INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING

By the course's conclusion, our objectives are for you to: Develop advanced counselling skills Understand and apply counselling theories Work in a professional agency context Be able to build therapeutic relationships Develop self-awareness and apply this to professional practice Put into practice working ethically and professionally as a counsellor Provide therapeutic counselling in a supervised placement (including how to work with clients aged 13-18 years) Prepare for employment and/or further training

Aims of the Course By the course's conclusion, our objectives are for you to: Continue to develop counselling skills building on the skills of Level 2, also introducing more advanced counselling skills to support clients Obtain an introduction to three counselling theories (person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive therapy) Continue to develop self-awareness Understand the importance of the counselling relationship Understand the importance of working within an ethical framework Enhance counselling practice through supervised practice

By the end of the Level 2 course our objectives are for you to: Develop into a proficient listener Gain a foundational understanding of counselling and its training Engage in experiential learning to enhance self-awareness Prepare for potential progression to the Level 3 counselling studies course By the end of the Level 3 course our objectives are for you to: Continue to develop counselling skills building on the skills of Level 2, also introducing more advanced counselling skills to support clients Obtain an introduction to three counselling theories (person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive therapy) Continue to develop self-awareness Understand the importance of the counselling relationship Understand the importance of working within an ethical framework Enhance counselling practice through supervised practice

This qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to provide clinical supervision for counselling practitioners.  It is aimed at counsellors who have acquired sufficient client work experience to contemplate the move into a clinical supervision role.  This qualification is designed to lead to a role as a clinical counselling supervisor in a counselling agency or in independent practice. Supervision is an ongoing professional requirement for all practising counsellors and those with a recognised qualification are more likely to find employment.

By the course's conclusion, our objectives are for you to: Develop into a proficient listener Gain a foundational understanding of counselling and its training Engage in experiential learning to enhance self-awareness Prepare for potential progression to the Level 3 counselling studies course

We recognised that many counselling professionals receive only a brief introduction to UK equality legislation during their initial training, despite encountering equality-related issues regularly in practice. This course was developed to bridge that gap by combining specialist insight into the development of equality legislation with extensive experience of counselling, clinical supervision and counselling education, providing practical, profession-specific guidance rather than generic legal training.

More information on the journey you can take can be found here.

By the course's conclusion, our objectives are for you to:Develop basic counselling and listening skills.Increase self-awareness and understanding of others.Explore what counselling is and whether further training is right for you.Build communication skills for everyday life, work or helping roles.

This programme has been designed for:Trainee counsellorsQualified counsellorsPsychotherapistsClinical supervisorsCounselling tutorsCounselling training providersPlacement managersCounselling service managersNo previous legal knowledge is required.

Course Length: 90 guided learning hoursTotal Qualification Time: 196 hoursMinimum Age: 19 yearsLocation: All sessions are live taught sessions that are online using Zoom. This complies with all requirements by the counselling professional bodies (such as CPCAB and BACP) as well as CPCAB (awarding body)Course Cost (Academic Year 2026-27): No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 courseAttendance Requirements: 90% minimum (equates to missing just 10 hours of the course. Please consider this when booking holidays - a fitness to study process will be triggered should the minimum attendance be reached and your place on the course could become compromised without refund)Personal Therapy Requirement: Each student must complete a minimum of 6 hours of personal therapy (at their own cost) with a qualified counsellor who is a member of a professional counselling body that is affiliated with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). While students can select their own counsellor, our tutors are available to offer guidance if needed.

Course Length: 30 Guided learning hoursTotal Qualification Time: 51 hoursMinimum Age: 18 yearsCourse Cost (Academic year 2026-27): TBCAttendance Requirements: 90% minimum (equates to missing just 3 hours of the course. Please consider this when booking holidays - a fitness to study process will be triggered should the minimum attendance be reached and your place on the course could become compromised without refund.

Course Length: 90 Guided learning hoursTotal Qualification Time: 328 hoursMinimum Age: 18 yearsCourse Cost (Academic year 2026-27): Paying In Full - £2200 (including VAT and CPCAB Fee)Installments - £2350 (including VAT and CPCAB Fee)Attendance Requirements: 90% minimum (equates to missing just 10 hours of the course). Please consider this when booking holidays - a fitness to study process will be triggered should the minimum attendance be reached and your place on the course could become compromised without refund.

Course Length: 90 Guided learning hoursTotal Qualification Time: 170 hoursMinimum Age: 19 yearsCourse Cost (Academic year 2026-27): No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course Attendance Requirements: 90% minimum (equates to missing just 10 hours of the course. Please consider this when booking holidays - a fitness to study process will be triggered should the minimum attendance be reached and your place on the course could become compromised without refund. Missing a Saturday session will equate to missing 7.5 hours)

Undertaking a psychology degree and counselling training are two different things; While both cover similar aspects in relation to theory of personality, a psychology degree is a knowledge-based qualification which requires a high level of academic ability. This is compared to counselling training which is a relational activity which depends on personal qualities, self-awareness and soft skills such as the ability to build a trusting relationship, work with difference and diveristy and covey empathic understanding. These aspects of counselling training are not included or assessed in most psychology degree programmes and have to be learnt and developed in a very different learning context.

