Training for counsellors. Training, development, courses, qualification and CPD in Lancashire.

Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

An overview.
Based in Blackburn, Lancashire, this course is for those who would like to work as a Therapeutic Counsellor. It combines experiential and theoretical learning so that people who qualify as therapeutic practitioners are recognised against the national standards to achieve Level A (SCoPEd) competences and capabilities for professional practice.

Key Highlights at a Glance
✅ SCoPEd Level A qualification

✅ Experiential, creative, reflective learning

✅ Ethics • Practice • Theory • Personal Development

✅ Small cohort size

✅ Anti-oppressive framework central to all learning

✅ Broad integrative theoretical foundation

✅ Focus on readiness for practice post qualification

Who is this course for?

Those who would like to study to become Therapeutic Counsellors.

When is the course?

January 2027 to January 2029

Aims of the course.

To provide counsellors-in-training with knowledge, awareness and skills required to be able to sustainably practice as a SCoPEd Level A Therapeutic Counsellor in a range of settings.
Upon qualification, you will be certificated for your ability in the following areas:
• A1 Working ethically and safely within a professional framework.
• A2 Working to support clients within assessment frameworks
• A3 Working within a therapeutic relationship.
• A4. Working within a coherent framework of counselling knowledge and skills.
• A5. Working with self-awareness and reflection.

What are the main theoretical models?

Person-centred counselling forms the foundation of this course and is the main theoretical model. Our integrative focus layers psychodynamic, solution-focused and existential modalities on top of the person-centred foundations.

Expectations

How is the course delivered?

Consistent with the therapeutic modality, the course has been developed in the person-centred philosophies of Carl Rogers.
• We recognise that each person brings their own personal and professional experiences to the course, and these are sensitively invited into the course to enhance learning for all.
• Deliberate effort is made to develop a therapeutic outlook based in social justice and anti-oppressive practice.
• The course is intentionally delivered to a small cohort so that every person has space to learn in a range of ways and is delivered weekly for over two years.
• Structured and semi-structured learning opportunities including knowledge sharing, discussions, workshops, skills development and practice, presentations and reflections on practice.
• This is all based on a spiral learning framework, so personal and professional development becomes embedded over time.

The assessment process.

Rigour complements creative learning opportunities with focused assignments written and designed around, but not limited by, the expectations of SCoPEd Level A so that you qualify with embedded knowledge and the tools and skills to support you beyond qualification.
• Qualification is gained through the final presentation of a portfolio which will show evidence of your development as a counsellor-in
training over time.
• Assignment work, observed practice, presentations, learning records, evidence of practice and supporting reports from professional
practitioners and volunteer agencies are examples of what you will present.
• The portfolio is internally and externally verified to ensure that at least minimum standards of practice are achieved by qualifying students.
• A minimum of 85% of attendance is required to achieve qualification.

Full details of assessment are provided throughout the course and indicated in the course handbook.

Course practicalities.

Where is the course based?

Training for Counsellors, Haydock House, Haydock Mews, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, Lancashire. BB1 9RP. This is in-person training.

When does it take place?

• Thursday, Starting 21 January 2027
• 9:30am-2:30pm
• Term-time
• Duration: 2 years.

Over the two years, there will also be 9 Community Days held, usually, on Saturdays.

Full attendance will evidence you attending 450 total guided learning hours – the amount required to support you in the Accreditation process, post qualification.

Costs

£6500 per person for all teaching, handouts and materials, assessment and certification.
• If a place is offered to you, a £350 deposit secures your place on the course.
• Following payments can be made in full or by instalments.
As a professional course requiring professional practice, there are additional requirements and costs:
• Professional body Student Membership*
• Professional liability insurance*
• To obtain a volunteer placement in a charitable organisation and accrue at least 100 hours of clinical experience.
• To have 60 minutes of clinical supervision for every 8 hours of clinical practice*.
• To attend at least 10 hours of personal therapy with a qualified counsellor*.

[Items marked with * incur additional costs and are not covered in the course fees.]

About the facilitators/assessors.

Samantha Crapnell MACPP, MNCPS (Accred), MBACP, CIPD

Sam is an accredited Therapeutic Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Training Facilitator, Personal Development Facilitator and Executive Coach. Working mostly in private practice now, she also has experience of working with the charity sector, adults and young people in education. Her broad spectrum of therapeutic work most commonly resides in anxiety, depression and relational trauma.

She is active in the counselling community, providing opportunities for continuing professional development which enhance practice and is currently studying for her Professional Doctorate with a specialist interest in the personal and professional learning and development of counsellors.

Linsey Bailey-Rowles (MNCPS (Accred), MBACP)

Linsey is a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Counselling Tutor and Mental Health Training Facilitator. Working in both private practice and the voluntary sector, she has experience working with adults and young people. Her spectrum of therapeutic work most commonly resides in Compassion Focused Trauma Informed practice supporting Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ communities and those with Hidden Disabilities / Chronic illness. She is passionate about equality, equity & social justice both within and outside of the counselling community and provides opportunities for continuing professional development within a broad spectrum of helping professions.

Application process.

The application process is a three-step process.

Step 1:

You are invited to apply if you have a genuine interest in understanding and working towards the requirements for practicing as a Therapeutic Counsellor and:

Are aged 19 or over,
Are not experiencing severe emotional or psychological difficulty,
And meet one or both of the following:
- You have acquired a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and/or the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies as awarded by a recognised body such as CPCAB or ABC, or equivalents, thereof.
- You have experience in the therapeutic helping professions (voluntary and/or paid).

You will also:

Have at least a basic understanding of person-centred philosophy.
Be able to understand the nature of the programme and what is involved.
Be sufficiently mature to be able to use personal resources to cope.
Be able to commit to attending a minimum of 85% of the entire programme.
Be prepared to attend private counselling during your studies, both to address personal issues in a confidential and supportive environment and to experience counselling as a client.
Bring a curious mind and withstand the challenges of learning a new and complex topic where values, prejudice, beliefs, assumptions, difference and diversity are all addressed as a matter of course.
Be willing to engage in non-defensive communication with peers and tutors.

Step 2

Upon application, you will be invited to a 30-minute recorded meeting held and recorded via Teams. This will be attended by one facilitator and further verified by the second facilitator.

Step 3

If you are successful at Step 2, you will be invited to a Community Day. As well as being an experiential day in which final assessment of your eligibility will take place, it is an opportunity for you to gain insight into what this course will be like.

Interested? Click here to begin your application.