At CCA we work closely with our academic awarding Body the CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body). The only awarding body in Europe to specialise in counselling.
The CPCAB offer a free taster Introduction to counselling workshop:
We’re aware it can be daunting taking the first steps, therefore, we aim to help you answer the following questions…
The CPCAB route to professional practitioner status is as follows:
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Who is this qualification for?
If you want to become a counsellor this skills qualification forms the foundation of professional counselling practice as well as providing the essential listening and
communications skills used by helping professionals.
It is the first compulsory qualification on our progression route to becoming a counsellor.
Your next step is our Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies.
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Before this step… You must have completed our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) or its equivalent with another awarding body, i.e. a counselling skills course with at least 90 GLH (guided learning hours), in order to start this course.
Who is this qualification for?
This is the next step on your route to becoming a counsellor. It introduces you to the three main theoretical approaches to counselling and shows you what you can expect from working with counselling agencies.
As part of this qualification, you can volunteer to work for an agency in a non-counselling capacity. Working on an agency-based project is also an effective way of securing a work placement for further counselling experience.
Your next step is our Level 4 Certificate in Counselling Studies.
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Year 1
Before this step… You must have completed either our level 2 & 3 or their equivalent (180 GLH skills and theory).
Who is this qualification for?
This 2 year qualification enables you to work as a counsellor in an agency setting.
In year 1 you will learn how to apply a number of approaches to the therapeutic counselling process and start to work in an agency as a trainee counsellor.
You will also continue with your own personal counselling sessions which will give you an invaluable insight into the work of a professional counsellor.
Year 2
Before this step… You must have completed year 1 of our Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or its equivalent.
Who is this qualification for?
Year 2 of this qualification focuses on furthering your counselling skills and knowledge to ensure that you are able to work safely and effectively as a reflective practitioner within an agency setting.
In the final year of the diploma you will continue your work as a trainee counsellor with an agency and continue your own personal counselling.