Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling Course in Sutton-In-Ashfield. Classes run at Portland Pathways, part-time during the day. Funding may be available through an Advanced Learner Loan if you're 19 or over, and other funding may apply depending on your individual circumstances. This level 4 therapeutic counselling qualification builds on your existing counselling training and prepares you to work directly with clients. You'll need a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or their equivalents, to join. The course runs to 420 hours of study.
Who this course is for
If you’ve completed our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (or their equivalents) and are ready to provide therapeutic counselling services, this course is for you.
Entry requirements
You must have obtained both our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and our Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or their equivalent.
What you will learn
You'll develop advanced therapeutic skills to work with clients one-to-one.
You'll apply a range of counselling theories and models in practice.
You'll build skills in ethical decision-making and professional boundaries.
You'll learn to assess client needs and plan appropriate therapeutic support.
You'll develop reflective practice skills to evaluate your own work.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities within a counselling context.
You'll practise recording and case-note writing to professional standards.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Portland Pathways, combining taught input with skills practice and group discussion. Assessment typically includes written assignments, reflective journals, and observed practice hours with clients. You'll build a portfolio of evidence across the course. Supervised client hours are a core part of the qualification and must be completed alongside your taught sessions.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Portland Pathways will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Counsellor. Work with individuals in private practice or community settings.
Bereavement counsellor. Support people through loss and grief.
Employee assistance counsellor. Provide workplace mental health support.
Addiction counsellor. Work with clients managing substance use.
School or college counsellor. Support young people's emotional wellbeing.
Voluntary sector counsellor. Work for charities and community organisations.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling. A natural next step if you want to deepen your therapeutic training and work toward BACP accreditation.
Level 6 or degree-level counselling programmes. Some universities offer top-up degrees for qualified counsellors looking to move into research, supervision, or specialist practice.
BACP membership and accreditation. Not a qualification, but a professional step many counsellors take after completing a Level 4 Diploma.
