This page is for information purposes only. The information below is intended to provide an overview of the qualification, subject to future approvals being sought. Clear Light Academy is not yet approved by CPCAB to deliver this qualification and this course is not being advertised or offered at this stage. However, expressions of interest are welcomed.
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
This qualification has been given Recognised Professional Qualification status by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and, subject to the Society’s Terms & Conditions, is a route onto a national register of counsellors which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Course Overview​​​​
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Qualification: Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling​
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​Awarding Body: Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB)*
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Level: Level 4 (equivalent to a Foundation Degree)​
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Credit Value: 120​
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Learning Hours: 420 hours (minimum) guided learning, 1,204 hours total qualification time over 2 years.​
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Minimum Attendance: 80% of guided learning hours​
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Minimum age: 19​
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Progression: This course leads to qualified counsellor status, enabling successful students to register with professional associations for counsellors and to work in an agency context.
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​ ​​​* Pending CPCAB approval
Assessment and Commitment
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Assessment is continuous throughout the two-year course and involves a range of written, practical, and reflective components including:​
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Weekly reflective journals.
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Two written assignments.
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Learning reviews.
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Self-reviews.
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Client record: 100 hours (one-to-one) with a minimum of five different clients.**
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Clinical supervision records.
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Therapy record (minimum 10 hours).
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Tutorial records.
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Four tutor-observed counselling practice sessions (2 via audio or video).
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2 case presentations.​
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All assessment evidence is compiled into a portfolio and internally assessed against CPCAB criteria, with internal and external quality assurance.
Who is this course for?
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This course is designed for students who:
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Have already obtained both the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or their equivalent.
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This course involves personal reflection and group participation. It is not suitable for those currently experiencing severe emotional difficulty or mental health issues without appropriate professional support.
Course Content and Learning
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The Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling course is made up of seven mandatory units:
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Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor.
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Working within a counselling relationship.
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Working with client diversity in counselling work.
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Working within a user-centred approach to counselling.
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Working with Self-awareness in the counselling process.
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Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills.
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Working self-reflectively as a counsellor.​​
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Find out more
Choosing the right counselling training is an important decision. Prospective students are encouraged to contact us for an informal conversation about training courses.​
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Please get in touch if you'd like to register your interest for 2027.
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Qualification Information
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For further details about the qualification and awarding body requirements, please refer to the CPCAB website: Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) - CPCAB
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​​**Placements to gain the required 100 supervised practice hours are an essential part of Level 4 training. Clear Light Academy aims to activiely support students in accessing and preparing for placements with local charities and services, rather than expecting students to manage this process alone.