Course Length: 420 Guided learning hours Total Qualification Time: 1204 hours Minimum Age: 20 years Course Cost (Academic year 2026-27): See Payment Options Attendance Requirements: 90% (equates to missing just 21 hours for each year of the course). Please consider this when applying for the course as a fitness to study and fitness to practice process will be triggered should the minimum attendance be reached and your place on the course could be compromised without refund. Missing a Saturday or Sunday session equates to missing 8.5 hours). Personal Therapy You are required to undertake 40 hours (a minimum of 20 hours per year of the course that should be at least fortnightly) of personal therapy with a qualified counsellor who must be a PSA registered member of a counselling professional membership body. You can find your own counsellor but can seek advice and guidance from your tutors if you are unsure who to choose. Placement You will undertake a supervised placement within an agency that has an established counselling service. You must gain a minimum of 100 placement hours to pass this part of the course. You are required to find your own placement, however NCCS has some links to different agencies across Northamptonshire (and a few outside of the County) and we will be able to provide information about these. You will also have regular placement workshops within the course to receive support in finding a suitable placement. Services in Northamptonshire include: Northamptonshire Mind, Teamwork, Service Six and The Lowdown. If you wish to work for an agency that we don't have current links with, we are more than happy to consider this but the agency must go through the NCCS approval process first. To Note - Should you wish to work with young people (ages 13-17) in your placement, you won't be able to begin your placement until you have completed the Young People module within the course at the end of Year 1.

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

No.This course is designed specifically for counselling professionals.It provides a practical understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and explores how equality legislation, ethical frameworks and professional judgement work together within counselling practice.It does not provide legal qualifications or replace specialist legal advice.

Course Length: 180 Guided learning hours Total Qualification Time: 366 hours Minimum Age: 18 years Course Cost (Academic year 2026-27): £2270 (including VAT and CPCAB Fee) Attendance Requirements: 90% minimum (equates to missing just 10 hours of the course. Please consider this when booking holidays - a fitness to study process will be triggered should the minimum attendance be reached and your place on the course could become compromised without refund. Missing a Saturday session will equate to missing 7.5 hours)

The normal letters for the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) is “Dip.Couns”. Qualifications below level 4 would not normally be listed but there would be no objection to “Cert.Couns.Skills” (CSK-L2) or “Cert.Couns.Studies” (CST-L3)

100% Online - Zoom

100% Online - Zoom

One weekend a month (Consecutive Saturday and Sunday) x 20 whole weekends and two x single session Saturday sessions – In-Person (Classroom) - this will be in Northamptonshire but location to be confirmed Wednesday Evenings - Online (Zoom) - September to April each year of the course

No course planned No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

100% Online - Zoom (including Saturday sessions)

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

Wednesday evening - 6-8pm Weekends - 9am - 5pm

If you already hold counselling skills and theory qualifications from a different awarding body, NCCS will assess your prior learning based on the number of guided learning hours (GLH) completed in a classroom setting and the course content, particularly in relation to theory and skills practice. Your previous course should closely align with the curriculum covered in the equivalent CPCAB course. To enter at Level 3, you must have completed a counselling skills course equivalent to at least 90 GLH. The course must have included live (synchronous) teaching, which may be online (not distance learning), as well as regular observed skills practice. To enter at Level 4, you should have completed equivalent counselling skills and theory courses with a minimum of 180 GLH. Like Level 3, these courses must include live teaching (either in person or online, but not distance learning) and consistent, observed skills practice sessions. If you’re uncertain whether your prior learning meets these requirements, please reach out to NCCS to schedule a consultation. Note: NCCS does not recognize online or distance learning courses that lack live, synchronous teaching or regularly observed, assessed practical skills sessions.

Weekend 1 - 7/8 November 2026 Weekend 2 - 19/20 December 2026 Weekend 3 - 23/24 January 2027 Weekend 4 - 27/28 February 2027 Weekend 5 - 20/21 March 2027 Weekend 6 - 24/25 April 2027

No.The programme begins with the key principles before moving into practical application.Whether you are newly qualified or highly experienced, the course is designed to be accessible and relevant.

