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CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling| UK & Online

Develop the confidence and competence to work safely with trauma and more complex client presentations

You may be feeling or wondering…………

  • I’m scared of getting it wrong

  • I don’t feel confident with trauma

  • I don’t know if I’m ready for deeper work

This is normal and you can arrange an informal chat with us to help answer your questions.

People sitting in a conference or seminar, taking notes with notebooks and pens.

Why Trauma-Informed Training Matters for Counsellors

Trauma and complex presentations can feel exposing as a practitioner.

You may find yourself:

  • Questioning whether you’re doing enough—or too much

  • Holding clients whose needs feel beyond your current training

  • Wanting to deepen your work, but unsure how to do so safely

This course is designed to support you in developing the knowledge, skills and grounded confidence needed to work more effectively, without losing yourself in the process.

Course Overview – CPCAB Level 5 Diploma

Study Mode: Part-time Course Fees £2,500 ‍

Delivery In Person Bexleyheath

  • Attendance: 1 weekend per month

  • 10 Months

  • Start Date: Sept 2026 /Jan 2027

  • 2nd Weekend of the month

Delivery Online via Zoom

  • Attendance: Bi-weekly

  • 40 Weeks

  • Start Date: Sept / Jan 2027

  • Thursday Eve’s 3pm - 9pm

Trauma-Informed CPCAB Level 5 Counselling Diploma in Bexleyheath, Online Across the UK

Who is this course for?

If you’re a qualified counsellor who is looking to set up your private practice and feels the weight of working with trauma, this course supports you to deepen your practice with clarity, safety and professional confidence.

Many counsellors reach a point where they know more is needed—but aren’t sure how to develop without risking getting it wrong. This training bridges that gap.

How to Apply

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How to Apply 〰️

Complete the enrolement form and we will then seek to arrange an interview with you at a mutually convenient time.

Students attending a CPCAB trauma-informed counselling course in Bexleyheath, Kent

Career Progression After CPCAB Level 5

This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to work as self-employed counsellors in independent practice. It also prepares practitioners to take on senior counselling roles within organisational settings, where responsibilities may include client assessment, referral processes, and routine evaluation of therapeutic work.

Aligned with the competencies outlined in the SCoPEd Framework Column B, this course supports practitioners in developing a higher level of professional capability and ethical practice.

With sufficient supervised practice hours, this qualification also offers a clear progression route toward membership and accreditation with professional bodies recognised by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), including BACP, NCPS.

This ensures that your training not only enhances your clinical skills but also supports your ongoing professional recognition and career progression within the counselling field.

You can book a free 25 minute Q&A appointment to discuss with us about whether this course is the right next step for you.

Entry Requirements for CPCAB Level 5

Our CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5) is designed for qualified counsellors ready to deepen their practice, including working safely and effectively with trauma.

You should hold a recognised Level 4 counselling qualification (or equivalent), with evidence of supervised client work and a solid foundation in counselling theory. You will need to demonstrate emotional readiness, self-awareness, and the capacity to engage with complex and sensitive material.

All applicants will be invited to attend an interview and provide references to ensure they are well-prepared for the demands of advanced therapeutic training.

Candidates must be Proficient in the internal assessment and meet all the qualification requirements including all placement hours to achieve the qualification.

Course Fees and Payment Options

The cost of the CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling is £2,500, which includes your registration fee with CPCAB.

To secure your place, a £500 deposit is required upon enrolment.

We are committed to making training as accessible as possible, so flexible payment plans are available. Please talk to us to discuss the options that may work best for you.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We recognise that financial barriers can impact access to training. Where possible, we will:

  • Offer flexible payment arrangements

  • Provide signposting to external funding opportunities or support

  • Work with you to explore options that support your participation

Our aim is to make training as accessible and inclusive as possible, while maintaining the professional and ethical standards required for safe therapeutic practice.

Counselling students developing trauma-informed skills during CPCAB Level 5 training

‍Additional Qualification Requirements

Personal counselling: a minimum of 40 hours of personal counselling by the end of the course.

Client work: a minimum of 60 hours formally contracted counselling (one-to-one), including client assessment.

Clinical Supervision: either group or one-to-one supervision – as per the supervision ratio requirements of their chosen ethical framework or professional membership association.

Course Delivery Options – In Person and Online

In-Person Delivery
This course is delivered face-to-face in Bexleyheath, one weekend per month, starting September 2026.
Sessions run over a one-year period, providing an immersive and supportive learning environment.

Online Delivery
The online option is delivered on Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
This pathway runs over one year, across 20 structured sessions, beginning September 2026.

Duration & Investment

This course provides 120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) over a one-year period, meeting the requirements set by CPCAB.
The programme is structured across 20 sessions, supporting steady, in-depth learning and integration.

Course Fee: £2,500

Commitment to Training

By enrolling, you are committing to:

  • Attending all scheduled sessions where possible and meeting the required attendance to pass the course.

  • Engaging with coursework, skills practice, and assessments

  • Upholding professional and ethical standards in line with CPCAB expectation

Professional training that supports meaningful growth in practice