Level 6 Counselling Qualification

Students are required to have completed a minimum of a CPCAB Level 4 diploma (or equivalent) (with some experience of working independently with clients). Students also need to meet the generic CPCAB requirements:
 
Potential candidates must possess a level of literacy and numeracy sufficient for the programme concerned
and be aware of the time and other resources required for the course. Applicants need to know that the
qualification is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty and/or
severe psychological distress, for example those:

• Currently experiencing – without ongoing and appropriate professional support – a recent, major
  life crisis such as marital breakdown or a close bereavement.
• Currently experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems without appropriate
  professional support, or where this has the potential to impact on their ability to maintain
  counselling/coaching/supervision relationships appropriately. This includes an eating disorder or eating difficulties.
• Currently involved in substance misuse.

We will also consider the following criteria when making a decision on applicant selection:

• Reasons for a special interest in eating disorders including willingness to reflect on personal experiences of one.
• Awareness of time and resources needed to complete the course
• References
• To be currently in supervised practice
• Be academically and emotionally able to cope with the training
• Ability to work with difference and diversity
• Be a member of an appropriate professional body and adhere to its ethical framework and be willing to reflect on what this means including personal qualities
• Ability to be sensitive and responsive to others in the training group

The course will consist of 70 guided learning hours with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 280 hours. This means there will be 210 hours of additional study time needed. This will be used for homework assignments, additional reading including assigned reading for the upcoming guided learning sessions. 
                  
The course will run across five, two-day blocks. 

• A two day initial in-person session
• Four two-day online blocks via Zoom and/or Teams.

Face to face meetings will take place at SWEDA HQ in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

The course cost is £1200, plus the accreditation fee set by CPCAB (approximately £250).

The course will run across five, two-day blocks.

• A two day initial in-person session
• Four two-day online blocks via Zoom and/or Teams.  

Face to face meetings will take place at SWEDA HQ in Shepton Mallet, Somerset
 
Block One: (in person): Friday 15th & Saturday 16th January 2027
Block Two: (online): Friday 5th & Saturday 6th February 2027
Block Three: (online): Friday 5th & Saturday 6th March 2027
Block Four: (online): Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd April 2027
Block Five: (online): Friday 7th & Saturday 8th May 2027

 "The course so far has been brilliant. It is informative and the balance between tutoring, self-explorations, videos and worksheets is great for keeping me engaged and guiding my further learning at home."

"The course is fantastic and all the tutors are approachable and knowledgeable."

"Both tutors are brilliant. They complement each other well and have gone above and beyond to support us."

"I feel very supported and encouraged."

"The tutors were extremely knowledgeable and approachable.”

How much time will this course take me?

The Total Qualification Time of the course is 280 hours. The course will consist of 70 guided learning hours plus 210 hours of additional study time for course completion.

Who are SWEDA?

SWEDA is the South & West's charity for people affected by eating disorders. We have over 30 years' expertise in supporting people our local community as they navigate recovery. We provide counselling, support groups, recovery support, schools outreach, nutritional support, a helpline, support for parents and carers, and training for professionals. 

Will this course qualify me to work with eating disorders? 

At the end of this course, students will feel confident and appropriately skilled to engage with clients who present with an eating disorder or disordered eating and assess whether they can safely work with them through counselling / psychotherapy. If so, the course will teach students to go on to offer a range of strategies to enable clients to move towards recovery, and empower them to remain well. 

How will I be assessed?

Students will be required to produce the following:
- Ongoing learning journal reflecting on course content
- Final Assessment Case Study: a written case study on placement client (min 6 sessions) and presentation of this case study
- A portfolio of evidence to show completion of criteria as shown in the Unit Summary
- Other one off assignments including an essay, poster, and reflection exercises

Do I need any eating disorder experience?

No previous experience of working with eating disorders is required to apply to this course. When applying to the course, we ask you to reflect on your interest in this specialist area including any personal experiences of disordered eating or supporting a loved one with an eating disorder.

Can I do the course if I've had an eating disorder myself? 

If you have previous lived experience of an eating disorder and are in recovery, this course is suitable for you.  However, the qualification is not suitable for those who are currently experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems without appropriate professional support, including an eating disorder or eating difficulties.