Free Level 5 CBT Course in Poole

CostFREE
Duration24 weeks
LevelLevel 5
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFlexible
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCPCAB awarding body

About this course

Free Level 5 CBT Course in Poole. Daytime classes run at Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education, with flexible study across 24 weeks. This free CBT course for adults builds cognitive behavioural therapeutic skills and theory as part of your counselling practice. It offers 120 hours of guided learning. You'll need a Level 4 counselling qualification or equivalent, be currently working one-to-one with clients, and attend a tutor interview before starting. Entry requirements are detailed, so contact the college directly for the next start date.

Who this course is for

This qualification is for students who want to develop CBT skills and theory as an integral part of their counselling work and offers 120 hours of guided learning. For information on the next course please email [email protected]

Entry requirements

TC-Level 4 or equivalent prior qualification Currently working 1-2-1 with clients You must be at least 19 years of age and you will be asked to provide:- *A student profile *Portfolio from Level 4 *References from counselling agency / organisation, evidence of supervision and personal therapy *Evidence of academic ability and experience to work at Level 5 You will also be required to attend an interview with course tutors *CPCAB Guidelines mean the following will be taken into account:

What you will learn

  • You'll develop cognitive behavioural theory and apply it within your counselling practice.
  • You'll learn how to use CBT models and frameworks with individual clients.
  • You'll build skills in assessment, case formulation, and goal-setting using CBT approaches.
  • You'll explore the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
  • You'll develop your ability to reflect critically on your own practice.
  • You'll strengthen your understanding of ethical and professional standards in CBT work.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom through guided tutor-led sessions. The course includes 120 hours of guided learning. Assessment draws on portfolio evidence, reflective practice, and academic work. You'll also need to provide evidence of ongoing client work, supervision, and personal therapy throughout the course, in line with CPCAB guidelines.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to supply a student profile, a portfolio from your Level 4 study, references from a counselling agency or organisation, evidence of supervision and personal therapy, and evidence of academic ability.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counsellor. Work one-to-one with clients using CBT approaches.
  • CBT therapist. Deliver structured cognitive behavioural therapy.
  • Mental health support worker. Support clients in community or clinical settings.
  • Employee assistance counsellor. Provide workplace-based therapeutic support.
  • Private practice counsellor. Work independently with individual clients.
  • Student counsellor. Support young people in education settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 6 or Level 7 Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy. A natural next step if you want to work toward BACP accreditation or expand your therapeutic range.
  • BACP accreditation. Not a qualification, but a professional recognition step many counsellors pursue after building sufficient practice hours.
  • Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in CBT. University-level study for those moving toward BABCP accreditation as a CBT therapist.