an independent training provider

A unique curriculum designed, administrated, and delivered by experienced Counsellor tutors

meets professional Membership requirements

Meets the membership requirements of the main professional bodies for UK Counselling and Psychotherapy and is SCoPEd ready.

led by qualified, experienced staff

In addition to being passionate counsellors/therapists, all academic staff hold full qualifications in teaching and learning

An Overview

This diploma is a part-time training programme that runs over a period of two years.

It has been designed from the ground up to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to practice as a professional counsellor in the United Kingdom. It meets the membership requirements of established professional Counselling bodies.

Minimum entry requirements: A level 3 or equivalent in Counselling (we cannot accept applicants without the level 3)

Our next intake will be: September of 2024 running on Saturdays and based in Hythe, Kent

What is Humanistic Integrative Counselling?

Humanistic Integrative Therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines various therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the individual client. It is based on the core values of humanistic therapy, which emphasises the importance of the individual’s unique experience and perspective. This approach is also heavily influenced by pluralistic values, which respect the diversity of individuals and their unique needs and experiences.

Let’s break down some of these technical terms:

Humanistic Therapy: This is a positive approach to Counselling that focuses on a person’s individual nature, rather than categorising groups of people with similar characteristics as having the same problems. It encourages people to think about their feelings and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions. The emphasis is on self-development and moving towards meaningful living, rather than on ‘problematic’ behaviour.

Integrative Therapy: This is a progressive form of psychotherapy that combines different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the individual client. This approach is not linked to any single type of therapy, as it can include a range of treatment styles such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, or humanistic therapies.

Pluralistic Therapy: This is a type of therapy that acknowledges that different clients are likely to benefit from different therapeutic methods at different times. It values the diversity of individuals and their unique needs and experiences, and it encourages therapists to tailor their approach to each individual client.

In Humanistic Integrative Therapy, the core values of humanistic therapy are used as a foundation for assimilating other theoretical approaches. This means that the therapy is always grounded in a respect for the individual’s unique experience and perspective, but it also incorporates other therapeutic tools and approaches as needed. For example, a therapist might use cognitive-behavioural techniques to help a client challenge negative thought patterns, while still maintaining a focus on the client’s individual experience and potential for growth.

The pluralistic values in this approach mean that the therapist recognises that different clients have different needs, and that no single therapeutic approach will be right for everyone. Instead, we teach you to use a range of therapeutic tools and approaches, and to work collaboratively with your clients to find the best approach for them.

In summary, Humanistic Integrative Therapy is a flexible and individualised approach to therapy that combines various therapeutic approaches, always with a foundation in the core values of humanistic therapy and a respect for the diversity and uniqueness of each individual client.

The Curriculum – Learning Goals

The taught element of this programme is delivered part-time over two years, with both years taught at a level 5 equivalent.

Year onE

The initial year of this training programme is focused on preparing you for your professional placement. During this period, we will delve into topics related to diversity and ethics, whilst engaging in theoretical and skills development.

Through these activities, we aim to provide a comprehensive foundation that will aid you in your future placement and professional endeavours.

year two

In the second year of the training programme, the focus is on your continuous development. We will refine and expand upon your existing knowledge by drawing on your placement experience to provide context. Additionally, we will be engaging in the further self-awareness activities, conducting our own research and finally, preparing for the reflective work that ties everything together.

  • Programme induction and group contracting
  • Ethics and diversity in Counselling practice
  • Developing a core theoretical framework
  • Ongoing skills training
  • Participating in a regular process group
  • Beginning your personal therapy
  • Readiness for placement assessment
  • Personal awareness and development for counsellors
  • Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Reflecting on clinical practice and case study presentation
  • A professional, supervised placement of 100 hours
  • Continuing in process group
  • Continuing with personal therapy
  • A summative dissertation at the end of your placement

Time commitment over two years:

Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 350 – This is time spend in class or otherwise directly supported by a qualified tutor (Year 1: 210hrs, Year 2: 140hrs) 

Total Qualification Time (TQT): This includes the above in plus self-directed study; placement hours & supervision, personal therapy; journal & assignment writing

How you will be assessed

We use various assessment methods to support your learning and ensure that you are in the right place to move through the training process.

