PGDip: Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression

Applications Closed

Key Information

Field of Study

  • PGDip: Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression

Duration

  • 3 years (full time) (Foundation Year+PGDip Years 1 &2)

Start Date

Teaching Institution

  • Metanoia Institute

Awarding Institution

  • Metanoia Institute

Accrediting Professional Body

  • A UKCP Registering Programme

Location

  • Hybrid: 3–4 in-person sessions, 10–11

This unique, NHS fully funded training opportunity offers a direct, salaried route into the NHS Talking Therapies workforce, combining clinical work in an NHS Talking Therapies Service with professional and academic study.

Course Philosophy

Integrates experiential learning, reflective practice, and person-centred values. Emphasises

relational depth, inclusivity, ethical practice, and the development of effective, evidence-based

therapeutic skills suitable for complex NHS clinical environments.

Course Modules

Foundation Year:

Humanistic & person-centred counselling foundations; introduction to PCE-CfD; preparatory module including theory, skills practice, and assessment of readiness for clinical practice.

PGDip Year 1:

PCE-CfD theory, principles, competencies, and clinical application within NHS Talking Therapies.

PGDip Year 2:

Advanced PCE-CfD training; complex casework; professional development;assessment toward

registration/accreditation with NHS-recognised professional bodies.

Supporting Information

What’s Involved?

As part of this innovative training pathway, you will:

  • Be employed full-time by an NHS Talking Therapies service.
  • Work clinically in the NHS Talking Therapies host service 2–3 days per week.
  • Train with Metanoia Institute 2 days per week, completing a Foundation Year followed by a two-year PGDip in PCE-CfD.
  • For the first term of Year 1, expect 3–4 days/week academic attendance to build clinical readiness.

This route is ideal for applicants who are passionate about mental health, committed to inclusive care, and ready to balance the demands of work-based learning with postgraduate-level study.

About the Course

Commissioned by Health Education England (HEE) to widen access to effective treatment, this training will prepare you to:

  • Deliver high-intensity psychotherapeutic counselling using the Person-Centred Experiential approach.
  • Form and sustain effective, relational therapeutic engagements with clients experiencing depression.
  • Integrate personal awareness, reflective practice and professional competence.
  • Practice in line with NHS standards, policies, and inclusive service models.

Academic Structure & Learning Format

  • Delivered in blended format: a mix of in-person learning at Metanoia Institute’s West London campus and live online teaching.
  • Assessment includes academic writing, clinical skills evaluations, and professional reflection.
  • This is a postgraduate-level course; applicants should be ready to engage in academic writing and study outside protected work hours (e.g. evenings and weekends).

Alumni Path

Graduates are eligible for employment as PCE-CfD practitioners within NHS Talking Therapies; achieve UKCP registration as Psychotherapeutic Counsellors; may progress to private practice, advanced clinical roles, or supervisory/leadership positions.

Key Contacts

Denton French

Head of Programme

Email denton.french@metanoia.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Evidence of academic credit or equivalence for Level 7 entry; 2:2 degree or equivalent; Level 2

Certificate in Counselling Skills; successful NHS Talking Therapies host service application and

interview; contextual recruitment processes may apply.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component

Fees and Funding

Programme is fully funded by NHS Talking Therapies

Applications Closed