Counselling Practice - Level 4 Diploma

Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Practice is for those wishing to achieve professional status in counselling. This qualification enables learners to embark on counselling practice working within an ethical framework such as BACP or NCS.
The placement requirement in this qualification is essential to the personal and professional development of the practitioner. Learners must complete 100 hours of supervised client contact. This is a two year part-time night programme. This course will take place in person at Yeovil College.

After finishing this course, you could decide to progress onto the Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling or other HE related counselling courses and you would be welcome to discuss these options with your tutor.

Upon successful completion of all elements of the course you can apply for BACP or NCS Membership. You can then gain employment as a fully qualified counsellor and/or set private practice.
This qualification is also appropriate for those working in roles where counselling skills are needed, for example; nursing, teaching, social work, voluntary sector, the police and armed forces.

After you have developed knowledge and understanding in the main approaches to counselling, you will evaluate the underlying concepts and principles of a core chosen approach to/models of counselling. Our chosen approach is Humanistic and our core theoretical model is Person Centred.

During the course, you will learn how the chosen approach views human development and psychological change, with comparison to other theoretical approaches. You will also gain an understanding of the practical application of your chosen approach and other approaches to clinical practice.
You will learn about professional ethics and boundaries, the complexities of therapeutic relationships, and develop self-critical and self-evaluation skills. You will gain supervision skills, understand the effectiveness of supervision and develop an understanding of different theoretical perspectives. Within the course programme you will also engage in personal development groups which are aimed at developing self-knowledge and self-awareness.
There is a requirement for placement within this qualification, which is essential to your personal and professional development as a practitioner. Before you can start placement you will need to achieve a competency to practice observation and join the BACP as a student member. You will also need to take part in a minimum of 20 hours of personal therapy over the duration of the course.

This course has 3 Mandatory Components; Counselling Theory; A Chosen Approach, Study of Supervised Practice and four optional components that provide an opportunity to deepen an understanding of theoretical perspectives within an Humanistic and Integrative perspective.
The four optional components we currently deliver are: - Working with Children and Young People; Working with Anxiety; Working with Grief and Loss and Blended Practice (online and phone therapy).

Units will be delivered as lectures, tutorials, videos, group discussions and experiential activities (VR case studies, discussions, debates, guest speakers, role plays). You will have opportunity to put the theory learned into practice in role plays with peers and actors. You will also participate in Personal Development Groups. You will be assessed through written essays, case studies, external exam, practical exams (role play online & face to face), presentations, observation records, reflective discussions and learning journals.

As an adult learner at Yeovil College you will be able to access a range of support and services, including our dedicated Learning Resource Centre, a wealth of resources from our team of expert careers advisors, and a range of wellbeing support.

Course fees: £2882
Some learners, depending on financial situation, may be entitled to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. To find out more, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly iZone team via 01935423921 or email izone@yeovil.ac.uk.

Additional costs:

• Student Membership (See BACP website for current student membership fee)
• Enhanced DBS check costing £56
• 20 hours of personal therapy
• Clinical Supervision if placement provider does not provide supervision
• Personal Liability Insurance
• Registration with Information Commissioners Office (ICO) if placement provider does not provide this
• Course text books

Additional costs may be covered by our financial assistance bursary which you can apply for once you have had your place confirmed and at that point, you will be provided with the bursary application form.

The Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Practice is assessed by means of a combination of external and internal assessments.
External Assessments: Written exam and supervised case study in essay form.
Internal Assessments: Written essays, practical exams (Online & face to face), cases studies, individual and group presentations, observation records, reflective discussions, and reflective learning journals.

This qualification is graded: pass, merit and distinction. In addiction learners need to complete 100 hrs of supervised practice and a minimum of 20 hours of personal therapy.

Level 3 qualification in Counselling or an equivalent qualification with elements of practical skills and theory related to counselling. You will also require English at GCSE 4+/C+ or Level 2 Functional Skills in Literacy. Each applicant will need to be successful in an interview with the course tutors and in a skills practice assessment.

Candidates will be required to undertake Disclosure & Barring service check prior to commencement of any practical work.