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This course is designed for adult learners who have successfully completed Level 2 and Level 3 counselling qualifications and are ready to train as professional counsellors. It is a two-year, practice-based qualification that prepares learners to work safely and ethically as therapeutic counsellors in a range of settings.
Applicants must have completed both a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies – these courses must have involved face to face skill practice and not have been completed remotely. You must also have a L2 / GCSE in English and have a successful interview.
As part of the interview process, you will be invited to take part in a range of activities designed to explore your readiness for the course. These will include:
Additionally you will:
· Undergo an enhanced DBS check (required before placement begins)
· Demonstrate emotional readiness, maturity, and fitness to practise— assessed formally as part of your Year 1 progress
Is this the right course for me at this time?
This course involves significant emotional depth, personal reflection, and sustained professional development. Learners will be expected to share aspects of their personal history, receive and offer feedback, and explore challenging topics within a structured and professional environment. The course is not groupntherapy, but it does require emotional openness and resilience.
If you are currently receiving mental health support (e.g., counselling or therapy, or are taking prescribed medication), you are strongly advised to consult withnyour healthcare provider or therapist before applying. It is vital to ensure you are emotionally stable and ready to manage the demands of the course alongside any ongoing support needs.
Students must not attend this course with someone they know personally, in order to maintain confidentiality and the emotional safety of the group.
Train to become a fully qualified therapeutic counsellor
· Develop and apply a range of advanced counselling theories and skills
· Learn how to manage ethical dilemmas, professional boundaries, and client diversity
· Gain supervised real-world experience through a counselling placement
· Work towards independent practice, registration, or employment in counselling roles
Placement Requirement
A key component of the qualification is the completion of 100 supervised counselling hours in a suitable placement setting.
· Learners are responsible for securing their own placements during Year 1
· You will need to hold an enhanced DBS certificate before beginning your placement
· A formal fitness to practise process is undertaken during the first year
· Progression to Year 2 will be deferred if a placement is not secured by the end of Year 1
Your placement must be supervised by a qualified professional and meet the standards required by the awarding body.
You will also need to begin private counselling yourself as part of your ethical development and there is a requirement to complete a minimum of 20 hours per year.
The course consists of 7 modules:
· Professional Organisational Issues in Counselling
· Counselling in a Diverse Society
· Counselling Theory – main theory covered is Gestalt, alongside Transactional Analysis and Person Centred Theory.
· Advanced Counselling Skills
· Self-Awareness for Counsellors
· Research Methodology in Counselling
· Counselling Placement
Alongside taught modules, students participate in peer discussions, experiential learning, and skills workshops. Self-awareness and personal development activities underpin every stage of the course. External speakers, group supervision, and CPD events enhance the learning experience.
Assessment is ongoing throughout the two years and includes:
· Written assignments including a case study and reflective journals
· Presentations and a book review
· Completion of a small research project and presentation of findings
· Skills observations and tutor feedback
· Completion of your 100-hour placement portfolio which is externally assessed
Successful graduates can:
· Apply for individual membership or registration with a professional body such as the BACP
· Work as a qualified counsellor in agencies, schools, the voluntary sector, or private practice (depending on registration route)
· Progress to Level 5 qualifications, specialist CPD courses, or degree-level counselling or psychotherapy training
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Located in West Bromwich, Sandwell College boasts best in class facilities and exceptional teaching standards.
Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates, the College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the advice and guidance they need.
Sandwell College is the largest provider of 16-19 study programmes in the West Midlands, preparing learners for higher education, apprenticeships, and successful careers.
Open Days will give you the chance to meet our staff and your teachers and find out more about our courses.
Want to join us for this September? There’s still time to enrol.