integration of counselling theory and practice
  • Enhanced self-awareness
  • Understanding of professional, organisational, and BACP ethical issues
  • Awareness of client diversity in theory and practice
  • Experience with counselling supervision
  • Tutor support and regular tutorials


This two-year, part-time programme involves attending the training centre one day a week, plus occasional weekends in the first year. Additional time is required for reading, assignments, personal therapy, supervision, and placement.

Assessments:
Assessment will include written work, a weekly journal, presentations, and observed practice.

Cost: 
The total cost for two years, including registration fees, is £5750.00. Payment consists of a £460 deposit followed by 23 monthly payments of £230 through standing order.

Additional Costs:
In addition to course fees, you are required to complete 50 hours of self-funded personal therapy over two years.  If your placement does not provide supervision, you are responsible for the costs to meet the minimum requirement of 1 hour every fortnight.

Some placements may require pre-client training, which could incur an additional fee.

Additional costs are BACP student membership and required reading materials.

Entry requirements: 

Level 3 Counselling Qualification required (or currently completing).
All applicants must attend a personal interview and submit references and proof of prior training.

Core Staff: 
Tracey West-Adams

Jo Hayes


How to Apply
For an application form please contact us on 01227 638585, or by email info@hbcounsellortraining.com

Skills and Education Group

Herne Bay Counsellor Training is a recognised centre for providing counselling courses by the Skills and Education Group.  SEG, approve and moderate all of our courses.

Thanet Counselling Service

Low cost counselling service for adults in Birchington.

Help us support this valuable community service

hERNE BAY COUNSELLOR TRAINING

Caring 4 Young minds

Help us to provide low cost counselling for the children and young people within our community