CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Training for CPCAB Level 4: Becoming a Professional Counsellor
Why Choose CPCAB Level 4?
If you’ve completed your CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, you’re likely already familiar with the power of counselling work—both in terms of personal growth and the impact it can have on others.
Stepping into CPCAB Level 4:
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is a bold and exciting move. It’s the point where theory becomes practice, and your identity as a professional counsellor truly begins to form.
What Is CPCAB Level 4?
The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is a two-year, vocational qualification that trains you to become a fully qualified, ethical, and competent counsellor.
It’s the final step before professional registration and independent practice, and it includes both academic learning and real-world client work.
This course is not just an extension of Level 3—it’s a leap into becoming a therapeutic practitioner.
If you’ve completed your CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, you’re likely already familiar with the power of counselling work—both in terms of personal growth and the impact it can have on others.
Stepping into CPCAB Level 4:
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is a bold and exciting move. It’s the point where theory becomes practice, and your identity as a professional counsellor truly begins to form.
What Is CPCAB Level 4?
The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is a two-year, vocational qualification that trains you to become a fully qualified, ethical, and competent counsellor.
It’s the final step before professional registration and independent practice, and it includes both academic learning and real-world client work.
This course is not just an extension of Level 3—it’s a leap into becoming a therapeutic practitioner.
Why train with Aspire
At Aspire Counselling Academy, our CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling offers more than just professional qualification—it’s a transformative journey that prepares you to become a confident, ethical, and reflective practitioner.
Rooted in the core values of counselling—trust, diversity, growth, and compassion—this course is where your identity as a counsellor truly begins to take shape.
When you train at Level 4 with Aspire, you’ll benefit from:
Expert tutors who are practicing therapists with real-world experience
A nurturing, professional group environment that fosters deep personal and peer development
Practice-based learning that bridges advanced theory with real client work
Flexible study options to support your learning alongside life’s responsibilities
A strong commitment to ethical practice, inclusivity, and personal reflection
Our Level 4 trainees come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds—many are already working in helping professions like education, healthcare, and social care, while others are pursuing counselling as a new and meaningful career path.
At this stage, you’ll begin working with real clients through a supervised placement, developing your skills, confidence, and professional identity under expert guidance.
If you're ready to take the next step toward becoming a qualified counsellor, Aspire provides the structure, support, and inspiration to help you grow—both personally and professionally—every step of the way.
Rooted in the core values of counselling—trust, diversity, growth, and compassion—this course is where your identity as a counsellor truly begins to take shape.
When you train at Level 4 with Aspire, you’ll benefit from:
Expert tutors who are practicing therapists with real-world experience
A nurturing, professional group environment that fosters deep personal and peer development
Practice-based learning that bridges advanced theory with real client work
Flexible study options to support your learning alongside life’s responsibilities
A strong commitment to ethical practice, inclusivity, and personal reflection
Our Level 4 trainees come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds—many are already working in helping professions like education, healthcare, and social care, while others are pursuing counselling as a new and meaningful career path.
At this stage, you’ll begin working with real clients through a supervised placement, developing your skills, confidence, and professional identity under expert guidance.
If you're ready to take the next step toward becoming a qualified counsellor, Aspire provides the structure, support, and inspiration to help you grow—both personally and professionally—every step of the way.
What you'll learn
The CPCAB Level 4 course deepens your understanding of counselling theory and practice, preparing you to work with clients in a structured, ethical, and empathetic way. You’ll explore:
Advanced counselling skills and interventions
In-depth understanding of major therapeutic approaches
Mental health awareness and working with risk
Working within ethical frameworks and professional boundaries
Developing a counselling identity and theoretical model
Diversity, equality, and anti-oppressive practice
Supervision and reflective practice
Case studies, assessments, and client work
Most importantly, you’ll complete at least 100 hours of supervised counselling practice with real clients, usually through an approved placement.
What Makes Level 4 Challenging—and Rewarding
CPCAB Level 4 is a demanding course, both emotionally and academically. It requires:
Commitment to regular attendance, study, and placement work
Openness to personal development and emotional processing
Reflective journaling and in-depth written assignments
Working with supervision and receiving constructive feedback
Developing a professional mindset and therapeutic boundaries
But with that comes growth. Many students describe Level 4 as life-changing—not just for the skills gained, but for the insight, resilience, and purpose it brings.
Advanced counselling skills and interventions
In-depth understanding of major therapeutic approaches
Mental health awareness and working with risk
Working within ethical frameworks and professional boundaries
Developing a counselling identity and theoretical model
Diversity, equality, and anti-oppressive practice
Supervision and reflective practice
Case studies, assessments, and client work
Most importantly, you’ll complete at least 100 hours of supervised counselling practice with real clients, usually through an approved placement.
What Makes Level 4 Challenging—and Rewarding
CPCAB Level 4 is a demanding course, both emotionally and academically. It requires:
Commitment to regular attendance, study, and placement work
Openness to personal development and emotional processing
Reflective journaling and in-depth written assignments
Working with supervision and receiving constructive feedback
Developing a professional mindset and therapeutic boundaries
But with that comes growth. Many students describe Level 4 as life-changing—not just for the skills gained, but for the insight, resilience, and purpose it brings.
Who Is It For?
&
Placement
&
Placement
Level 4 is ideal for those who:
Have completed CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 (or equivalent qualifications)
Are ready to work with real clients in a structured placement
Want to become a registered counsellor with bodies like the BACP or NCPS
Feel passionate about supporting others through life’s challenges
Are committed to ongoing personal growth and professional development
The Importance of Placement
One of the core components of CPCAB Level 4 is your placement.