TBC

To be confirmed

Level 2 - 6th October 2026 - 13th February 2027 Level 3 - 2nd March 2027 - 20th July 2027

One weekend a month (Saturday and Sunday) - 9am-5.15pm

In person sessions will be in Northamptonshire - location to be confirmed Online (Zoom)

CCS is an award-winning training center offering expert-led, accredited counselling courses approved by the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). The CPCAB, the only specialist awarding body in Europe focused solely on counselling, is managed by experienced counsellors, trainers, and supervisors. As the UK's leading awarding body for counselling, CPCAB is dedicated to developing skilled, competent counsellors. Their unique structure—run by counsellors, for counsellors—ensures a focus on practical and relevant training. CPCAB courses provide a structured pathway, enabling students to progress from working in counselling agencies or private practice to supervisory roles. Additionally, CPCAB courses fulfill the guided learning hour requirements needed for future accreditation as a practicing counsellor.

Yes.Many of the issues explored arise regularly within supervision, including reasonable adjustments, ethical dilemmas, professional judgement and working with diversity.The decision-making framework introduced during the day can be used in supervision as well as counselling practice.

No course planned at present

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

There is no installment plan available for this course and it must be paid in fullFee - TBCTerms and conditions apply.

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

In a world where counselling is an unregulated profession, there is a wide-range of training available and there is a place for distance learning or online courses, usually for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) once the formal counselling training has been completed or when combined with high-quality classroom based learning (e.g. The Open University/CPCAB Foundation Degree). Good quality counselling training has a solid relational foundation at its core and NCCS believe that in the first instance, this cannot be achieved via online or distance learning that doesn't involve live, synchronous teaching or regularly assessed skills practice sessions. NCCS offers CPCAB courses which all incorporate regular live teaching and assessed skills practice sessions (either in the classroom or online) and provide the benefits of an environment that consists of experiential learning building counselling competence as each level of training is undertaken. Professional membership bodies such as the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) or the National Counselling Society (NCS) require counsellors to register on an Approved Voluntary Register by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). To do this the membership bodies and PSA insist that a proportion of the would-be counsellor's training is provided by live teaching. BACP state: "We believe that practising counselling skills under supervision, and with feedback from staff and fellow students, is an important aspect of training. Online and distant learning courses can offer an introduction to the use of counselling skills and theory, but do not have this relationship with staff and other students". Any online or distance learning courses undertaken that are not synchronous and don't involve live teaching will also not count towards the training hours required for profession membership or accreditation should this be undertaken in the future once practicing.

Tuesday Evenings (6-9pm) and various Saturdays (9am-5pm)

Absolutely.The programme explores equality within counselling education, including reasonable adjustments, student support, Fitness to Study, placements and professional responsibilities.

Year 1 Term 1 - 19th September - 16th December 2026 (Half Term - 26-30 October) Weekends - 19/20September, 17/18 October, 14/15 November and 12/13 December Term 2 - 6th January - 24th March 2027 (Half Term - 15-19 February) Weekends - 16/17 January, 13/14 February and 13/14 March Term 3 - 14th April - 26th June 2027 (Last Wednesday session - 28.04.27) Weekends - 17/18 April, 15/16 May, 12/13 June and 26th June (Saturday only) Year 2 Term 1 - 18th September - 15th December 2027 (Half Term - 25-29 October) Weekends - 18/19 September, 16/17 October, 13/14 November and 11/12 December Term 2 - 5th January - 29th March 2028 (Half Term - 15-19 February 2028) Weekends - 15/16 January, 12/13 February and 11/12 March Term 3 - 19th April - 1st July 2028 (Last Wednesday session - 26th April 2028) Weekends - 22/23 April, 20/21 May, 17/18 June and 1st July (Saturday only)

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

Paying In Full - Total Cost - £2200 (including VAT and CPCAB Fee) Installments - £400 non-refundable deposit plus 6 x installment payments of £325 - Total Cost £2350 (including VAT and CPCAB Fee) Terms and conditions apply.

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

As a private training centre, funding in the form of learning loans and remitted fees are not available. However, in order to help spread the cost an installment payment option is available once the deposit has been paid.

No.A one-day programme cannot provide detailed legal training.Instead, it focuses on the aspects of the legislation most relevant to counselling professionals and helps delegates develop confidence in recognising equality issues and responding appropriately.

Level 2 or Equivalent in English Language. If you don’t have this level of literacy this does not exclude you from the course, but your written English will be assessed as part of the application written exerciseGood IT skills – ability to use Word, fill in proforma templates electronically, use an online google classroom platform, and have a confidential space with good Wi-Fi and lighting for online courses.A willingness to discuss personal thoughts and feelings with others as part of a group, 1-2-1 with other students and tutors and in writingA willingness to give feedback to and receive feedback from others in the groupBe committed to exploring your own values, beliefs and attitudes and examining how you relate to other peopleBe committed to the learning process and completing the necessary work on time to fulfil the requirements of the courseAnyone experiencing any current emotional/psychological problems will not be accepted onto the courseAnyone experiencing any life experiences that may be detrimental when studying a counselling course may not be accepted onto the course

