An Accredited Diploma in Humanistic-Integrative Counselling
We run courses at two locations: Deal and Hythe. Each site hosts an intake every two years, alternating between the two locations. Please note that once enrolled, transfers between sites are not possible.
Overview
Our Accredited Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling is a part-time training programme that runs over two years, forming our core professional counselling qualification.
Designed from the ground up by our team of experienced trainers, it provides you with the essential skills, knowledge, and personal development to practice as a professional counsellor in the United Kingdom.
Fully Accredited
This programme is fully accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
Level 5 equivalent
This programme has been created to meet level 5 qualification standards
Humanistic Integrative
This programme teaches integration whilst maintaining humanistic principles
SCoPEd Aligned
This programme aligns with the Scope of Practice and Education (SCoPEd) framework’s column A
Small Groups
Due to the nature of the training and our focus on quality, we maintain small groups of up to eight members
Connected to the Community
We have strong working relationships with local counselling agencies, making finding a placement a little easier
Programme Details
Our Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling was designed in-house by our experienced team of lecturers, aligned with SCoPEd for long-term relevance and accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) to ensure the highest professional and ethical standards are upheld, preparing students for the complexities of real-world practice.
The model that we teach is Humanistic-Integrative. This approach allows practitioners to draw from a diverse range of therapeutic models while remaining grounded in the core principles of humanistic practice, such as empathy, unconditional positive regard, and belief in the client’s inherent capacity for growth. The integrative aspect offers flexibility, enabling therapists to tailor each session to the unique needs of the client, ensuring that therapy is both personalised and effective.
We also embrace a pluralistic attitude, as described by Mick Cooper and John McLeod, recognising that different clients benefit from different therapeutic methods at various times. Collaboration with clients in determining the direction of therapy is central to our practice, ensuring the therapeutic process is co-constructed and responsive to individual needs.
Trainees learning this model will develop a broad skill set, integrating multiple approaches, including person-centred, existential, and gestalt frameworks, while always placing the client at the heart of the process. The pluralistic aspect teaches them to work collaboratively, adapting to individual client needs. Trainees will engage in reflective practice, supervision, and personal development, fostering both professional and personal growth throughout the course.
While adaptable, the humanistic principles that underpin the model provide consistency and familiarity, preventing shifts in style from feeling chaotic. This framework allows therapists to seamlessly integrate techniques without losing the core values of empathy, respect, and authenticity.
This programme is offered at two sites, of which you will need pick one and remain there for the duration of the course.
Hythe: Saturdays between 10:00 – 17:30 – A beautiful old building along the High Street, with a large classroom and breakout rooms. The teaching space is on the second floor and regrettably, there is no lift.
Deal: Mondays between 10:00 – 17:30 – A bespoke training centre in the heart of Deal, offering an accessible, ground floor space for trainee therapists to learn their craft.
You can find more information about our venue here
Please note that attendance hours are reduced in the second year to accomodate your professional placement.The taught element of this programme is delivered part-time over two years, with both years taught at a level 5 equivalent. This rigorous curriculum is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of the theory and practice of counselling, while fostering their personal and professional development.
Importantly, the programme content is carefully aligned with Column A of the SCoPEd framework, ensuring that trainees who complete the programme meet the competencies required for entry into the counselling profession. This alignment is reflected in the programme’s emphasis on ethical practice, assessment skills, the therapeutic relationship, core knowledge and skills, and ongoing self-awareness and reflection; this is validated through the programmes accredited status with the NCPS.
By successfully completing this Level 5 programme and demonstrating proficiency in the SCoPEd Column A competencies, trainees who complete the programme will be well-prepared to begin their careers as effective, reflective, and ethically-grounded counselling practitioners.
Time commitment over two years:
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 350 – This is time spend in class or otherwise directly supported by a qualified tutor
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 860 – This includes the above, in addition to self-directed study; placement hours & supervision, personal therapy; journal & assignment writing etc.
The first year of this training programme is dedicated to preparing you for your professional placement. During this period, you will explore key topics such as diversity, ethics, and professional boundaries, alongside developing theoretical knowledge and practical counselling skills.
Through these comprehensive activities, we aim to equip you with a strong foundation that will support your success in both your placement and future professional practice.
In the second year of the training programme, we focus on your ongoing development. We will build on your existing knowledge by incorporating insights from your placement experience. You will also engage in self-awareness activities, conduct your own research, and prepare for reflective work that integrates all aspects of your learning.
We use various assessment methods to support your learning and ensure that you are in the right place to move through the training process:
Written Assignments
There will be multiple written assignments over the two years with word counts ranging between 7500 words – 10,000 words. These will be formal submissions and full guidance will be given on how to format and present your work.
Presentations
You will be required to present to the group throughout the two years, both as an individual and as part of a small group. This includes case-study presentation, where you will discuss in-depth, your experiences of placement.
Skills observations
Your practical skills sessions will be observed and feedback provided to support your development. You will need to successfully demonstrate your ability to facilitate an ethical and effective session before the placement stage is approved.
Formative Tasks
Assessment isn’t just about checking in on you, and your learning, it’s also about ensuring that our teaching is effective! The occasional quiz, debate and mini-project will help us work out where we all our in the learning process.