You’ll work with real clients under supervision in an agency or organisation.
This is where your learning comes alive—putting your skills into practice, dealing with ethical issues in real time, and gaining confidence as a developing practitioner.
Most training centres, like Aspire Counselling Academy, help you find and secure placement opportunities and support you throughout the process.
Have completed CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 (or equivalent qualifications)
Are ready to work with real clients in a structured placement
Want to become a registered counsellor with bodies like the BACP or NCPS
Feel passionate about supporting others through life’s challenges
Are committed to ongoing personal growth and professional development
The Importance of Placement
One of the core components of CPCAB Level 4 is your placement.
You’ll work with real clients under supervision in an agency or organisation.
This is where your learning comes alive—putting your skills into practice, dealing with ethical issues in real time, and gaining confidence as a developing practitioner.
Most training centres, like Aspire Counselling Academy, help you find and secure placement opportunities and support you throughout the process.
Your Future After Level 4
After completing the Level 4 Diploma, you’ll be eligible to apply for professional registration with organisations such as:
BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society)
UKCP (if progressing to postgraduate level)
You can then begin working as a qualified counsellor in private practice, in agencies, schools, health services, or charities.
Final Thoughts
Training for CPCAB Level 4 is a serious commitment—but one that leads to meaningful, rewarding, and impactful work.
It’s not just about becoming a counsellor.
It’s about becoming a trusted, ethical, and compassionate professional in a world that deeply needs human connection.If you feel ready to take that step, the Level 4 Diploma is where you begin to turn your passion into practice—and your training into a career.
BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society)
UKCP (if progressing to postgraduate level)
You can then begin working as a qualified counsellor in private practice, in agencies, schools, health services, or charities.
Final Thoughts
Training for CPCAB Level 4 is a serious commitment—but one that leads to meaningful, rewarding, and impactful work.
It’s not just about becoming a counsellor.
It’s about becoming a trusted, ethical, and compassionate professional in a world that deeply needs human connection.If you feel ready to take that step, the Level 4 Diploma is where you begin to turn your passion into practice—and your training into a career.
Courses
Level 4 - CLASSROOM BASED
Date: 11/9/25 @ 6pm Location Bentalls, Basildon, Essex SS14 3BX, Price:£2500 (PER YEAR)
application forms
Application Form for ONLINE courses
Please download our application form to register your interest in enrolling onto one of our online courses. Please email completed application form to: Courses@Aspirecounsellingacademy.co.uk
Application form for CLASSROOM course
Please download this form if you are applying to learn one of our courses through being in the classroom (in person learning) based at Arnhem House, Bentalls, Basildon, SS14 3BX Please email completed application form to: Courses@Aspirecounsellingacademy.co.uk
Key Information for Level 4
Purpose of Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
This two year part-time qualification gives learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context in both health care and non-medical settings.
Successful completion of this course means you will be able to provide a therapeutic counselling service – initially within the context of an agency’s service framework but later (with experience and support from the supervisor, or by completing PC-L5 or its equivalent) may progress to independent practice.
This qualification meets all the requirements of SCoPEd Column A and provides candidates with a route to membership and accreditation with professional associations in counselling approved by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) e.g. BACP, NCPS, ACC.
Successful completion of this course means you will be able to provide a therapeutic counselling service – initially within the context of an agency’s service framework but later (with experience and support from the supervisor, or by completing PC-L5 or its equivalent) may progress to independent practice.
This qualification meets all the requirements of SCoPEd Column A and provides candidates with a route to membership and accreditation with professional associations in counselling approved by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) e.g. BACP, NCPS, ACC.
Industry recognised qualification
This qualification has been given Recognised Professional Qualification status by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and, subject to the Society’s Terms & Conditions, is a route onto a national register of counsellors which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.Entry requirements
You must have obtained both our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and our Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or their equivalent.
Qualification information
Qualification Number:
500/8088/X
Qualification Structure7 mandatory units:
420 hours (minimum)
Total Qualification Time:
1204 hours
Credit value;
120
Minimum age:
19 years
500/8088/X
Qualification Structure7 mandatory units:
- Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor (R/600/9346)
- Working within a counselling relationship (T/600/9355)
- Working with client diversity in counselling work (J/600/9358)
- Working within a user-centred approach to counselling (F/600/9472)
- Working with self-awareness in the counselling process (H/600/9478)
- Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills (K/600/9482)
- Working self-reflectively as a counsellor (F/600/9486)
420 hours (minimum)
Total Qualification Time:
1204 hours
Credit value;
120
Minimum age:
19 years
Progression
Successful Students can progress to:
- Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
- Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills & Theory
- Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People
- Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision
- Open University Foundation Degree in Counselling
Course Payments
All course can be paid in full or by monthly payments
CLASSROOM BASED, ONE EVENING A WEEK & ONE FULL SUNDAY A MONTH ONLINE.
Level 4 course fee is £2500 (PER YEAR)
This includes all CPCAB registration fees
Initial deposit of £400
followed by monthly payments of £210 (x 10 payments)
Payable by monthly invoice or bank transfer
CLASSROOM BASED, ONE EVENING A WEEK & ONE FULL SUNDAY A MONTH ONLINE.
Level 4 course fee is £2500 (PER YEAR)
This includes all CPCAB registration fees
Initial deposit of £400
followed by monthly payments of £210 (x 10 payments)
Payable by monthly invoice or bank transfer
