Description of the Qualification
The Level 4 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Practice is aimed at learners whose qualification goal is to achieve professional status in counselling. It may also be appropriate for those working in roles where counselling skills are needed: for example, nursing, teaching, social work, voluntary sector, the police and armed forces.
This qualification enables learners to embark on practice working within an ethical framework and will develop an understanding of legal and ethical requirements. Learners are expected to make appropriate use of counselling supervision and evaluate their own work. The placement requirement in this qualification is essential to the personal and professional development of the practitioner.
This qualification comprises two mandatory units and two optional unit groups that provide an opportunity to deepen theoretical knowledge of one of the core theories and also to focus on a particular context in the counselling profession:
The options units that will be taken as part of the course delivered by AAAIB will be Cognitive-Behavioural Theory and Approaches to Working with Trauma.
National Counselling Society Accredited Course
The AAAIB Level 4 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Practice course is accredited by the National Counselling Society and subject to the Terms & Conditions of the Society, is a route onto a national register of counsellors which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority
Aim of the course
The Level 4 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Practice has been developed specifically to provide an effective developmental progression route for candidates whose ultimate qualification goal is to achieve Professional Status as a Therapeutic Counsellor. The target audience for this award is mature people who are seeking:
• progress towards achieving status as a professionally accredited counsellor and achieve eligibility for entry on to the United Kingdom Register of Counsellors (UKRC)
• to become counselling practitioners;
• to improve their performance, and prospects, in an existing career;
• a career change;
• to return to work after a career break.
What does the course cover?
The course is run over 2 years. To qualify for the full award a candidate must complete two Mandatory Units – Counselling Practicum and Embarking on Practice in addition to the 2 additional units Cognitive-Behavioural Theory and Approaches to Working with Trauma.
Note: Learners studying towards the Level 4 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Practice must complete at least 100 hours of counselling placement, evidenced through a supervisor’s report, before they can be awarded the qualification
Entry Requirements
Students will need to have completed or be working towards a minimum of the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills or its equivalent, in qualification or vocational experience. If you have not completed the Level Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills (or equivalent) with AAAIB to ensure suitability for counselling training, all prospective students will require a formal interview prior to enrolment. Any previous training will be assessed and if suitable be reviewed for eligibility for recognition for prior learning (RPL)
Whilst on this course and all our counselling courses, high priority will be given to moral and ethical issues, equal opportunities and the importance of giving and receiving personal sensitive information confidentially and in a non-judgemental way.
Candidates must be willing to abide by the National Counselling Society (NCS) Code of Ethics or BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions as they must also be willing to share confidential / personal information with fellow candidates and centre staff and to maintain the circle of confidentiality.
Progression
This award will enhance career opportunities in a range of counselling environments and will also assist further opportunities for academic progression.
Learners may progress onto the Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and towards a professional qualification enabling students to work as a counselling practitioner
Higher Education
Successful candidates are presented with several opportunities to progress in education and training within the counselling discipline or another related subject area. For example:
• higher counselling qualifications
• other higher qualifications
• as RPL within the qualifications regulatory framework for other vocational awards in social care and or guidance.
Duration
This is a part-time day or evening course running over a 2 year period. The details confirming the start dates and the day of the week that this course will run will be provided on enquiry.
What Day(s)
Evening courses Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 6.00pm – 9.00pm – depending on availability.
Daytime courses subject to sufficient registrations.
How is the course assessed?
The Level 4 Level 4 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Practice is assessed by means of a combination of external and internal assessments. External assessment are set and marked by an independent External verifier. Internal assessments are marked by the Tutor and are externally verified.
The four assessment processes used throughout this course are:
1. Journal;
2. Essay (or structured writing);
3. Study of Supervised Practice;
4. Practical role-play assessment.
External Assessment Methods
Mandatory Unit 1 Assignment.
Mandatory Unit 2 Assignment.
Internal Assessment Methods
For all units:
Journal;
Practical role-play assessment (skills units); and/or
Essay or structured writing (theory units).
What qualification will I gain?
Level 4 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Practice
Cost
Please contact AAAIB for further details.
When will the next course start?
Dates : To be confirmed
How do I apply?
Contact AAAIB by email in admin@aaaib.co.uk or by telephone on 01726 814582