Therapy North

TC-L4 · CPCAB · BACP Approved

Level 4 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

A BACP approved, CPCAB accredited qualification — the recognised route to becoming a qualified therapeutic counsellor in the North East.

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  • Duration

    2 years part-time

  • Cost

    £3,750 / year

  • Next intake

    September 2026

  • Guided learning hours

    420

  • Delivery

    Face-to-face, Tynemouth

  • Minimum age

    19

Who this course is for

Designed for career changers ready for meaningful work

Most of our Level 4 students come to counselling from another career — bringing life experience, professional skills and a genuine desire to help people in a more direct way. If that sounds like you, this course is designed with you in mind.

We work with teachers, nurses, social workers, HR professionals, people who have experienced therapy themselves and now want to offer it to others, and many others who have reached a point where their current role no longer fits. Counselling training Tynemouth-based and CPCAB accredited gives you a route into a recognised profession with real demand across the North East.

Be honest with yourself about the commitment. This is two years of part-time study alongside personal therapy, supervised client work and a fair amount of personal reflection. It is also one of the most worthwhile journeys our students describe. We will be straightforward with you about what is involved before you commit.

What you will gain

What the qualification gives you

  • Dual qualification as an adult and child counsellor
  • BACP registration on successful completion
  • Knowledge
  • skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in private practice
  • agencies
  • schools or NHS settings
  • A foundation for progression to Level 5 specialist training

Curriculum

What you will study

  • Theoretical frameworks across humanistic
  • psychodynamic and integrative approaches
  • Counselling skills practice and live skills development
  • Personal development and personal therapy
  • Supervised client work in placement
  • Ethics
  • professional practice and the BACP framework
  • Research
  • reflection and casework

Entry requirements

Is this course right for you?

  • Minimum age 19
  • Some previous training or experience is required — get in touch to discuss your background
  • We offer a recognition of prior learning scheme for equivalent qualifications and experience

About the qualification

A nationally recognised diploma

  • Awarded and certificated by CPCAB
  • BACP Approved Practitioner qualification
  • Leads to BACP registration as a qualified counsellor on successful completion
View our CPCAB centre listing

Where you will train

House Seven, Tynemouth

All face-to-face teaching takes place at House Seven, 7 Livingstone View, Tynemouth NE30 2PL — a calm, professional wellness centre that is also home to our therapist team. You will train where qualified counsellors work every day.

Two minutes from Tynemouth Metro and the sea, with free street parking nearby.

More about House Seven →

Frequently asked

Your questions, answered

What prior experience do I need?
You will need some previous training or experience related to counselling, helping or therapeutic work — for example a Level 2 or Level 3 introductory counselling course, or relevant professional experience in education, healthcare, social care or pastoral roles. We assess each application on its own merits, so do get in touch if you are unsure.
Can I do this course alongside full-time work?
The Level 4 Diploma is designed as part-time study to fit around work and family commitments. You will need to commit to weekly classroom days, supervised client placement hours, personal therapy and study time outside the classroom. Most students plan their working week around the course.
What does CPCAB accreditation mean?
CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) is the UK's leading awarding body for counselling qualifications. A CPCAB qualification is nationally recognised, externally moderated and meets BACP's training standards for registration as a qualified counsellor.
What can I do when I qualify?
On successful completion you can register with the BACP as a qualified counsellor and work in private practice, agencies, schools, NHS and third-sector settings. You can also progress onto specialist post-qualifying training such as our Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People.
How much does the course cost in total?
Course fees are £3,750 per year for two years (£7,500 in total). On top of fees you will need to budget for personal therapy, clinical supervision, professional body membership and travel to your placement. We are happy to talk you through total costs in detail.
What is the difference between Level 4 and Level 5?
The Level 4 Diploma is the recognised qualifying route into counselling — on completion you can register with the BACP as a qualified counsellor. The Level 5 Diploma is a specialist post-qualifying qualification for counsellors who already hold Level 4 (or equivalent) and want to extend their practice to work with children and young people.
Is there any flexibility if I need to defer?
Life happens. We will always work with students who need to defer for genuine reasons such as illness, bereavement or major life events. We will discuss the implications with you and find a fair way forward — including options to rejoin a future cohort where appropriate.
Where does the course take place?
All teaching takes place face-to-face at House Seven, 7 Livingstone View, Tynemouth, North Shields, NE30 2PL — a professional wellness centre two minutes from Tynemouth Metro and the sea.

Looking at the specialist post-qualifying option instead? See the Level 5 Diploma in CYP Counselling →

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Register your interest

Express your interest in the Level 4 Diploma

Places for September 2026 are limited. Register your interest now and we will be in touch with full details.

Submitting this form does not commit you to anything — it simply lets us know you are interested so we can send you course details and answer any questions.