CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

It will involve at least 90% attendance, completion of 7 mandatory units (across the 1 year ), 60 hours in an approved Counselling placement (at least 51% of placement hours will need to be carried out face to face)

NB- Students will be expected to already be in placement and will in most , but not all , circumstances be in placement as a continuance from Level 4. You will have to have completed all your Level 4 academic work and also your  100 hours placement hours before being registered for Level 5 . Applicants will not be able to be on the Level 5 whilst still completing the Level 4.  

Those applicants who have already  completed  their 100 placement hours for Level 4 and also completed  all academic work by the end of the course can  count any  extra  placement hours  during the post Level 4 summer period ( eg July / August ) towards their 60 hours for Level 5 up to a maximum of 20.  However , since the Level 5 is a vocational qualification students will be expected  NOT to stop their placement work half way through the Level  5 , but continue with some client work. It is expected that students will always  be in some form of  practice seeing clients  for the full duration of the Level 5 course.

The course will also require a commitment to professional and personal growth- being open to giving and receiving feedback to enable growth. Time commitment to classes/completing course work / placement /supervision and personal therapy.

Modality / Theory

The Level 5 is an Integrative / Humanistic based course (Person Centred / Gestalt) which also draws from many other theories and includes working creatively with clients. The Person centred  element of the course places great emphasis on building a collaborative , trust based relationship with the client with a  focus on a clear agreed direction for the counselling based on the client’s unique way of processing. The  Gestalt element focusses on the theory that the client knows what’s best for them and has within them a huge potential for growth. Other theories such as Psychodynamic , CBT , TA and Attachment  are included into this framework.

What will I study?

7 mandatory units over 1 year  of study

Unit 1. Work safely, legally and ethically as an independent counsellor

Unit 2. Work with complex aspects of the counselling relationship

Unit 3. Use theory and research to work with client diversity in independent practice

Unit 4. Use a coherent approach to respond to the needs of individual clients

Unit 5. Work with self-awareness as an independent practitioner

Unit 6. Use theory, research and skills within a coherent framework for independent counselling practice

Unit 7. Monitor and maintain professional effectiveness as a counsellor in independent practice

To achieve the qualification, you must be internally assessed as Proficient in all 7 units of the qualification and must be externally assessed (by CPCAB) as Proficient.

In addition to the 7 mandatory units a minimum of 60 hours of placement activity will also need to completed by the end of the of 1 years study.

How will I be assessed?

There will be continuous assessment through assignments/projects/reflective journals/ documents, tutor observation and testimony and portfolio building. Candidates must be pass all internal and external assessment and meet all the qualification requirements, including all placement hours. Minimum assessment requirements are verified both internally and externally by the awarding body (CPCAB).

Assessment Schedule

During the course students will complete 3 main Assignments on the following subjects..

• Theories and Research
• Legal and Ethical issues
• Diversity and Equality

Students will also complete Presentations  on…

• Personal Development
• Use of Supervision
• Promotional materials ( website , leaflets etc)

Work on the course criteria and Units will be uploaded digitally and marked throughout the course. In addition there will be regular observed and recorded skills sessions and students will also be expected to keep a regular personal journal / diary.

A completely signed off candidate learning record (CLR) is mandatory by the end of the course for final internal and external assessment to take place.Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5) – CPCAB

External verifiers may request copies of your work however your confidentiality will be always kept.

Please note in accordance with CPCAB policy that you must be deemed fit to practice and already have an approved placement in order to progress to  this course. This is a course where you will be seeing clients as you train.

If a student withdraws or is unable to continue the course, they will remain responsible for any outstanding fees.