Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills And Theory - Level 5 Diploma (CPCAB)

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Part-time
Start date: 1st September 2025
End date: 30th August 2026
Day: Wed
Time: 17:30-21:30
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: To be confirmed

Course Content

The main aspects of the course deal with:

• Work safely, legally & ethically as a counsellor using the CBT approach
• Use the CBT framework to structure the therapeutic relationship
• Integrate understanding of diversity in CBT work
• Use a coherent approach to work with individual clients and their needs
• Work with self-awareness as a counsellor using the CBT approach
• Use CBT theory, research and techniques coherently within counselling work
• Monitor and maintain professional effectiveness as a counsellor using the CBT approach

Teaching Methods

• Interactive Lectures will be used as the primary means of teaching and guidance on subject matter, reading and assignments. Active learning in pair and group work will also be used with case studies, problem solving and role play.
• Practicals will be used to learn skills and knowledge. The course involves a large amount of practical role plays.
• As part of the course applicants will be expected to carry out client work where they can apply the theory of CBT to the counselling process. Group Supervision is also a requirement of the course.
• Seminars will be used as part of the group work experience.
• Tutorials part of the studies advice and pastoral system; to give guidance on difficulties associated with learning outcomes and to provide feedback and clarification.

For further information on course content, delivery, and assessment, please see the candidate guide on the CPCAB website, which can be found at http://www.cpcab.co.uk/qualifications/cbt-l5#documents.

Course Aims

• This course is designed for applicants who have completed a higher-level qualification in Counselling (e.g. CPCAB Level 4 Diploma or UU Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice) of at least 450 hours and wish to extend their knowledge of working using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• It is designed to enhance the employability of counsellors in organisational settings and as independent practitioners by giving them a solid grounding in CBT skills and theory.
• CBT is one of the NICE recommended psychological therapies and counsellors with CBT skills are often favoured above those without in multidisciplinary psychological therapy teams especially the Increasing Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) teams.

Special Features

The course involves a large amount of practical role plays. 90% attendance is a mandatory part of the course. As part of the course applicants will be expected to carry out client work where they can apply the theory of CBT to the counselling process. Group Supervision is also a requirement of the course.

Assessment Methods

• Completion of a personal learning record on an ongoing basis (approx. 500 words per criterion)

Assignments:

• x2 assignments (3000-3500 words each) as part of internal assessment;
• External assessment client case study (also 3000-3500 words)
• Presentations & small and whole group discussion
• Supervisor’s report; log of hours (30 hrs of client work required using CB tools etc.)
• Ongoing feedback from tutor  (Tutor observation) and peers (Testimony).

Applicants must be over 19 years of age; it is strongly recommended that the applicant is over 25 years of age. All applicants should:

• Be practicing counsellors and have completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling of their RPL equivalent
• Have completed a minimum of 50 hours post-qualification client work
• Have professional body accreditation or be working towards this

All applicants will be invited to an information session in June.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

This course is designed to enhance the professional development of an existing counsellor who has professional accreditation. Successful candidates may progress on to the CPCAB level 6 certificate in counselling supervision.