Achieved a minimum of the following qualifications (to note consideration will be also be given to equivalent Level 4 & 5 courses and courses above Level 5 such as degrees and Masters degrees are also acceptable)CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling orCPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling orCPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory orCPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People plusCompleted 450 supervised counselling practice hours (250 of which must have been completed post-core qualification). These hours must have been completed at the time of applying plusA recommendation from your current clinical supervisor that you are suitable for this training                      Level 2 or Equivalent in English Language. If you don’t have this level of literacy this does not exclude you from the course, but your written English will be assessed as part of the application written exerciseGood IT skills – ability to use Word, use an online google classroom platform, and have a confidential space with good Wi-Fi and lighting A willingness to discuss personal thoughts and feelings with others as part of a group, 1-2-1 with other students and tutors and in writingA willingness to give feedback to and receive feedback from others in the groupBe committed to exploring your own values, beliefs and attitudes and examining how you relate to other peopleBe committed to the learning process and completing the necessary work on time to fulfil the requirements of the courseAnyone experiencing any current emotional/psychological problems will not be accepted onto the courseAnyone experiencing any life experiences that may be detrimental when studying a counselling course may not be accepted onto the course

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

In Full - Payment of £2150 (includes £120 discount, VAT and CPCAB fees) - payable within 7 days of being offered a place on the course Installments - Non-refundable deposit of £500 - payable within 7 days of being offered a place on the course then 10 x £177 monthly installments beginning 1st September 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

Level 2 or Equivalent in English Language. If you don’t have this level of literacy this does not exclude you from the course, but your written English will be assessed as part of the application written exercise Good IT skills – ability to use Word, fill in proforma templates electronically, use an online google classroom platform, and have a confidential space with good Wi-Fi and lighting (online courses) A willingness to discuss personal thoughts and feelings with others as part of a group, 1-2-1 with other students and tutors and in writing A willingness to give feedback to and receive feedback from others in the group Be committed to exploring your own values, beliefs and attitudes and examining how you relate to other people Be committed to the learning process and completing the necessary work on time to fulfil the requirements of the course Anyone experiencing any current emotional/psychological problems will not be accepted onto the course Anyone experiencing any life experiences that may be detrimental when studying a counselling course may not be accepted onto the course Please note: As this is a fast track course, it requires substantial commitment so please consider this before applying

The course is structured many topics including:Introduction to counsellingListening and communication skillsEthical practice and boundariesResponding with empathySelf-awareness and personal developmentPractical counselling skills practiceUnderstanding progression into counselling training

6 hours of personal therapy at own cost

Please see the latest edition of our course brochure for the most up-to-date pricing of our courses. you can find it .

No standalone level 2 course planned for academic year 2026/27. However, this course can still be completed as part of our new Integrated Level 2 & Level 3 course

This course will equip experienced counsellors with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become safe, ethical and effective clinical supervisors. Combining current supervision theory with extensive practical skills development, you'll learn how to support both trainee and qualified counsellors across a range of professional settings. Throughout the course you'll explore a range of supervision models, ethical and legal practice, risk management, safeguarding, diversity, professional boundaries, supervision contracts, reflective practice, self-awareness, power dynamics and evidence-informed supervision. Regular experiential skills practice, case discussions and tutor feedback ensure you can confidently apply your learning to real-world supervisory practice. Key topics include: Clinical supervision models and theory Ethical, legal and professional practice Risk assessment, safeguarding and complex case management Diversity, inclusion and cultural humility Supervisory relationships, contracting and boundaries Self-awareness, reflective practice and parallel process Evidence-informed supervision Extensive supervised skills practice and feedback Developing your professional identity as a supervisor

Yes.The day is highly interactive and includes realistic case studies, practical activities and group discussion based on situations commonly encountered within counselling, supervision and counselling education.

Assessment involves compiling an internally assessed portfolio with methods including:Reflective journalsGroup discussionsTutor and peer feedback on skills1-2-1 tutorialSuccessful completion requires passing the internal assessment.

Level 2 The course is structured many topics including: Becoming a skilled listener Working safely and ethically as a 'helper' using counselling skills Developing self-awareness Introduction to the Person-Centred Approach Level 3 Gain knowledge of different counselling theories Continue to develop self-awareness Understand the importance of the counselling relationship. Working within an ethical framework Enhancing counselling practice through use of supervision

