The London Foundation Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapycourse can be taken as a stand-alone qualification, or as a first step towards further qualifications, as described below and illustrated in the diagram.
1. The London Foundation as a Stand-Alone Qualification
You might choose to take the Foundation Course as a stand-alone qualification in order to develop counselling skills and theoretical knowledge for personal development or use within another role, such as: management; teaching; medicine; social work; befriending or nursing.
2. The London Foundation on the route to Qualification as a Counsellor or Psychotherapist
(paths 2 and 3 on the diagram).
Some people will use the Foundation Course as a first step towards becoming a general counsellor or psychotherapist.
Following a foundation course, in order to become a counsellor or psychotherapist, you will need to undertake at least one higher level training course, usually a diploma level course and/or an MA/MSc or other professional course. The London Foundation Certificate Course is supported and endorsed by the LDPRT and NAOS, organisations which provide therapy training.
Before starting on a diploma-level course you may need to have had some therapy yourself. Students often continue therapy throughout the training. During this further study you will usually also be expected to undertake supervised practice.
As well as pursuing appropriate study, you may also seek to become registered and/or accredited by recognised bodies such as NCIP, NCS, BACP and UKCP. We have developed our courses and association with other organisations to offer our students clear paths to qualification and accreditation.
3. The London Foundation on the route to Qualification as a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist
(paths 4, 5 & 6 on the diagram)
Please refer to the website for The London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy (LDPRT) for full information on this route: www.psychosexualtraining.org.uk
Once you are working as a member of any of the professional counselling, psychotherapy or PRT bodies referred to, you will also be expected to undertake continuing professional development and supervision.
The following chart describes how the Foundation can be used as the first step towards these different routes as well as becoming a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist::
For those who are considering progressing to our sister course, the London Diploma in Psychosexual & Relationship Therapy, please note:
The Foundation course is one element of the required entry qualifications for The London Diploma. Prospective applicants must also have undertaken face to face work with adult clients under clinical supervision (no less than 50 hours currently), and have had or currently having personal therapy. Applicants to the LDPRT must successfully complete the Foundation.
Those hoping to take the LDPRT after the Foundation will also need to take part in, and be successful in, the LDPRT selection process. This will include a group interview: these interviews will usually be held between February and May each year. Advice about these entry requirements and the application process will be given at the Foundation interview and again early in the Foundation year. Please feel free to contact the course director if you have questions now.
Links to Key Organisations
London Foundation Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy
You are currently on the foundation course website.
The London Diploma for Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy (LDPRT)
LDPRT is one of the largest approved training providers in Psychosexual, Couples and Relationship Psychotherapy in the UK. It upholds an integrative and non-pathologising approach to the work -
psychosexualtraining.org.uk
NAOS
A highly regarded psychotherapy and coaching training organisation providing a wide range of courses for both individuals and organisations. LDPRT graduates will find the NAOS Advanced Couples Diploma of specific value and interest -
naos-institute.com
UKCP: United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
Professional regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors.
See the UKCP website for information on UKCP registration which usually requires a Masters degree or the completion of four years of study which includes research and a dissertation or extended case study, of 8,000 – 12,000 words -
psychotherapy.org.uk
COSRT: College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists
National professional body, regulating psychosexual and relationship therapists -
cosrt.org.uk
CSRP: The College for Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapy
A college within the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) -
csrp.org.uk
BACP: British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Professional regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists -
bacp.co.uk