​​​​Will this course qualify me to practise as a counsellor?

​

Only Level 4 practitioner training leads towards qualification as a counsellor, subject to successful completion of all course requirements. This includes clinical training, supervised placement hours, and meeting the expectations of professional bodies and awarding organisations.

​

Levels 2 and 3 are preparatory courses. They support personal development, skills awareness, and progression, but they do not qualify you to practise as a counsellor.

​

After completing Level 4, there are a number of further progression routes, depending on your interests and professional goals. These may include additional Level 5 and higher qualifications, such as:

​

• counselling children and young people

• relational or couples counselling

• psychotherapeutic counselling diplomas

• specialist or modality-based training

​

Progression pathways vary between professional bodies and training providers, and requirements may differ depending on the area of practice and the setting in which you wish to work.

 

Do I need previous counselling training or skills to apply?

​

This depends on the course you are applying for.

​

• Level 2 requires no previous counselling training.

• Level 3 applicants are expected to have completed recognised counselling skills training, such as a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, or an equivalent qualification or units totalling at least 75 guided learning hours.

• Level 4 students are required to have successfully completed Level 3 Counselling Studies, demonstrate readiness for clinical training, and show appropriate personal awareness, reflective capacity, and commitment to the demands of practitioner work.

​

Students on all courses are expected to be emotionally ready for self-reflective learning, engage respectfully in group discussion and be open to feedback as part of their personal and professional development.

​

If you are unsure about suitability, readiness, or progression, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss further.

​​

​​Is progression to the next level course automatic?

​

Progression routes are planned from Level 2 to Level 4, subject to successful completion, readiness, and course availability. Progression is not automatic and is considered carefully to ensure student and client safety.

​​

​​

Suitability, Wellbeing, and Learning Support​

​​

Is this course suitable if I am currently experiencing mental health difficulties?​

​​

Counselling training involves reflective learning and group participation, which can be emotionally demanding. Courses are not suitable for those currently experiencing severe emotional difficulty or significant mental health challenges without appropriate professional support.

​

If you are unsure about suitability, you are encouraged to make contact for a discussion before applying.

​

I’ve had poor mental health in the past — does this mean I can’t apply?

​

A history of mental health difficulties does not preclude you from applying. Many people are drawn to counselling because of their own experiences of distress, therapy, or personal growth. Lived experience often becomes part of a person’s story and can deepen empathy, understanding, and motivation.

​

Counselling training involves a high level of self-reflection and personal development, and can, at times, bring things to the surface. This is a normal part of the process. What matters is not having a perfect history, but having sufficient stability, self-awareness, and the ability to recognise when support is needed.

​

Students are expected to take responsibility for their wellbeing and to let the tutor know if personal issues begin to affect learning or suitability for training. With openness, appropriate support, and clear boundaries, counselling training can be approached safely and responsibly.

​

I have additional learning needs or a disability, can you support me?

​

Yes. Clear Light Academy is committed to supporting students to achieve their best wherever possible. If you have additional learning needs or a disability, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, visible or invisible, you are encouraged to disclose this during the application process or as early as possible. This allows appropriate conversations to take place and, where possible, reasonable adjustments to be considered in line with awarding body requirements.

​

Support is discussed on an individual basis, and every effort is made to help students engage fully with the course and demonstrate their learning. Clear Light Academy is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fostering an inclusive learning environment. No applicant is disadvantaged or discriminated against. Training is designed and delivered with an awareness of different learning styles and needs. Further information can be found in the Difference, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy.

 

Do I need to be in personal therapy?

​

Personal therapy is not a mandatory requirement for Levels 2 or 3. However, students are expected to take responsibility for monitoring their own wellbeing and to consider engaging in personal therapy or additional professional support if personal issues arise that may impact learning or suitability for progression.

​

For Level 4 practitioner training, a minimum of 10 hours of face-to-face personal therapy, completed by the end of the course, is a CPCAB qualification requirement.

​

​

Time Commitment and Attendance​

​

What is the time commitment like?

​

Each course involves a combination of taught sessions, independent study, reflection, and assessment work. The level of commitment increases with each qualification.

​

Full details, including guided learning hours and total qualification time, are provided on individual course pages. Applicants are encouraged to reflect carefully on whether they can meet both the time and emotional commitment involved. If it would be helpful to talk this through, you are very welcome to get in touch.

​

What are the attendance requirements, and what happens if I need to miss sessions?

​

Regular attendance and punctual participation are essential to counselling training, which is cumulative, relational, and experiential in nature. To meet CPCAB requirements, students must attend a minimum of 80% of Guided Learning Time (GLT). Students should inform the tutor in advance of any absence wherever possible. If a session is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to access learning materials and complete any associated learning or assessment tasks.

​

Some elements of the course are essential and cannot be missed, including core skills practice sessions, assessed observations, and other key experiential components. These cannot be replaced by written work or independent study. Students will be informed in advance which sessions fall into this category.

​

​

Assessment, Deadlines, and Placements​

​

What happens if I miss a deadline or need an extension?

​

Deadlines are an important part of professional training. If you anticipate difficulty meeting a deadline, you should speak to the tutor as early as possible. Where appropriate, an extension may be granted. An extension request form must be completed in advance, where circumstances allow. 

​

Students are encouraged to communicate with their tutor if difficulties arise. No one can predict what life will bring, and early communication can help identify appropriate support.

​

Do you help with placements and practical experience?

​

Level 2 and Level 3: Formal placement hours are not required at these levels. However, after completing Level 3, many students choose to gain additional experience by volunteering as listeners or helpers in supportive, non-clinical roles. Clear Light Academy has established links with local charities and community organisations to support appropriate volunteering opportunities where possible. These roles support learning and confidence-building and do not involve working as a counsellor.

​

Level 4: Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 supervised placement hours, in line with awarding body and professional standards. Clear Light Academy provides support to help students:

​

• understand placement requirements

• identify suitable placement settings

• prepare for placement applications and interviews

• navigate challenges once placement has started

​

While students are ultimately responsible for securing their own placements, support is provided throughout, and students are not expected to manage this process alone.

​

​

Fees, Payment, and Withdrawal​

​

What happens once I’ve paid my fees? Are refunds available?

​

The non-refundable deposit secures a place on the course and covers administrative and preparatory costs, including CPCAB individual candidate registration fees. Once the course has commenced, fees are not normally refundable, except in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of Clear Light Academy. Further information can be found in the Fees and Withdrawal Policy.

​​

​

*Pending Approval