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Diploma in Counselling (Level 6 Equivalent)

Diploma in Counselling 

The first year of the Diploma in Counselling (Level 6 Equivalent) is the Foundation Year Certificate in TA Theory which ensures trainees have a comprehensive grounding in transactional analysis theory, personal awareness, and facilitation skills.

The further two years (Clinical Year 1 & 2) focus on the clinical application of in – depth Transactional Analysis theory with the introduction of other theories and modalities.

This counselling diploma course includes taught elements, discussion, case presentations, experiential exercises, skills practice, feedback, and coaching. 

Theory, Research and Skills

At The Link Centre, we teach a range of theoretical concepts, expanding on the foundational principles taught during the Foundation Year Certificate in TA Theory 

We also introduce concepts and techniques applied in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Trauma-informed therapy, and contemporary research on neuroscience and attachment.

We embed research principles throughout the course, encouraging trainees to consider the  implication of contemporary and evolving theory within the therapeutic relationship.  

Each training weekend, we dedicate one day to the application of theoretical knowledge into observed counselling skills practice. This supports trainees to develop confidence and expertise as they begin their clinical training career with their counselling placements. 

Accredited Counselling Courses

The Level 6 Equivalent Diploma in Counselling is accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and, subject to NCPS terms and conditions, is a route onto a national register of counsellors which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

In Clinical Year 1 the tutors will assess trainees’ level of skill and award a letter of endorsement when they are at a level of competence to begin a voluntary placement seeing clients. Trainees are required to secure their own placement and we have a very comprehensive list of local placements and a dedicated Placement Officer ( Lyn Hayward) to support Link Centre trainees in this process.

In Clinical Year 2 of the Diploma in Counselling, trainees will continue to integrate relevant theoretical learning.  They will be further developing advanced skills as well as exploring a range of specialist client presentations ( see sample content below).  In this year we will be looking at how to work with these client presentations, applying best practice and understanding the implications of research findings.

Trainees who complete this counselling diploma training can also go on to complete one more year and gain an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapy ( Level 7 Equivalent) and have the training hours to become a CTA UKCP Registered Psychotherapist. Click here for our Psychotherapy course.

What Our Trainees Have Said

“Training at The Link Centre was in depth, warm and I felt well held. The tutors were passionate about our learning, all with a different style. I felt like I was a part of something that wasn’t just about the theory, it was also about the person.

The creativity and experiential learning was a particular highlight. I felt encouraged to think outside the box.” Gemma, awarded a Diploma in Counselling July 2025

“Training at the Link Centre has been truly life-changing.  I’ve grown so much in confidence – not just as a therapist, but as a person.  

A particular highlight of my training has been the depth of connection and safety within the group – it created a space where I could really explore who I am.  Being seen and accepted, even in the messy bits, has been powerful and healing in ways I didn’t expect.” Kirsty, awarded a Diploma in Counselling July 2025

 

Sample Content: Diploma in Counselling Clinical Year 1

• Module 1.    What is Counselling and Psychotherapy?
• Module 2.    Meeting the Client for the First Time
• Module 3.    Starting in Practice and Self Care
• Module 4.    Different Client Presentations
• Module 5.    Understanding Relationships
• Module 6.    Treatment Planning
• Module 7.    Health, Ill-Health and the Journey Towards
• Module 8.    Facilitating Change
• Module 9.    Tools and Techniques
• Module 10.  Groups and Group Process

Sample Content: Diploma in Counselling Clinical Year 2

• Module 1.    Working with Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Fear
• Module 2.    Working with Trauma
• Module 3.    Working with Addictions
• Module 4.    Working with Depression
• Module 5.    Working with Couples
• Module 6.    Working with Children and Adolescence
• Module 7.    Working with Complex Trauma
• Module 8.    Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD)
• Module 9.    A Deep Dive into Anti-Oppressive Practice
• Module 10.  Bereavement and loss

Assessment: Assessment is ongoing on the course and involves theory knowledge, self-awareness, and willingness to hear feedback, skills competency, and formal assessments as below

• Foundation year – Learning journal, short questionnaire, two written pieces of 2000 word each
• Clinical year 1 – Learning journal, short questionnaires after each weekend, one 2000-word essay, one skills assessment
• Clinical year 2 – Learning journal, group presentation and a supervised practice report

Counselling Skills:  For those who have not completed any prior Counselling Skills training, trainees will need to complete 30-hours of Counselling Skills training before submitting their Diploma in Counselling portfolio.  We offer 30-hour Certificate in Counselling Skills courses, online and in person, throughout the year.

Personal Therapy: Personal Therapy with a qualified counsellor (min 30 sessions per annum) is a requirement for this course. For those wanting to gain UKCP registered Psychotherapy status, the requirement is 40 sessions per annum with a UKCP registered Psychotherapist or equivalent.

Portfolio Criteria: On successful completion of the Foundation Year and two Advanced Clinical Years, and with 150 supervised practice hours, a minimum of 30-hours of counselling skills training and required personal therapy hours, trainees are eligible to submit their portfolio.

Qualifications: Diploma in Counselling – Level 6 Equivalent (NCPS Accredited)

The Diploma in Counselling Course is accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and, subject to NCPS terms and conditions, is a route onto a national register of counsellors which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority .

APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) :  If you have completed counselling or psychotherapy training elsewhere it may be possible to APL you on to this course – please email us for details.  You would also need to complete an application form and attend an interview.

Course Location: Our counselling and psychotherapy courses will to run face to face at our training venue in the beautiful grounds of Plumpton College, East Sussex.

Cost: TBC for each Clinical Year. Additional information regarding associated training costs for 2025-26 (e.g. for therapy, student memberships etc.) can be found here – TLC guide to additional training costs

Related Courses

Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis Theory (in person and/or online)

This course is for those who have attended the TA101 and have been inspired to deepen their knowledge of TA in an environment that is collegial, supportive, and developmental. This course can be taken as a stand-alone course and is also the first year for those wanting to continue on to our counselling and psychotherapy courses.

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The Official Introduction to Transactional Analysis (TA101)

This internationally recognised course is our most popular course. You will come away with new ideas, perspectives and models that you can use in every area of your life. People who attend this course come away with real insight into their own process and others and gain useful practical ideas of how to do things in a way that serves them better.

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Link Centre Open Evening – Live Online

A series of live online open evenings for you to find out about our part-time counselling and psychotherapy courses.

 

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How to Become a Counsellor or Psychotherapist

A 1-hour talk to help in navigating the minefield of different theories, training providers, costs and qualifications to qualify as a counsellor.

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