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Free Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling Course in Macclesfield

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start15 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyABC awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling Course in Macclesfield. Evening therapeutic counselling classes run at Macclesfield College, part-time over 35 weeks. This level 4 therapeutic counselling qualification is designed for people who already hold a Level 3 counselling skills qualification or equivalent. You'll need a reference from your Level 3 tutor and a previous Level 3 personal development assignment. Student BACP membership and a DBS check are both compulsory. The course develops the skills and knowledge to practise counselling in a range of settings, including nursing, pastoral care, and other helping professions.

Who this course is for

The Level 4 Therapeutic Diploma is a challenging, dynamic and demanding course that promotes enormous personal development. This course enables students to become a qualified counsellor and to practice counselling in various settings or within other occupational roles such as nursing, police, pastoral care and other helping professions.

The curriculum design, coverage and qualification provide learners with an opportunity to develop work-based skills within the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) ethical framework and develop an understanding of the impact of a diverse society on clients, counselling therapeutic models, self-awareness and research methodologies, all of which will be demonstrated through a 100-hour supervised placement.

Entry requirements

  • Level 3 counselling skills qualification or equivalent.
  • Reference from Level 3 Tutor
  • A previous Level 3 assignment in relation to person development to be shared with the tutors.

** STUDENT BACP MEMBERSHIP IS COMPULSORY

** DBS IS REQUIRED

*It is recommended that students undergo their own personal therapy during the course.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop advanced counselling skills to work with clients in a range of professional settings.
  • You'll study therapeutic models and how to apply them in practice.
  • You'll learn how to manage the counselling relationship ethically and professionally.
  • You'll explore personal development and its role in effective counselling practice.
  • You'll build knowledge of safeguarding, boundaries, and professional responsibilities.
  • You'll understand how counselling integrates into roles such as nursing, police work, and pastoral care.

How you will learn

Classes are delivered in the evening at Macclesfield College. Learning combines taught sessions, group work, and reflective practice. Assessment is through written assignments, including a personal development piece. The course is aligned with BACP frameworks. Students are recommended to undertake their own personal therapy alongside the course. A DBS check and student BACP membership are required before you begin.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Macclesfield College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange student BACP membership and a DBS check before the course begins.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counsellor: work with clients in private practice or community settings.
  • School counsellor: support young people's emotional wellbeing in education.
  • Employee assistance counsellor: provide workplace mental health support.
  • Bereavement counsellor: support people through loss and grief.
  • Pastoral support worker: combine counselling skills with a care or education role.
  • NHS talking therapies counsellor: work within primary care mental health services.

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory: develop a specialist therapeutic approach alongside your core counselling practice.
  • Level 6 or degree-level counselling or psychotherapy: deepen your clinical skills and meet the requirements for BACP accreditation as an individual counsellor.
  • BACP accreditation: once you have the required practice hours post-qualification, you can apply for individual accreditation as a counsellor.
Apply on macclesfield.ac.uk →
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