L4 Diploma in therapeutic counselling (TC-L4) BACP approved
CPCAB L4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – BACP Approved practitioner course
Starting: Thursday 5 November 2026 (Applications Open)
CPCAB level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – BACP approved
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) & accredited by the Office of the Qualifications & Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) into the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
The L4 diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Leads to a nationally regulated qualification awarded by the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB).
This course is for people wishing to further their development and qualify as a counsellor. This is a two year part time course which qualifies you to practice as a counsellor in a range of settings.
The course is designed to lead to employment in a payed and voluntary capacity. Qualified candidates may also wish to set up private practice. Information is included in the course.
The course is highly challenging and students are expected to explore a range of self development subjects and issues in relation to self and working with others.
The course is experiential by nature and requires students to develop a high level of personal, theoretical and professional development. We ask that potential students have a willingness to engage and explore self, theory and professional development which will equip you to work with a wide range of client groups and client issues.
The main theoretical approach is Person Centred, however, you will esplore the 3 main approaches including, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the Psychodynamic Approach. A range of other approaches are also explored.
There is a strong focus on working with Diversity and transcultural issues, therefore a large aspect of the training.
Entry requirements
Students will need to have successfully completed the CPCAB L2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the CPCAB L3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. (Or equivalent).
These qualifications are important as they are practical and relationally-focused rather than academically-focused. As a minimum you need to have completed at least 150 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) of live-taught counselling skills, theory and evidence of self development whilst training before applying to study the CPCAB level 4 diploma. You will also be expected to have an individual interview.
Equivalent Prior Learning: Prior learning outside of CPCAB qualifications:
As a minimum you need to have completed at least 150 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) of live-taught counselling skills, theory and evidence of self development whilst training before applying to study the CPCAB level 4 diploma. You will also be expected to have an individual interview.
Open university or self facilitated study is not accepted as prior learning.
The 150 hours should be a combination of Theory, Skills practice and self development and specific counselling training and should amount to a minimum of 37 credits. Workplace learning with evidence of supervised client work (minimum 1 year), can be considered alongside of a minimum of 90 hours of counselling specific training.
External Students (those who have not completed the L2/L3 at Simms) will need to provide their certificates of study as well as undertake an assessment. You will also be required to provide details of your L3 tutor for the centre to obtain a reference and one other academic reference.
Fitness to Practise: Declaration of emotional and psychological ability to do the course, and the resilience needed to work safely with vulnerable clients.
Note: this course is not suitable for people who are experiencing a high level of emotional distress, severe psychological issues or current substance misuse.
There is no accelerated entry to this course based on other qualifications, such as degrees or diplomas in other fields. Whilst we recognise that there are some similarities between other fields and counselling such as Psychology, Counselling training is unique in its approach to developing self-awareness, skills development and practice therefore, previous training must be in this field.
Please note; that distant learning courses are not recognised as prior learning.
All entry is via interview for external applicants or by our own internal process for internal applicants.
A good standard of written work is required – This is assessed at the application stage.
learning outcomes:
Unit 1 – Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor
Unit 2 – Working within a counselling relationship
Unit 3 – Working with client diversity in counselling work
Unit 4 – Working within a user-centred approach to counselling
Unit 5 – Working with self-awareness in the counselling process
Unit 6 – Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills
Unit 7 – Working self-reflectively as a counsellor
Assessment
Trainer assessed completed portfolio, which is externally verified by the CPCAB, plus an externally assessed written paper.
Internal assessment: tutor assessment of candidate portfolio evidencing minimum assessment requirements, and verified by CPCAB.
Students are expected to have 40 hours of 1-1 personal therapy whilst on the course. A minimum of 20 hours need to be completed to progress to the 2nd year.
You will receive regular feedback and support throughout your studies.
Some of the course content includes the following:
Working with diversity
Working with Mental Health
Working with a wide range of clients
Clinical Supervision
Counselling research
Counselling theory (Person-centred (core approach), CBT & Psychodynamic, Existential & Transactional Analysis)
Working ethically and safely
Personal & professional development group
Self development and self awareness
Counselling skills practice
Working with a wide range of clients at different service levels
Client work – placement in an agency setting
Developing the therapeutic relationship
Research methodology and findings
Attachment theory, Grief & loss
The theory of self in relation to a wide range of theories
A range of 1-day workshops, including, working with children & young people, working with offenders, LGBTQ+, abuse, eating disorders, working at relational depth, sex and sexuality, Mindfulness and counselling, Mental Health, drug and alcohol
Reflective essay writing and team working skills
The BACP Ethical Framework and Legal requirements for counselling
Working in a counselling agency
Setting up and working in private practice
Course cost per year: £3300.00 per year
Please note; there is no provision for student funding, However, there is a payment plan option available by arrangement. In addition;
Simms does not have access to government funding however, you can check for City and Guilds Foundation for Bursaries here
Times: 10.00am – 5pm one day per week (Thursday’s)
Enrolment: Online applications can be completed via the front page of the website: https://simmscandt.co.uk
Enquiries: Contact Denise; enquiries@simmscandt.co.uk
Venue: Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin St, London SE8 4RJ
Additional fees/Costs: You will need to factor in personal counselling and any travel expenses to the course and any placement work.
You will need to self fund personal counselling session (40 required)
Core reading x 3 books
You are required to purchase the core reading – provided in the course induction
Any travel to placements.
What resources do I need?
You will need a laptop or suitable devise to submit course work and participate on online lessons.
You will need a private space to work from for the online lessons (headphones is also advisable)
Additional Costs:
You will be required to become a student member of the BACP within 3 months of the course as part of the course requirement, placement requirements and to meet the approved BACP qualification. Currently £94.00 per year.
You are required to purchase the core reading in the first year.