Advanced Counselling Diploma

Take your knowledge of the principles, practices and ethics of Counselling one step further with this advanced diploma.

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All Oxbridge home learning courses are delivered to a high-quality standard with full access to course materials. If you prefer a printed copy of your course material, choose our print option. Note: extra charges will apply.

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Course material - printed copy

Overview

This Advanced Counselling Diploma explores further the principles, practices, and ethics of counselling. Endorsed by ACCPH, you'll be able to register as a student member when you enrol on this counselling course, allowing you to kickstart your dream career.

Perfect for those who long for a career in which they can help others work through their problems, and go on to enjoy happy, stress-free lives - this advanced counselling course will teach you the tools to work with clients and build their trust; whilst building on the counselling skills you've previously learnt in your level 3 counselling course.

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Unit 1 - Defining Counselling and Psychotherapy; The Necessity of Clinical Supervision

In this unit, you’ll discover some of the reasons people might seek counselling, look at the skills a counsellor needs, and examine the differences between counselling and psychotherapy. You’ll also learn about the role of supervision, and the importance of giving and receiving constructive feedback in order to grow as a professional.

Unit 2 - Unit 2 - Counselling Skills Sessions

In the second unit, you’ll learn about the essential skills it takes to become a successful counsellor, and how they look in practice. You’ll discover how to start a counselling session, how to ask open and closed questions, when to use self-disclosure, and more.

Unit 3 - Unit 3 - Boundaries, The Law, and Note-keeping

Next, you’ll learn about the importance boundaries within the counselling relationship. You’ll also explore organisational procedures and policy, health and safety issues, and the rights of the client. Finally, you’ll look at when it’s okay to record sessions with clients, and GDPR as it relates to counselling and record keeping.

Unit 4 - Unit 4 - Self-Awareness

In the fourth unit, you’ll delve into the application of self-awareness and insight in counselling therapy. You’ll also look at the stages of the counselling relationship as it develops, the ethical framework that counselling professionals should follow, and how to work within a multi-disciplinary team.

Unit 5 - Unit 5 - Theoretical Approaches to the Use of Counselling: Person-centred, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

In this unit, you’ll explore three concepts: person-centred theory, the psycho-dynamic approach, and cognitive behavioural therapy. You’ll learn exactly what each approach is, and how they can help clients in different ways.

Unit 6 - Unit 6 - Short Term and Goal Focused Counselling

Next, you’ll learn how to utilise the setting of SMART goals, as well as the GROW theory. You’ll also examine mental health classifications and the DSM-5, as well as why it’s important to manage ending with client relationships.

Unit 7 - Unit 7 - Integrating Theoretical Approaches

In the seventh unit, you’ll study the advantages and disadvantages of using different theoretical approaches with the client, as well as the theory of attachment and childhood development.

Unit 8 - Unit 8 - Diversity

In the final unit, you’ll learn how to work appropriately with clients of all backgrounds, and how clients should work with diversity and difference.

Extra info

Awarding Body

ncfe-customised-qualificaiton-logo-dark

With a heritage stretching back over 150 years, NCFE is one of the largest awarding bodies in the UK. Over 340,000 students were awarded certification by NCFE last year.

NCFE Customised Qualifications are bespoke, unregulated qualifications developed to meet the specific needs of learners. These courses fit in where there are no other regulated qualifications are available. Meaning you can achieve recognition from a well-respected awarding body, even if there isn’t a pre-existing qualification in a certain subject area.

Endorsed by

accph

ACCPH is an independent, self-regulated UK professional body for qualified counsellors, coaches, psychotherapists and hypnotherapists. They serve people with nationally recognised qualifications from home study or distance learning students. Accepting members from all six modalities, including those ‘non-standard’ techniques such as Spiritual Coaching and Neuroscience amongst other approaches.

Course Outcome

At the end of this course, you'll receive an NCFE Customised Qualification and a learner unit summary, which lists the details of all of the units you have completed as part of your Advanced Counselling Diploma. This will be important if you have ambitions to work as a counsellor or CBT therapist.

How is this course assessed or examined?

There are no exams for this advanced Counselling course, and you will be assessed through assignments marked by your personal tutor. This might include essays, presentations, research projects, or practical learning sessions. Information on how you'll be assessed will be included in your study pack.

Entry requirements

You should already hold a Level 3 Counselling qualification or equivalent for this advanced course.

Learners should hold a Level 2 English qualification / GCSE or functional skills due to the written demands of the course.  

FAQs

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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Should I train as a counsellor?

Individuals of any age can benefit from counselling courses and it’s important to note that counselling, when experiencing grief, abuse, anger and problems building and maintaining relationships can have a positive impact.

This makes it absolutely critical that the counselling sector ensures it is well staffed with empathetic, conscientious and skilled professionals who will diligently work to help individuals manage their emotional welfare.

If this sounds like you, training to counsel individuals, couples or groups could be the start of an incredibly inspiring career. A skilled counsellor can become a truly vital support for vulnerable people, enabling them to work through trauma and past issues, making this profession as rewarding as it is valued.

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Are these courses NVQs?

NVQs were replaced in 2015 by RQFs in 2015. Read more in our What is an NVQ? blog.

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Why study Counselling courses online?

Studying your counselling courses online with Oxbridge will get you qualified faster and on average our learner’s grades are 20% higher than the grades achieved by those who study on campus. As with all distance learning courses, distance learning counselling courses enable students to study wherever and whenever they choose, meaning they can become a counsellor while fitting their studies around other commitments such as work or childcare.

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What types of counselling are there?

There are many different disciplines within counselling, including Counselling for Children, Substance Misuse and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. There are many counselling courses online available for various disciplines that can equip you with the skills and expertise to help people who are struggling with incredibly difficult situations. If you want to attain your counselling diploma online then we can help you.

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How does counselling benefit children?

One in ten children experience mental illness, and, according to the same report from Mind, the recent pandemic lockdown has led to 68% of young people experiencing lowered mental health.

Counselling can be extremely useful for children and young people, particularly those who don’t have access to a support network at home or feel they cannot talk to their parents about problems they may be facing.

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How does counselling benefit adults?

According to the NHS, one in four adults experience mental illness; and the pandemic has worsened things. The mental health charity, Mind, released insight in Feb 2022 stating that “A million UK adults who had problems with their mental health for the first time during the pandemic have not spoken to anyone about it”

A career in counselling adults can see you touching upon topics surrounding the workplace, infertility, past trauma or even addiction. Older adults with very little family or friends can also benefit from counselling to help them better cope with feelings of loneliness or even worthlessness which is unfortunately common amongst older generations.

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Courses Taught by Experts

Sarah

Education and Childcare

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Sarah

Kelly

Counselling and Psychology

I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

Kelly, tutor

Laura

Health care

For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

Laura, tutor

Faye

Early Years

Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

faye-h_compressed

Penny

STEM and History of Art

Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

penny-tc_compressed
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Are you ready to change your world?

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.