Age requirement: 19 years or overEnglish language proficiency: Level 2 or equivalentApplicants without this level will need to demonstrate writing skills through a written exerciseIT skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, ability to fill in electronic templates, ability to use, or learn to use, google classroom, reliable Wi-Fi and good lighting in a confidential spaceCounselling skills training: Minimum of Level 2 Certificate or equivalent (at least 90 guided learning hours). Proof required at interviewCommitment to personal development: Willingness to engage in personal therapy (minimum six hours, self-funded) and openness to discuss thoughts and feelings in group and 1-2-1 settings, ability to give and receive feedback constructively, commitment to exploring personal values, beliefs, and attitudeEducational commitment: Commitment to learning process and completing homeworkEligibility considerations: Applicants experiencing current emotional or psychological issues may not be accepted, significant life circumstances may also affect acceptanceConsideration before applying: Need for emotional energy and time to fully engage in the training

Eligibility: Level 2 or Equivalent in English Language. If you don’t have this level of literacy this does not exclude you from the course, but your written English will be assessed as part of the application written exercise Good IT skills – ability to use Word, fill in proforma templates electronically, use an online google classroom platform, and have a confidential space with good Wi-Fi and lighting (online courses) A willingness to discuss personal thoughts and feelings with others as part of a group, 1-2-1 with other students and tutors and in writing A willingness to give feedback to and receive feedback from others in the group Be committed to exploring your own values, beliefs and attitudes and examining how you relate to other people Be committed to the learning process and completing the necessary work on time to fulfil the requirements of the course Anyone experiencing any current emotional/psychological problems will not be accepted onto the course Anyone experiencing any life experiences that may be detrimental when studying a counselling course may not be accepted onto the course

Assessment involves compiling an internally assessed portfolio with methods including: Reflective journals Assignments Group presentations Group discussions Tutor and peer feedback on skills Supervisory supervision feedback 1-2-1 tutorials

Our Level 4 course forms part of the Open University Foundation Degree progression route. The Foundation Degree is made up of the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, a mandatory Open University module (D240 Counselling: exploring fear and sadness) PLUS a choice of Open University modules and optional CPCAB level 5 practitioner qualifications. More information can be found by watching this video.

To be 20 years old or over Hold a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies or equivalent of at least 180 guided learning hours. Courses must have been taught live by a tutor, distance learning courses DO NOT meet the eligibility requirements. Proof of this will be required prior to interview To have a good track recording of attendance and meeting deadlines throughout your L2 and L3 training (evaluated through previous tutor references if transferring from a different training centre) Level 2 or equivalent in English Language – or ability to demonstrate this Good IT skills – availability of Microsoft Office on your laptop so that you can complete and submit work, ability to use Word, fill in proforma templates electronically, attach documents to emails and send, use an online classroom platform An ability to identify reasons for training beyond just personal development Provide academic and professional references Academically and emotionally able to cope with this level of training Ability to work with difference and diversity Possess personal qualities of resilience, imagination, intuition, openness, and ability to benefit from self-development Ability to form a therapeutic relationship Self-awareness, insight, honesty, and the ability to make links Ability to challenge and be challenged Ability to respond sensitively and empathically to others Capability (psychologically and time available) to commit to working with clients within an agency setting Are intending (and actively seeking) to secure a counselling placement by the end of year 1 of the programme Emotional stability and the absence of personality disturbance. Applicants who are experiencing current emotional or psychological problems will not be accepted onto the course. If you have experienced anything in the past this will be asked about at interview and you will be expected to have sufficiently worked through this Applicants who are experiencing current significant life circumstances or expecting significant life circumstances may not be accepted onto the course It is important that you have carefully considered all the eligibility requirements before applying for the diploma course. You need to have enough emotional energy and time available to be able to successfully apply yourself to all aspects of the training. A discussion with your current course tutor or personal therapist may help you with this consideration.

No formal assessment is required.Participants are encouraged to engage in discussion and reflection throughout the day.A certificate confirming six hours of Continuing Professional Development will be provided.

This may vary for each individual student and may increase slightly when various assignment deadlines approach. It is therefore important that if you are considering applying for the course, that you think about where the course will fit into your day-to-day life, such as employment, family circumstances, health issues, etc. It is important that the course is considered in relation to other areas of your life in order that you can give the course your time and commitment to give you the best opportunity of completing it. The full fee for the course is payable should you decide to withdraw once the course has begun.

Yes.Every delegate receives:A comprehensive workbookThe EQUAL™ Professional Practice FrameworkEquality and Ethics Quick Reference GuideCase study packCPD certificate

Assessment involves compiling an internally assessed portfolio with methods including: Reflective journals Worksheets Assignments Group presentations Group discussions Tutor and peer feedback on skills Supervision feedback and personal reflection 1-2-1 tutorials

