Our Courses
We offer several courses for different skill levels, there are currently 7 classes. (Evenings & Daytimes)
The 2-year Diploma is NCPS Accredited, at level 4 equivalent; those who complete the Practitioner Diploma are eligible to apply for Senior Accreditation. Students can also use their portfolio of courses to apply for BACP Accreditation.
Counselling Skills (75 hours)
This course has been developed for people who use counselling skills in their work or envisage incorporating them into their work and for people who want to work towards a full qualification in counselling. It is also suitable for people who may wish to gain skills for use in everyday life.
It is designed for those people who wish to learn and to practise a range of
counselling skills. Candidates are likely to fall into two main groups: those wishing to enhance their functional role by acquiring proficiency across the range of counselling skills.
Counselling skills have proved to be effective in many work roles where interactions between people occur; and those who wish to progress to further training and qualify as counsellors.
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - NCPS Accredited (300 Guided learning hours)
This is a modular course and consists firstly of a Unit examining key Humanistic and Psychodynamic theory and practice, (75 hours) followed by a 100-hour CBT module, which covers a range of key theorists and models. The final Unit of 75 hours covers TA and Inner Child work, incorporating the work of several important figures. The CBT module is generally the specialist theory for the placement work, which commences in the latter half of the second module.
Therefore the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (VCTS) is suitable for any individual whose qualification goal is to achieve professional status in counselling.
Level 4 equivalent, 300 guided learning hours.
Practitioner Diploma in CBT
The Practitioner Diploma in CBT has been developed specifically to provide the final training for candidates whose ultimate qualification goal is to achieve Professional Status as a Therapeutic Counsellor.
It provides 125 hours of classroom training which, along with previous courses taken, provides the 450 training hours needed for the training element of BACP accreditation.
Equal time is given throughout the course to theoretical and practical work including self-development.
The first part of the course looks at a range of presenting problems and includes brain functions; recognizing personality disorders and psychosis; and appropriate treatments and actions for these; drug- and alcohol-related problems and their treatment, including Motivational Interviewing and Twelve Step Programmes.
This is followed by an analysis of relationship problems, which includes relationship counselling and working with families and children, various types of group therapy and a six-week experiential CBT group.
In the final term, students explore their counselling practice as well as the theory and practice of clinical supervision, ethical dilemmas and future career planning. The emphasis of the course is the integration of theory with practice and students are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised counselling in an approved placement.
Interested in any of our courses?
For more information or if you have any questions, give us a call on;
01702 354118 or email pfspsychologist@gmail.com
Why Become a Counsellor?
Choosing to become a counsellor is often inspired by a passion for helping others and creating lasting, positive changes in people's lives. For many, the decision stems from personal life experiences or a deep sense of empathy and compassion. A counselling career, including psychotherapy, not only offers emotional fulfilment but also the opportunity to be part of the growing mental health profession, where your work truly matters.
Counsellors are instrumental in supporting individuals facing a range of challenges, from relationship struggles and grief to mental health conditions and trauma. The profession also provides flexibility, whether you aspire to work in private practice, community services, or educational settings. With increasing public awareness around mental health, there has never been a more vital time to pursue this path and contribute meaningfully to society.
Your Counselling Career Path
The journey toward becoming a professional counsellor begins with foundational education in counselling skills. Many people start with a counselling course or short course to explore whether the profession aligns with their interests, values, and personal qualities. This initial exposure helps build essential communication skills such as active listening and empathy.
As you progress, more advanced qualifications like a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or a Practitioner Diploma in CBT prepare you for clinical practice. These courses involve theoretical study, personal therapy, and supervised placement hours where you begin working with real clients. Over time, your experience deepens, and your confidence as a therapeutic practitioner grows, especially with further training.
Achieving accreditation with a professional body such as the NCPS or BACP is a significant milestone. From there, your counselling career can take many forms; whether in a structured organisation, as part of a mental health team, or by building your own private practice. It's a career path that supports continuous learning, personal development, and a sense of professional pride.
From Training to Practice: What to Expect
Beginning your training is an exciting first step, but transitioning into actual counselling practice is where transformation truly happens. Counselling training at Victoria Counselling & Training Service is designed to balance theory with practical application, preparing you thoroughly for professional life.
You'll study a variety of approaches, including humanistic, psychodynamic, CBT, and
Transactional Analysis, while also learning how to apply them in real-life settings. Placement hours are critical to your growth, offering firsthand experience with clients in a supervised, supportive environment.
​
Throughout your training, you'll also engage in self-reflection and personal development, which are integral parts of becoming an effective and ethical therapist. This includes exploring your own emotional responses, learning to manage boundaries, and understanding the impact of your own life experience on your counselling style. By the time you complete your training, you'll have both the skills and the inner readiness to step into professional practice with confidence.
Accreditation and Professional Bodies
Accreditation signifies your commitment to professional standards and provides reassurance to both clients and employers. At Victoria Counselling & Training Service, our Diploma courses are NCPS-accredited (note; Our Skills course and Practitioner Diploma in CBT are not accredited) and structured to meet the training requirements of major professional bodies such as the BACP.
After completing the required training hours and placement experiences, you'll be eligible to apply for accreditation. This not only affirms your competence as a therapist but also connects you with a wider network of support, ethical guidance, and professional development.
Being a member of a professional body also means staying current with ongoing supervision and additional training. It reinforces your credibility and helps you build trust with clients, enhancing your reputation within the counselling profession. Accreditation is more than a credential; it's a mark of excellence and a gateway to career growth.
Mental Health and Counselling: A Vital Connection
Counselling plays a foundational role in improving mental health. As awareness around emotional well-being continues to grow, the demand for skilled therapists who can support individuals through various mental health conditions is rising. Counsellors work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and even more complex challenges such as psychosis or substance abuse.
Therapy offers a structured and compassionate environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and reconnect with their strengths. Counsellors provide a safe space where healing begins, often supporting people who have never felt truly heard before.
Whether you're working with children, young people, or adults, counselling has a transformative impact on clients' lives. Your work can reduce the stigma around mental illness and empower individuals to take control of their mental health journey. It's a career where you become part of the solution, one conversation at a time.
Diverse Career Opportunities in Counselling
A qualification in counselling opens up a wide range of professional possibilities. Beyond traditional one-on-one therapy sessions, counsellors are increasingly found in schools, hospitals, addiction centres, community programs, and corporate environments. The profession is diverse, evolving, and in high demand across many sectors.
Some choose to specialise in areas like relationship counselling, child and adolescent therapy, or working with clients dealing with trauma and substance abuse. Others find fulfilment in clinical supervision, training future therapists, or pursuing roles in mental health policy and advocacy.
With the rise of digital platforms, remote counselling has also become a viable option, offering flexibility and accessibility for both therapists and clients. Whether you prefer face-to-face therapy, online sessions, or working within a multidisciplinary team, counselling offers a career rich in variety, growth, and purpose.