SEG Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Course Overview

This course represents the final stage of counsellor training and focuses on the personal and professional development of the individual to work as a fully functioning practitioner. The course is primarily aimed at those who want to work as counsellors but we recognise that some people want to experience the process and gain an extra string to their bow in their chosen field, e.g. teaching, nursing, medicine, etc. The delivery team are experts in their fields all with their own private practice as well as qualified lecturers.

This course is very challenging both personally and academically and you must be certain before applying that you can commit to the course and can meet the academic level.

The course lasts for two academic years and is taught on a part-time basis, you would be in college from 10.00am to 4.30pm. We are running two courses (subject to numbers) one on a Monday and one on a Wednesday. Although you are only in college for one day per week, you need to be prepared to commit a significant amount of extra time outside of this (the equivalent of around two and a half days per week) to fulfil all the elements.

Fees are œ3695, this covers both years of the programme. They can be paid either through an Advanced Learning Loan or by your personal funds. Once you have enrolled you are liable for the full course fee, regardless of whether the full course is completed or not.

Due to the unique nature of counselling training in addition to the course fees the following will need to be paid:

• BACP Student Membership

• Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Personal therapy

• Supervision

• DBS (unless you can provide a certificate issued in the last 12 months or subscribe to the update service)

Details of the approximate cost of additional expenses will be provided during the application process.
Students who do not complete all of their placement hours within the two years of the course may be able to access a further term at the end of the second year, for an additional fee of œ500. Please be aware that this is for exceptional circumstances only.

Course Requirements

Successful completion of a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills or similar qualification.

A satisfactory reference from your Level 3 counselling tutor.
A successful interview. (Please note you would need to be available for around 5 hours on the day of interview and be prepared to practice your skills and get involved in group activities.)
You will need to provide evidence that you can work to an Academic Level equivalent to 1st Year Degree standard. You could make available the Level 3 portfolio for observation at interview.
A commitment to the BACP ethical framework.
You will need to have a satisfactory, current DBS check (this can be completed after the start of the course if you do not have one dated within the last year).
Complete student membership with the BACP, at your own cost, after the start of the course.
You need to display a commitment to personal development.
Please note: if you have been in recovery we ask that you have been clear for a minimum of two years before applying for this course.
The course will run subject to minimum numbers being reached.

What you will Learn

The aims of the course are to train and develop counsellors who:

• Meet, when combined with the SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills, the training contact hours requirement for basic training at a professional level for recognition as a qualified counsellor

• can practice competently on qualifying

• can work independently or as part of a team

• are reflective practitioners

• are able to identify their own ongoing personal and professional development needs

• have an in depth understanding of the Integrative Counselling Approach and are able to understand and apply theoretical concepts from Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural and Transactional Analysis theories.

Given the diversity of contemporary society, the course integrates an understanding of anti-discriminatory practice throughout the duration of the course.

Assessment

Assessment will include formal academic assignments alongside informal and continuous feedback from tutors and peers. You will also create a placement portfolio that will be sent to SEG for external assessment.
You must undertake a minimum of 100 hours supervised client practice during the time of the course.

Progression

Successful completion of the course awards qualified status and entitles you to apply for jobs as Counsellors.
You may also progress onto postgraduate and post-qualifying courses in counselling studies that are designed to enhance the practice, skills and knowledge of a practicing counsellor.

This can include training in your chosen specialism. Many candidates progress towards national accreditation status with lead bodies such as The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Career Options

Successful completion of the course awards qualified status and entitles you to apply for counselling jobs.
You may also progress onto postgraduate and post-qualifying courses in counselling studies that are designed to enhance the practice, skills and knowledge of a practicing counsellor.

This can include training in your chosen specialism. Many candidates progress towards national accreditation status with lead bodies such as The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Mandatory Units

• Professional Organisational Issues in Counselling

• Counselling in a Diverse Society

• Counselling Theory

• Advanced Counselling Skills

• Self-Awareness For Counsellors

• Research Methodologies in Counselling

• Counselling Placement

You must undertake a min 100 hours supervised client practice during the course. 20 hours personal therapy is also a requirement of the course.
Progression to year 2 is dependent on meeting specific criteria.