2-3 hours a week

Professional practice: professional boundaries and skills, working ethically and safely, understanding the law, working with suicide risk, organisational policies, and procedures, undertaking assessments and referrals, understanding ethical frameworks and application to practice by exploring ethical dilemmas, utilising supervision effectively, clinical wills and note-taking. Mental Health: exploration of the medical and non-medical models of common mental health issues, including medication and referrals to specialist services. Counselling Theory: A firm grounding in person-centred theory and its application to practice. Other theories will be touched upon as a starting point for further CPD after the diploma course. Working with Difference: Exploration of the implications of working with difference in counselling practice and ‘getting comfortable with being uncomfortable’. Self-Awareness: Opportunities to explore your early experiences and the impact of these on patterns of relating and/or behaviour. Sometimes this may involve creative activities. Group Process: At regular intervals, you will spend an hour in group process which will provide opportunity for exploring your inter-relational dynamics and your own process. Reflective Practice Groups: This is like group supervision and provides an opportunity to explore your development as a counsellor, linking theory to practice as well as discussions about what might come next after the diploma has ended. Additional Topics: Talking about sexual intimacy in the therapy room, attachment theory, time-limited counselling, and pre-trial therapy. Counselling Young People Module - Towards the end of Year 1 of the diploma course at NCCS, students will also complete a 10-week module related to working with children and young people. This course is mapped across to Stage 1 of the “BACP Counselling Children and Young People Training Curriculum”. This module will provide students with the basic skills and competencies to begin working with children and/or young people. This will also provide students with a starting point should they wish to continue working towards a qualification in counselling children and/or young people once they have completed the Level 4 diploma at NCCS. Should you wish to complete a placement counselling young people, you won't be able to begin this until you have completed the assessment this module.

Course Content The course is structured many topics including: Becoming a skilled listener Working safely and ethically as a 'helper' using counselling skills Developing self-awareness Introduction to the Person-Centred Approach

CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) is an awarding organisation for counselling courses. These are sometimes called awarding bodies or examination boards. This is compared to the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) and BACP (British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists) which is a professional membership body that student and 'qualified' counsellors can become a member of. The role of these professional bodies is to set standards, protect the public, hear and review complaints. They don't award counselling qualifications. They don't award counselling qualifications. There are also other awarding bodies such as the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), for which our Level 4 is accredited with. Other acronyms you may notice across the site are: GLH - Guided Learning Hours TQT - Total Qualification Time PSA - Professional Standards Authority

Learning Outcome 1 – Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor Learning Outcome 2 – Working within the counselling relationship Learning Outcome 3 – Working with client diversity in counselling work Learning Outcome 4 – Working within a user-centred approach to counselling Learning Outcome 5 – Using counselling theory to understand own self Learning Outcome 6 – Using self-awareness to enhance counselling work Learning Outcome 7 – Working self reflectively as a counsellor

Yes.The programme can be delivered for:Counselling agenciesCharitiesNHS servicesUniversitiesCollegesIndependent counselling training providersPrivate counselling organisations Content can also be adapted to reflect your organisation's policies and learning objectives.

Assessment involves compiling an internally assessed portfolio with methods including: Reflective journals Worksheets Assignments Group presentations Group discussions Tutor and peer feedback on skills Supervision feedback and personal reflection 1-2-1 tutorials

This is a fast track course and so additional study time could be as much as approximately 10-12 hours a week. This may vary for each individual student and may increase slightly when various assignment deadlines approach. It is therefore important that if you are considering applying for the course, that you think about where the course will fit into your day-to-day life, such as employment, family circumstances, health issues, etc.  It is important that the course is considered in relation to other areas of your life in order that you can give the course your time and commitment to give you the best opportunity of completing it.  The full fee for the course is payable should you decide to withdraw once the course has begun.

Assessment involves compiling an internally assessed portfolio with methods including: Reflective journals Worksheets Assignments Group presentations Group discussions Tutor and peer feedback on skills 1-2-1 tutorials

This course can be completed as a standalone qualification or used as an optional introduction before progressing to onto the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) course.

Most Equality Act courses focus primarily on legal compliance.This programme has been designed specifically for counselling professionals and explores how equality legislation, ethical frameworks and professional judgement work together in contemporary counselling practice.The course is delivered jointly by a unique partnership combining experience in the development of equality legislation with extensive experience in counselling, clinical supervision and counselling education.

To be confirmed

This is a fast track course and so additional study time could be as much as approximately 10-12 hours a week. This may vary from student to student but will increase when various assignments are due to be handed in. This may vary for each individual student and may increase slightly when various assignment deadlines approach. It is therefore important that if you are considering applying for the course, that you think about where the course will fit into your day-to-day life, such as employment, family circumstances, health issues, etc. It is important that the course is considered in relation to other areas of your life in order that you can give the course your time and commitment to give you the best opportunity of completing it. The full fee for the course is payable should you decide to withdraw once the course has begun.

Additional study time is difficult to estimate as every student is different but we would suggest approximately 8 hours a week. This may vary from student to student but will increase when various assignments are due to be handed in. It is important that the course is considered in relation to other areas of your life in order that you can give the course your time and commitment to give you the best opportunity of completing it. Please consider how it will fit into your current employment, family life, health issues etc.