Written Assignments

There will be multiple written assignments over the two years with word counts ranging between 5000 and 7500 words. This will be formal submission and guidance will be given on how to format and present your work.

Presentations

You will be required to present to the group throughout the two years, both as an individual and as part of a small group. This includes case-study presentation, where you will discuss in-depth, your experiences of placement.

Skills observations

Your practical skills sessions will be observed and feedback provided to support your development. You will need to successfully demonstrate your ability to hold an ethical and effective session before the placement stage is approved.

formative EXERCISES

Assessment isn’t just about checking in on you, and your learning, it’s also about ensuring that our teaching is effective! The occasional quiz, debate and mini-project will help us work out where we all our in the learning process.

Decorative: a calendar

Fee breakdown

The Counsellor training process is unlike other courses and it should be noted that a substantial commitment is required to successfully complete the programme. In the interest of transparency, we have provided what we consider to be a realistic breakdown of the commitments below.

2024/26 Tuition fees are:

Year 1 (mandatory) – £2,750.00

Year 2 (mandatory) – £2,750.00

Additional financial considerations

In addition to the above tuition fees, prospective trainees should consider the following obligations. The figures given below are approximate and for illustration only, you may find that some elements cost more or less than described here.

  • Personal therapy – 60 hours over two years @ approx. £40 per session.
  • Supervision costs – Your placement will often provide supervision in compensation for your voluntary hours. However, if you end up having to source your own supervision, you should expect to pay between £40 – £60 per session depending on the experience level of the supervisor.
  • Books and materials – We would advise buying second-hand books (better for the environment and easier on your pocket) but it would be worth budgeting around £200 over the two years.
  • Insurance – We recommend that our trainees take about appropriate levels of professional insurance during the placement phase of the programme and recommend that you budget £70 for the year. Insurance costs are hard to predict and very changeable, so this is a rough guide.
  • Professional Membership – This programme subscribes to the NCS code of ethics and requires that all trainees join the NCS as student members. Current membership fees are £125 per year, however, the NCS offers a discount to student counsellors so make sure you complete the correct form! https://nationalcounsellingsociety.org/become-a-member/individual/join-the-ncs
  • Loss of work – The time requirements in the second year increase significantly and some people find that a reduced work schedule is the best way to free up the required hours.

Because we are self-governed, there are no registration or exam fees associated with our programme

Payment Plans

We understand that the tuition fees are, for most people, a substantial investment. For this reason we are happy to offer payment plans by arrangement that help spread the cost over the first two years. It should be noted that payment plans are subject to contractual agreement and we reserve the right to suspend your registration and / or refuse to issue you with your qualification if your payments fall into arrears.

You will need to pay a 10% non-refundable deposit* of the total tuition fees to enrol on the programme, which (£550) followed by:

Year 1: 10 monthly payments of £247.50 (Due 1st of each month: Oct – Jul)

Year 210 monthly payments of £247.50 (Due 1st of each month: Oct – Jul)


* The deposit is non-refundable unless: we cancel the training OR the training date or venue changes and you can no longer attend

Quality Assurance Processes

In order to ensure that the course is delivered to a high standard and assessment and grading are both fair and representative of the programme level, we employ the following quality assurance processes:

Internal Quality assurance

A centre appointed internal verifier.

external quality assurance

A third-party external verifier

  • Ensures assessment is appropriate
  • Ensures marking is fair and reasonable
  • Ensures feedback is clear and suportive
  • Examines the overall quality of the programme and makes suggestions
  • Validates the internal quality assurance process
  • Ensures that the programme is in keeping with professional standards
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