Level 4 Diploma
in Therapeutic Counselling
Professional training to become a qualified counsellor.
The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is the professional qualification required to practise as a counsellor in the UK and to join most professional bodies.
This course includes supervised client work, personal therapy and rigorous assessment. It is designed for students who are ready to commit to professional counselling practice.
Students who have successfully completed CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 counselling training
Those committed to becoming practising counsellors
Students prepared for time, financial and emotional commitment
People ready to begin supervised client work
Audience
WHO THIS IS FOR
Level 4 is suitable for:
Suitability matters. An interview forms part of the application process.
September 2026
STUDY Options
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Canterbury – Monday 9:30am-5:00pm – Integrative (Person Centred & Gestalt) – ONLY 3 PLACES LEFT
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Ashford – Wednesday 9:30am-5:00pm – Integrative (Person Centred, TA & Gestalt) – ONLY 2 PLACES LEFT
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Chiddingstone Causeway – Thursday 10am-5:30pm – Person Centred
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Maidstone – Saturday 10am-5:30pm – Integrative (Person Centred, TA & Gestalt)
Practice
PLACEMENT & SUPERVISION
As part of the diploma, students must:
• Secure a counselling placement
• Work with real clients under supervision
• Engage in regular clinical supervision
We provide guidance on finding placements and invite placement providers to speak to students, but securing a placement remains the responsibility of each student.
Advanced counselling theory and practice
Regular skills practice and assessment
Minimum 100 supervised client hours
Ongoing clinical supervision
Personal therapy requirements
Professional and ethical decision-making
Training
WHAT LEVEL 4 INVOLVES
The diploma includes:
This is a demanding and rewarding stage of training, supported by experienced tutors.
Development
PERSONAL THERAPY
Personal therapy is a core part of professional counselling training.
It supports self-awareness, ethical practice and readiness to work safely with clients.
Demand
COURSE COMMITMENT
Level 4 requires significant commitment alongside work and personal life.
Many students continue working while studying, but careful planning is essential.
The course is delivered through a blended model of in-person and online teaching.
Cost
PAYMENT PLANNING
The total cost is £7,000 for the whole course, inclusive of VAT, CPCAB registration fees for both years (£810), and an electronic course textbook. Payment plans are available and discussed clearly before enrolment.
We encourage students to plan financially for the full diploma before applying so they can train with confidence and clarity.
Time commitment alongside work and family life
Planning for placement and supervision
Financial planning for the full diploma
Emotional readiness for client work
Before Apply
READINESS CHECK
We encourage all Level 4 applicants to consider:
We are happy to talk through these before application.
Steps
APPLICATION PROCESS
After you enquire:
• We reply promptly by email
• You can ask questions or book a call with a tutor
• We discuss readiness and expectations
• If appropriate, we invite you to interview
• You decide whether to apply
There is no pressure at any stage.