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Free Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling Course in Ashton-under-Lyne

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start17 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyABC awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Tameside College, part-time during the day over two years. You'll study seven units covering theory, counselling skills, professional practice, ethics, equality and diversity, and self-awareness. The course leads to qualified counsellor status on successful completion. To join, you'll need a Level 3 Counselling Skills qualification or equivalent, including skills practice and personal development group work. There's a telephone interview before you start. A strong level 4 therapeutic counselling qualification for those ready to take the next step in their counselling training.

Who this course is for

This is a part-time, 2 - year study programme, successful completion of which provides qualified counsellor status. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods which will aim to enhance and further develop your knowledge of theory, counselling skills, self-awareness and your understanding of professional practice, ethics, equality and diversity.

Throughout the course you will study 7 units in total. These include:

� 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

Your progress will be assessed by completion of:

� The Seven Units listed above

� Conducting a research project

� Successfully completing two consecutive Fitness to Practice assessments

� Attending a 2 day Residential in year one and in year two (Saturday/Sunday)

� Keeping a Personal journal which you will reflect on to evidence self-awareness

� Completion of 100 hours placement - clients to be seen only after fitness to practice assessment

� External Supervision and Supervisor report on fitness to practice.

Learners should be aware that the course can be emotionally and intellectually demanding and awareness of your own mental health needs and support network are essential to your well-being. Although not a mandatory requirement learners are strongly encouraged to access Personal therapy as appropriate. Learners are also encouraged to gain student membership of BACP, Personal Indemnity Insurance and Enhanced DBS.

Entry requirements

SEG Level 3 Counselling Skills - or equivalent

Your prior Counselling training must include skills practice and personal development group work. Attending face-to-face counselling courses provides a deeper experience of this and learners with qualifications gained online may be required to complete further study before progressing to Level 4.

You will be interviewed for this course via telephone in the first instance to ascertain your previous experience, motivation, academic qualification

What you will learn

  • You'll develop advanced counselling skills and techniques
  • You'll study counselling theory and how to apply it in practice
  • You'll explore professional and organisational issues in counselling
  • You'll build self-awareness and reflective practice
  • You'll understand professional ethics in a counselling context
  • You'll examine equality and diversity as they apply to counselling work
  • You'll develop your understanding of professional practice standards

How you will learn

You'll learn through a variety of teaching methods in the classroom, designed to develop your theoretical knowledge and practical counselling skills alongside personal development. The course includes group work as part of your learning. Assessment is built into the programme across the seven units you study over the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Tameside College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counsellor. Work with individuals in private or charitable settings
  • Employee assistance counsellor. Support staff wellbeing in workplace programmes
  • Bereavement counsellor. Help people cope with loss and grief
  • Relationship counsellor. Support couples and families through difficulties
  • Substance misuse counsellor. Work with people affected by addiction
  • School or college counsellor. Support young people's mental health

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling. A natural next step if you want to deepen your therapeutic training or move toward psychotherapy practice.
  • Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy. University-level study for those aiming toward BACP accreditation or specialist therapeutic work.
  • Supervision training. Relevant if you plan to supervise other counsellors as your career develops.
Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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