By the end of this course, you will be fully prepared and qualified to join Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic counselling - the final step to becoming a practising counsellor

To maximise discussion and interaction, delegate numbers are limited.This ensures everyone has the opportunity to contribute, ask questions and participate fully in the case study discussions.

You will need pen and paper (or an electronic device for taking notes)As this is an online course all course resources will be shared on a platform called Google Classroom.

While the Level 2 course stands alone as a valuable qualification, it also serves as a stepping stone to the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, also offered by the NCCS

You will need pen and paper and your course textbook when attending lessons. As this is an online course all course resources will be shared on a platform called Google Classroom.

Level 2 - Ballantine Dykes, Fiona, Kopp, Barry and Postings, Traci. 2024 Counselling Skills and Studies. 3rd edn. London: Sage Level 3 - Ballantine Dykes, Fiona, Kopp, Barry and Postings, Traci. 2024 Counselling Skills and Studies. 3rd ed. London: Sage Other suggested reading Sanders, P (2006), The Person-Centred Counselling Primer: A Steps in Counselling Supplement (Counselling Primers) PCCS Tolan. J. 2017 Skills in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy (Skills in Counselling & Psychotherapy Series) 3rd ed. London: Sage

This is a stand-alone Level 3 Counselling Studies course, but progression can be made onto a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Studies

Ballantine Dykes, Fiona, Kopp, Barry and Postings, Traci. 2024 Counselling Skills and Studies. 3rd edn. London: Sage

Participants leave with practical resources that can be used in everyday practice, supervision and counselling education.Those wishing to explore specialist topics, we also plan to offer additional courses that cover areas such as Professional Judgement, Clinical Supervision, Reasonable Adjustments and Counselling Education.

You will need pen and paper and your course textbook when attending lessons.  As this is an online course all course resources will be shared on a platform called Google Classroom.

Ballantine Dykes, Fiona, Kopp, Barry and Postings, Traci. 2024 Counselling Skills and Studies. 3rd ed. London: Sage Other suggested reading Sanders, P (2006), The Person-Centred Counselling Primer: A Steps in Counselling Supplement (Counselling Primers) PCCS Tolan. J. 2017 Skills in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy (Skills in Counselling & Psychotherapy Series) 3rd ed. London: Sage

Sutton, J. 2008 Learning to Counsel: Develop the Skills, Insight and Knowledge to Counsel Others, 4th ed. Oxford: Spring Hill House.

You will need pen and paper and your course textbook when attending lessons. As this is an online course all course resources will be shared on a platform called Google Classroom.

£100 (including VAT)

A copy of the CPCAB Candidate Learning Record National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) Ethical Framework Core text book

You will need pen and paper and your course textbook when attending lessons. As this is an online course all course resources will be shared on a platform called Google Classroom.

Fees (September 2026 Start) Fees include £750 CPCAB fee (this is based on fees for academic year 2025-26 and will incrementally increase for academic year 2026-27 and 2027-28 - this means that course fees will slightly increase each academic year to what is outlined below - we are currently waiting publication of the exact fee)

Please see course brochure for payment options

Personal Development - These types of session aim to develop personal self-awareness and facilitate your personal enquiry into your own personal history and personal relationships; Theory - These sessions examine topics relating to counselling skills and from a person-centered approach Skills Practice - Skills practice sessions involve you practicing your counselling skills on each other in groups of 3 or 4 Supervision groups - these will be in addition to placement supervision sessions Ethical dilemma discussions and other practical counselling skills Group Discussions Guest speakers You will also be required to undertake 30 hours of personal therapy and complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised practice in a counselling placement. Students are required to find their own placement (NCCS will provide ideas and support for this but it is ultimately the student's responsibility). Placement must be started or arranged to begin by the end of Year 1 of the course.

You will produce a written e-portfolio of work, which documents evidence of your learning, a record of your personal development and a collection of evidence to support CPCAB criteria outlined in the Candidate Learning Record (CLR). Success on the course is dependent upon the completion of this portfolio. All seven learning processes are individually assessed throughout the course using the following methods:-​ Reflective Learning journals Tutor and peer feedback Self-assessment Written Assignments Case Presentations – including written process report Research Projects Presentations Group Discussions and group work Group Supervision Placement and Placement Supervision Report Self-Review

This course requires a lot of additional study time between sessions. It is difficult to quantify this for Level 4 as this will vary from student to student and also will vary dependent upon other factors such as when an assignment is due to be submitted. It is important that the course is considered in relation to other areas of your life in order that you can give the course your time and commitment to give you the best opportunity to complete it. Please consider how it will fit into your current employment, family life, health issues etc.