The Counsellor training process is unlike other courses and it should be noted that a substantial commitment is required to successfully complete the programme. In the interest of transparency, we have provided what we consider to be a realistic breakdown of the commitments below.
2024/26 Tuition fees are:
Year 1 (mandatory) – £2,750.00
Year 2 (mandatory) – £2,750.00
Additional financial considerations
In addition to the above tuition fees, prospective trainees should consider the following obligations. The figures given below are approximate and for illustration only, you may find that some elements cost more or less than described here.
- Personal therapy – 60 hours over two years @ approx. £40 per session.
- Supervision costs – Your placement will often provide supervision in compensation for your voluntary hours. However, if you end up having to source your own supervision, you should expect to pay between £40 – £60 per session depending on the experience level of the supervisor.
- Books and materials – We would advise buying second-hand books (better for the environment and easier on your pocket) but it would be worth budgeting around £200 over the two years.
- Insurance – We recommend that our trainees take about appropriate levels of professional insurance during the placement phase of the programme and recommend that you budget £70 for the year. Insurance costs are hard to predict and very changeable, so this is a rough guide.
- Professional Membership – This programme subscribes to the NCS code of ethics and requires that all trainees join the NCS as student members. Current membership fees are £125 per year, however, the NCS offers a discount to student counsellors so make sure you complete the correct form! https://nationalcounsellingsociety.org/become-a-member/individual/join-the-ncs
- Loss of work – The time requirements in the second year increase significantly and some people find that a reduced work schedule is the best way to free up the required hours.
Because we are an independent provider, there are no additional registration or exam fees associated with our programme.
We understand that the tuition fees are, for most people, a substantial investment. For this reason we are happy to offer payment plans by arrangement that help spread the cost over the first two years. It should be noted that payment plans are subject to contractual agreement and we reserve the right to suspend your registration and / or refuse to issue you with your qualification if your payments fall into arrears.
You will need to pay a 10% non-refundable deposit* of the total tuition fees to enrol on the programme, which (£550) followed by:
Year 1: 10 monthly payments of £247.50 (Due 1st of each month: Oct – Jul)
Year 2: 10 monthly payments of £247.50 (Due 1st of each month: Oct – Jul)
* The deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel the training OR the training date or venue changes and you can no longer attend
Our Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling is a transformative programme designed for individuals who are committed to making a difference in the field of mental health and well-being.
This course is equivalent to Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is tailored for mature learners, blending academic rigour with practical application. With a focus on self-awareness and reflective practice, this programme equips you to work effectively and compassionately in a variety of counselling settings.
We recommend this course for individuals who:
- Hold a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in counselling skills (distance training will not be accepted).
- Are aged 24 or older (this greatly improves your chances of securing a placement).
- Are open to engaging in emotionally demanding interpersonal activities and have a reliable support network.
- Are confident working at Level 5 standards, including essay writing, basic research, and presenting.
- Are able to maintain professional composure, commit to attendance (minimum 90%), and uphold professional ethical standards.
Application Process
To ensure the programme is the right fit for your goals and readiness, all applicants are required to attend an admissions interview. This is an opportunity for us to discuss your motivations, explore your suitability for the demands of the course, and answer any questions you may have. The interview is designed to be an open and supportive conversation, ensuring that you feel confident in your decision to pursue this training.
Course accreditation by the NCPS signifies that our programme has undergone rigorous evaluation and meets high, professional standards in counselling and psychotherapy education. This endorsement ensures that our curricula, teaching methods, and assessment practices align with current best practices. For our students, this translates to confidence in the quality of their education and enhanced credibility in the job market.
This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and ethical practice, as we regularly review and update our Diploma to maintain this hard earned recognition.
Importantly, our NCPS accreditation also evidences alignment with SCoPEd (Scope of Practice and Education) Column A competencies. SCoPEd is a collaborative framework developed by key counselling and psychotherapy bodies in the UK. Column A represents the foundational training and competencies expected of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. By aligning with these standards, our courses ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the profession with a robust skill set that meets sector-wide expectations.
This alignment carries significant advantages for our students and the course itself. With SCoPEd set to be implemented from 2026 onwards, our course is already positioned to meet the forthcoming standards and will not require adaptation when the framework comes into force. This forward-thinking approach means that our graduates will be fully compliant with the new framework from its inception, without the need for additional training or course modifications. It provides our students with a seamless transition into the profession, ensuring their qualifications remain current and respected in the evolving landscape of counselling and psychotherapy practice. This proactive alignment not only enhances the long-term value of our qualifications but also demonstrates our commitment to staying at the forefront of professional standards in the field, giving our students a competitive edge in the job market from 2026 and beyond.
Register today & join our community of learners
Student Testimonials
‘Enjoying my level 5 diploma. Tutor’s are excellent and can’t do enough for you. They are great at challenging you to acheive good results. I am very lucky and grateful to have found them. The group I’m in are lovely people too.’
‘I have really enjoyed my learning with Long Valley Therapy Training. The teachers have created a safe and nurturing environment where I’ve been able to grow and develop both as a person and a trainee counsellor…’
‘I found level 3 to be fascinating! The content is really interesting and taught in a way that’s incredibly interactive and discussion based… Level 5 is more intense, but again the teaching is excellent, the content engaging and the intimacy of a small group creates a wonderful learning environment…’
