PGDip: Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression

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).

As some learning will take place online, students will need access to a laptop (or equivalent device), internet, and a quiet, private space in order to participate in the live, online learning components of the programme.

Programme Specification

• Click here to view the full programme specification