Does anyone practice as a counsellor with just a level 4 qualification?

[Rainynightsinsoho]

Is this possible. Trying to work out whether that is sufficient - and worth gaining.

I would enjoy completing the level 3 and 4 qualifications anyway (I think) but would need the study to be useful too.

Study further than that not realistic time wise - nor financially.

Does A level 4 get you a diploma? Bear in mind that accredited, reputable counselling qualifications are strict about who is allowed through to the next stage. My sister qualified this way (though she eventually upgraded to a degree by doing the final two years simultaneously around her FT job in counselling), and said only two of her original cohort finished ‘on time’. The others were held back and required to undertake more extensive therapy themselves before continuing.

It is a diploma. The CPCAB info I am looking at is a bit ambiguous about working with it - saying you can in an agency and perhaps privately with more experience and supervision. I’m interested in both whether it’s possible and whether it’s wise.
Interesting that only 2 completed in the expected time. It’s not an easy profession.

Lots of people do practice with just a level 4, however you would be much better advised to do a higher level qualification, as it will make you more employable, and stand out to prospective clients if you work in private practice. Lots of therapists leave a level 4 and are then shocked that employers want a higher level of experience than they have.
I always think studying is worth it, personally.
Depending on your existing qualification snd experience, there are now some pilot funded training options through the NHS.

You can currently buy look into ScopEd on BACP website. They are the main but not the only ethical body. Everything is in transition and Level 4 will not be enough for the newer graduates soon enough.

That was what my sister was told, and it became clear to her — she’d practiced for years with a diploma (from a very well respected university programme) but her boss told her that newer graduates with a degree would be promoted past her. She’d moved into a specialist state-funded practice after finding it grindingly hard to make a living from private practice. I imagine the same might be the case in private practice — that better qualified counsellors may find it easier to attract clients.

Due to SCOPeD changes coming in, you’ll not be employable with a level 4. Therefore private practice would be primarily your only opportunity to get paid work.
As per scoped you’ll only ever be able to reach column B - depending on your registration body, whereas more employers are seeking people from column C who are bacp accredited or UKCP registered (or in column B who are in process of accreditation which will move them to C)

This is the link to the most recent framework of that helps Scoped

This is all really helpful. I clearly need to do some reading. it’s a while since I completed the level 2 certificate.
I’m not out to develop a career, def not public sector/NHS. Would like to work privately at some point alongside day job or in retirement. And maybe practice in the voluntary sector in a specific area.

@swayinggarland Thank you for the SCOPE document - very useful.