PGDip: Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD)

Programme Level: Postgraduate Diploma

Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute

Awarding Institution: Metanoia Institute

Taught Hours: –

Accrediting Body: A UKCP Registering Programme

Duration: 3 years

Start Date: –

Location: Blended – in person at Metanoia’s campus in West London and online

Course Overview:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PCE-CfD) offers a salaried and fully funded, full-time training route into the NHS Talking Therapies workforce. Combining academic study with clinical practice within an NHS Talking Therapies host service, the three-year programme equips students to deliver NICE-recommended counselling for depression while developing advanced skills, reflective practice, and professional competence.

Course Philosophy:
The programme integrates experiential learning, reflective practice, and person-centred values. Training emphasises relational depth, inclusivity, and ethical practice while preparing practitioners to deliver effective, evidence-based counselling for depression (PCE-CfD) in NHS settings.

Modules (Year by Year):

• Foundation Year: Grounding in humanistic and person-centred psychotherapeutic counselling, alongside an introduction to the PCE-CfD modality. Trainees complete a preparatory module covering theory, skills practice, and assessment of readiness for clinical practice.

• PGDip Year 1: Development of knowledge in PCE-CfD theory, principles, and clinical application.

• PGDip Year 2: Consolidation of learning through advanced training, assessment, and preparation for accreditation/registration with an NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)-recognised body.

Teaching Methods:
Training combines lectures, skills workshops, role-play, supervision, and reflective learning. Teaching takes place both in the classroom and in clinical settings, ensuring integration of theory and practice at every stage.

Assessment Methods:
Assessment includes academic writing, clinical skills evaluations, and professional reflection.

Clinical/Placement Information:
Trainees undertake supervised client work throughout the course:

• 100 hours in the Foundation Year

• 150 hours in Year 1

• 200 hours in Year 2

All clinical practice occurs within the participant’s NHS Talking Therapies host service, providing direct clinical experience with adults experiencing mild to severe depression.

Training Options:
The programme is full-time over three years, combining clinical employment with academic study.

• Foundation Year: 3–4 academic days per week initially, moving to two days of academic study and 2–3 days of clinical work within an NHS Talking Therapies service.

• Years 1 and 2: Part-time postgraduate study alongside NHS clinical work.

Training includes weekly academic sessions, workplace learning, and supervision, ensuring graduates gain both theoretical knowledge and practical readiness for high-intensity counselling roles. Intakes are offered annually, typically in September.

Head of Programme Contact Info: Denton French (Academic Lead), Dr Peter Pearce (Overall Lead)

Academic Coordinator Contact Info: Ahmed Kersha – ahmed.kersha@metanoia.ac.uk