The Tower House Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Course Summary

Click here for Application Procedure

CPCAB centre recognition applied for. (see website www.cpcab.co.uk)
TC-L4 qualification accredited by NQF by qualification and curriculum authority.  This qualification will prepare individual to work within an agency service providing counselling to clients.
BACP accreditation cannot be applied for until one course has completed. (see website wwwbacp.org.uk)

Key Tutors involved:

3 key tutors – Sally Openshaw, Chris Lewin and Ann Mold who all have experience of teaching CPCAB courses.   Tutors have commitment to regular supervision whilst teaching groups. Tutors have attended CPCAB standardisation for assessment training in 2007. Additional session support will be provided by other tutors to teach specialist areas.  Supervision support provided by Nigel Simpson. Internal verification provided by Liz Budd.

Course Approach:

The course will be based on an Integrative model of counselling.  This will prepare learners to work with diverse needs that they will meet in the client groups.  It is expected that all learners will work within the group with their own experience, personal history and shared clinical experience to enhance the overall learning.  

The course will be designed with the principles of adult learning in mind.  It will rely on a range of teaching methods to provide learning opportunities and will include experiential exercises, student led seminars, case presentations, small group work, discussion groups and teacher led input.  It will combine education theory with experiential learning theory to ensure there is a balance between knowledge and application of that knowledge in practice.

Learning outcomes:  The following 7 units of study will be assessed.


•    Use a professional framework to work ethically and safely as an agency counsellor
•    Use relationships understandings and skills to facilitate the counselling process
•    Use diversity understandings and skills to facilitate the counselling process
•    Manage the counselling process form within a user centred approach
•    Use personal awareness and understanding to facilitate the counselling process
•    Use knowledge, understanding and skills to facilitate the counselling process
•    Use self reflection and supervision to facilitate the counselling process

Course requirements:


450 guided learning hours over a 2 year period.  
30-50 hours of group supervision is included in these hours.
10 hours of personal therapy.
100 client hours in placement (with a minimum of 5 different clients)

Assessment:


Criteria based assessment process as with other CPCAB courses.
Reliance on peer testimony, tutor observation and documents
External exam- CPCAB
2 case studies, 2 Case study presentations to peers
2 taped or video sessions
Supervisors report, 2 assignments, Placement report.

Study time 6-8 hours per week outside class time

Progression route:


Psychotherapeutic counselling diploma leading to UKCP registration starting in 2010 to be considered if there is a demand from the students.
Practical issues:

Venue – Tower House Counselling, Bideford.
Parking only available on site at weekends or after 18.30.  
Local car parks available.
Start date – September 2010 - Finish date – Summer 2012.
Costs - Not more than £1500 per year and may well reduce if financial support from local resources is obtained.  Payment in term instalments can be arranged.
Library and resource facilities available.  

Entry requirements:


Candidates need to provide evidence of CPCAB CSK-L2, CST-L3 or equivalent.
Minimum age of 19
Level of numeracy and literacy sufficient for programme concerned
Applicants must not be in state of severe emotional difficult or psychological confusion
Have reasons for training beyond personal development
Be able to work with diversity and differences
Have ability to challenge and be challenged
Have insight and honesty and self awareness
Can demonstrate previous benefits from self development.
Willing to provide two references.

An APL/APEL system is available for those who have not done the above courses.  All potential candidates will be asked to complete a self disclosure sheet prior to being considered for interview.  Previous training certificates will be verified at interview.  Following interview a place will be offered subject to adequate references and payment of course fees by specified deadlines.