Level 4 CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) HTQ

About The Qualification

This is an industry-recognised 2-year part-time qualification which gives you the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context. You will need to complete a minimum of 100 hours as a trainee counsellor in a counselling agency.

At Bristol North Counsellor Training, the emphasis is on experiential and reflective teaching and learning. We have a maximum whole group size of 16, with activities in small groups. The morning focuses on theory and application of counselling practice. In the afternoon, two tutors lead supervision and personal development groups.

Start Date: September 2026

Duration: Two years

Day: Wednesday (Term Time)

Cost: £3,450 per year (Including CPCAB Fees)

Information about counsellor training

To work as a counsellor, you will need a minimum of a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. This qualification will prepare you to work as a counsellor and join a recognised professional or association, for example, BACP/ NCPS. To take this qualification, you will need to have completed the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills plus the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies.

Am I ready for Counsellor Training?

This course is not suitable if you are currently experiencing a state of severe emotional difficulty and/ or severe psychological distress. Courses involve experiential elements that will involve some personal disclosure and personal development activities.

“The course was challenging especially around the ways I communicate and relate to others, but I have enjoyed the insights that have surfaced. It's required some deep personal reflection to progress through the work and I'm proud to have gotten out of it what I put in”.

Lee (she/they/he)

Previous Student

How To Apply

Please download and complete the application form (link).

Application Process

Submit your completed application form
Attend an open session and informal interview
We will make an offer within 2 weeks of the open session
Pay a £300 deposit to secure your place

Open sessions are held 3 times a year at Jennings Hall from 4 pm – 6 pm on the day that the course will run. Once the course is full, we will hold a waiting list.

Course Payment

The total cost of the course is £6,900 inclusive of CPCAB fees.

Year One: £300 deposit plus £ 3,150, payable in 3 instalments.

To enrol in Year Two, you will need to have completed Year One, including securing a placement and starting client work.

Year Two: £3,450 total, which can be paid in 3 instalments.

Additional Costs

Personal Counselling for a minimum of 30 hours within the duration of the course.

You may need to pay for, or contribute to, Clinical Supervision.

You might need to consider travel costs.

You will need a DBS for your counselling placement which you may need to pay for.