Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling Course in Richmond upon Thames. Evening therapeutic counselling classes run at Parkshot, fitting study around your existing commitments. The course runs over 70 weeks, part-time, and leads to the CPCAB-approved Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. You'll build the knowledge and skills to work as a counsellor in an agency setting, including a supervised placement of 100 client hours with real clients. You'll develop self-reflection, peer engagement, and professional competencies throughout. To join, you need a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies gained within the last three years, GCSE grade 4 or above in English (or equivalent), and a successful interview. An Advanced Learner Loan may help cover fees.
Who this course is for
Are you ready to take the next step in your counselling career? The BACP-approved Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is a two-year, part-time qualification designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency setting. You will develop your adaptive self-reflection and peer engagement alongside your professional competencies, guided by an experienced tutor. The supervised placement of 100 client hours enables you to work with diverse clients to increase your confidence as a skilled practitioner. An amazing progression opportunity for those seeking to develop their career and practice in an employed or voluntary role in healthcare and non-medical settings.
Entry requirements
To join this course, you need to meet the following requirements: A Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (or equivalent) gained within the last three years. GCSE Grade 4/C in English (or equivalent). A successful interview with a course tutor and a piece of free writing to assess academic writing ability. A tutor reference from your Level 3 course on headed paper. Your attendance record from Level 3. The ability to work with difference and diversity. Personal qualities of imaginatio
What you will learn
You'll develop the skills and knowledge to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency setting.
You'll complete a supervised placement of 100 client hours, working with a range of clients.
You'll practise adaptive self-reflection and peer engagement alongside your professional competencies.
You'll build academic writing skills assessed through a written component at entry and throughout the course.
You'll develop the ability to work with difference and diversity in a counselling context.
You'll strengthen your understanding of therapeutic models and how to apply them in practice.
How you will learn
Classes run on Thursday and Saturday evenings at Parkshot. Learning is classroom based, combining taught sessions with guided tutor support. Assessment includes a supervised client placement of 100 hours, written work, and ongoing professional development activities. You'll also take part in peer engagement and self-reflection as part of your assessed practice.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Parkshot will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Counsellor, working in an agency or charity setting
Employee assistance counsellor, supporting workplace mental health
Bereavement counsellor, helping clients through loss
Student counsellor, working in schools or colleges
Voluntary sector counsellor, with a community organisation
Private practice counsellor, once you have further supervised hours
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapy or Advanced Counselling: deepens your therapeutic training and may open routes toward psychotherapy practice.
BACP membership and accreditation: not a qualification, but the professional step many counsellors take after completing their Diploma and building supervised hours.
Postgraduate study in counselling or psychotherapy: some universities accept this Diploma as a route into a Master's programme.
