British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy
This course could lead to work as a helper or a trainee counsellor , in areas such as mental health, the homeless, substance misuse, education, health, and social care. Further training can lead to becoming a fully-qualified counsellor .
You can start by doing an introduction to counselling course, which can last up to 12 weeks. After that, you can extend your training by completing courses like: Level 3 Certificate in Counselling . Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills.
It aims to provide those who wish to develop counselling skills in work-based and other settings with the skills and knowledge, which will enhance and support their work. It also provides the grounding for further training to become a professional counsellor .
Our Accredited Level 3 Diplomas are equivalent to A Level courses. An Accredited Level 3 Diploma programme awards 120 Academic Credits. Academic Credits are very similar to UCAS points and can be used in support of an application for placement at a university or college.
After completing our level 4 diploma you can deepen your therapeutic understanding and practitioner skills by further study. These qualifications will enable you to: Work as a counsellor in independent practice ( Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling ).
You can ‘t, or at least you shouldn’t, half ass it. I am a qualified counsellor and bacp accredited . This is the least academic route to become a qualified practising counsellor . I actually have a psychology degree as well which was helpful in understanding some of the issues in counselling but it was not necessary.
If you don’t already have a prior qualification in a mental health related field, your professional experience may still count for something if you work in a setting where counselling skills are used, or if you have volunteered, for example, for a helpline.
Your course does not have to be BACP – accredited , but if it’s not you ‘ll need to take our Certificate of Proficiency before you can progress to become a registered member or be eligible for our accreditation scheme.
To become a counsellor , you can study courses at a diploma level, bachelor degree, graduate diploma or masters degree in counselling . Counsellors can work in private practice, especially in the area of relationship counselling , in drug and alcohol services, or with gambling help services.
You are likely to need a recognised counselling qualification. There are different types and levels of course available including at diploma, degree and postgraduate level. Some are available on a part-time basis, others full-time. Many can lead to registration on a voluntary basis, with a number of organisations.
Complete an undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Counselling which is the most common qualification needed to be registered as a fully qualified Counsellor . An undergraduate qualification will often give you important practical experience in a work environment.
Level 1 / Level 2 certificates were designed to provide an alternative to GCSEs. The purpose is to provide a qualification of the same size and level as GCSE which does not require controlled assessment and which has a linear structure and assessment by terminal examination.
A Level 3 qualification is equivalent to A Level . A Level 4 qualification is equivalent to BTEC Professional Diploma level . A Level 5 qualification is equivalent to HND or foundation degree level . A Level 6 qualification is equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree level .
While it’s true that it is possible to get into university on some courses with a successful completion of a Level 3 Diploma , the usual progression onto a university course is from a Level 4 or 5 diploma . However, on completing a Level 4 or 5 diploma students can join some degree programs in year 2 or 3 .
two years