CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5)

Course Details

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Prepare for a Thriving Private Practice

This Level 5 Diploma has been designed to prepare learners to be empathic, effective and ethical practitioners whose work is grounded in an anti-oppressive praxis and ethos. As a learner you will gain the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to work as a self-employed counsellor in private practice.

This advanced course is designed for counsellors who have completed foundational training in counselling and have accumulated at least 100 hours of supervised one-to-one therapeutic practice with clients.

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Topics Covered in our Level 5 Training:

Part 1: Anti-Oppressive Practice in Private Practice 

Harm Reduction in Counselling Practice, Anti-Oppressive Counselling Practice, Managing Ethical Dilemmas in Private Practice, Establishing a Successful Private Practice 

Part 2: Racialisation and Racial Trauma 

Use of Self and the Implicated Self, Working with Racialised Identities, Recognising and Working with Racial and Social Trauma, Recognising and Working with Racial and Social Trauma Part 2 

Part 3: Assessment and Supervision 

Use of Supervision, Initial Assessments, Safeguarding and Risk Assessments, Working with Diagnosis 

Part 4: Working with Diversity

Working with Queer Identities, Working with Neurodiversity, Working with Disability, Working with Migrant Stories and Refugees - Changing the Narrative, Men’s Mental Health 

Part 5: Working with Lived Experienced in the Room 

Self-Awareness in the Therapeutic Space, Holding Space for Anger and Rage and Resistance in the Therapeutic Process, Holding Space for Shame and Loss, Care and Care Giving as an Ethos and Practice, Managing Burnout and Self-Care 

 

Why Choose Our Level 5 Diploma?

Key benefits of our training programme

Private Practice Skills

Learn essential skills and advanced therapeutic skills to become successful in private practice.

Advanced Assessment and Safeguarding Training

Learn how to thoroughly assess client risk, develop safety plans with clients, manage a variety of safeguarding issues, and to properly assess clients in private practice.

Anti-Oppressive Practice

The diploma emphasises critical thinking and equips counsellors to challenge societal imbalances, discrimination and oppressions within therapy, including race, gender, sexuality, disability and others.

Placement and Supervision Included

Complete your clinical hours with Headstrong Counselling as a volunteer with free supervision, or with Headstrong PRO as a paid counsellor (no supervision)

Small Group Sizes

To maximise learning, we maintain small class sizes, ensuring personalised attention and tailored support from our expert tutors.

Insider Knowledge

Headstrong Counselling works with hundreds of practitioners, from Level 4 counsellors to counselling psychologists. With unique insights into the gaps in traditional training, our curriculum is designed to address these areas, ensuring our students are well-prepared for private practice and equipped to deliver excellent clinical work.

Experienced Tutors

Learn from experienced professionals, including Headstrong’s founder Dr. Bammens & Dr. Eiman Hussein.

Guaranteed Work Post-Course

Graduates are invited to join the Headstrong PRO team. You'll also be listed on our referral network, enhancing your prospects for successful private practice.

Fully Online Delivery

Access our weekly sessions from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.

Are you ready for a successful private
practice?

Our PC-L5 Diploma is ideal for:

  • ✓ Counsellors seeking to deepen and advance their therapeutic skills and interventions.
  • ✓ Counsellors seeking a successful private practice.
  • ✓ Counsellors committed to anti-oppressive and inclusive practice.

Cost & Payment Options

Course Structure: 30 weeks, 4 hours per week.
Course Fee: The Level 5 Diploma is priced at £2,750, which includes £385 CPCAB Candidate Registration Fee and VAT. A non-refundable deposit of £500 is required to secure your place.
Partial Sponsorships: Available for candidates from marginalised backgrounds
Payment Plans: Flexible plans available via GoCardless

Applications are now open for the September 2026 cohort.

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