While undertaking a Level 4 diploma course at NCCS, you will be eligible for student membership of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (NCPS). Once you have completed your course and gained your diploma certification, this will enable you to apply for full membership of these organisations or others. If you join NCPS or BACP, this will also include being placed on the Professional Standards Authority "Register for Counsellors and Psychotherapists". For the BACP, you will be required to sit a Certificate of Proficiency (a computer-based test) before being approved for the Register. NCPS don't require you to sit a test and will look at the counselling qualifications you have gained as proof of competency. As the Level 4 4 diploma at NCCS is accredited by NCPS, students will have direct access to NCPS membership (known as 'accredited registrant') and the PSA Register. From here, if you wish, you can work towards "accredited" status with BACP or "Accredited Professional Registrant" with NCPS (there are also other membership bodies - some of which aren't recognised by the Professional Standards Authority). To become accredited, you will need to: Have been in practice for three years (this includes your Level 4 counselling placement) Have undergone 450 hours of counselling training with a substantial amount of this being at Diploma Level. For examples Level 3 plus Level 4 is 510 hours. need Be a registered member of the organisation you are hoping to gain accreditation with Being in supervised practice for at least 15. hours a month The Level 4 diploma is a stand-alone course, but progression is available, should you choose to, on to the CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory or the Level 5 Diploma in Working with Children and Young People.

Mandatory Texts Bond, T. (2015) Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action. SAGE Budd, K. et al (2020) A Student’s Guide to Therapeutic Counselling. SAGE Kirkbride, R. (2018) Counselling young people. A practitioner manual SAGE Watson, J. (2019) Drop the Disorder. PCCS Other Suggested Reading BACP have a range of books on: record keeping, confidentiality, ethics and the law Bolton, G. (2010) Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development. Sage Bor, R. and Watts, M. (2001) The Trainee Handbook: A guide for Counselling and psychotherapy Trainees 3rd. Edition. SAGE Bowlby, J. (1969) Attachment and Loss Trilogy: Attachment (Volume 1) Bowlby, J. (1972) Attachment and Loss Trilogy: Separation (Volume 2) Bowlby, J. (1980) Attachment and Loss Trilogy: Loss (Volume 3) Brown, R. (2007) Understanding Boundaries and Containment in Clinical Practice. Karnac Books Bryant-Jefferies, R. (2004) Counselling Young People Person-Centred Dialogues. Radcliffe Medical Press Churchill, S. (2010) The Troubled Mind: A Handbook of Therapeutic Approaches to Psychological Distress Cooper, M. (2003) Existential Therapies. SAGE Cooper M. (2008) Essential Research Findings in Counselling and Psychotherapy. SAGE Danguah, A. (2013) Attachment Theory in Adult Mental Health. Routledge Davies D. et al (1996) Pink Therapy. Open University Press· Geldard, K. and Geldard, D. (2008) Counselling Adolescents Sage Holmes, J. (2004) The search for the secure base. Routledge Hopper, L. (2007) Counselling and Psychotherapy with children and adolescents. Palgrave Macmillan Howe, D. (2011) Attachment across a life course. Palgrave McMillan Joseph, S. et al (2017) The Handbook of Person-Centred Therapy and Mental Health: Theory, Research and Practice. PCCS Kahn, M. (1997) Between Therapist and Client. St. Martin’s Press Mearns, D. et al (2017) Working at relational depth in counselling and psychotherapy. SAGE Publications Mearns, D. et al (2013) Person-centred counselling in Action (4th Edition). SAGE Mearns, D. et al (2000) Person-centred Therapy Today SAGE Nelson-Jones, R. (2014) Theory and Practice of Counselling and Therapy. 5th Edition. SAGE Pearce, C, (2009) A short introduction to attachment and attachment disorder Jessica Kingsley Reeves, A,, (2013) Challenges in Counselling: self-harm. Hodder Education Robinson, M. and Pattison, S. 2nd Ed (2018) The Handbook of Counselling Children and Young People. SAGE Rogers, C. (2004) On becoming a person. Constable Rogers, C. (1995) Way of Being. Houghton Sanders, P. (2012) Tribes of the Person-Centred Nation 2nd Edition, PCCS Sills, C. (2006) Contracts in Counselling and Psychotherapy. 2nd Edition. Sage UK Tolan, J. et al (2011) Client Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy. SAGE Treishman, K. (2017) A Therapeutic Treasure Box for working with children and adolescents with developmental trauma. Jessica Kingsley Tudor, K. et al (2006) Dictionary of Person-Centred Psychology. PCCS Van Deurzen, E. (2012) Existential Counselling and Psychotherapy in Practice. SAGE Voskett, V. (1999) The Therapeutic use of self. Routledge Wright, J. et al (2018) Reflective Writing in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2nd edition. SAGE

You will need to bring paper and a pen to lessons. To keep costs of the course down, most resources, such as handouts will be sent electronically. Students are therefore welcome to bring tablets or laptops to sessions for course purposes only (you will be required to produce some printed material).