Course Overview

Build the Practice You’ve Dreamed of

This step-by-step online course is for qualified counsellors, student counsellors, and coaches who are ready to take the leap into private practice. This qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as self-employed counsellors in independent practice. It also equips learners to take on a senior counselling role in an organisational context where client assessment, referral and routine evaluation are part of the role. This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as counsellors in a range of job and career opportunities, which include but are not limited to: An autonomous counsellor in private practice or agency settings. Work as a senior counsellor within a counselling agency. The graduate may choose to diversify into the area of teaching counselling within a FE or HE context providing they hold suitable teaching experience or qualifications.

Course curriculum

    1. Printable Slides

    2. Module 1 - Foundations of Private Practice

    3. Handout Private Practice Setup Checklist

    1. Printable Slides

    2. Module 2 - Attracting and Onboarding Your First Clients

    3. Handout Ideal Client and Niche Discovery Worksheet

    4. Example Client Contract Form

    5. Example Privacy Policy

    6. Example Intake Form

    1. Printable Slides

    2. Module 3 - Marketing Without the Ink Factor

    3. Handout Fee Setting

    4. Handout Marketing Planner

    1. Printable Slides

    2. Module 4 - Tools & Tech for a Smooth Running Practice

    3. Handout Boundaries & Policy Template

    4. Handout Understanding Tax

    1. Printable Slides

    2. Module 5 - Managing the Business Side

    3. Handout Ethical Dilemma Reflection Sheet

    1. Printable Slides

    2. Module 6 - Ethical Challenges & Boundaries

    3. Handout Annual Reflection

About this course

  • £200.00
  • 32 lessons
  • 2.5 hours of video content

Course Tutor

SHIRLEY MARAIS

Shirley Marais

Seasoned CPCAB Tutor

Shirley is a passionate educator and seasoned CPCAB tutor, dedicated to shaping the next generation of counsellors through her work at Aloe Counselling Training Centre for Counselling Studies. She teaches accredited courses at Levels 2, 3, and 4, ensuring aspiring professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. Shirley is deeply committed to providing a rich, comprehensive education that fosters growth and confidence in emerging therapists. Beyond her formal teaching, Shirley is passionate about designing and delivering CPD courses that equip and support counsellors and coaches in practice. She develops engaging and practical learning experiences, empowering professionals to continually refine their skills, expand their therapeutic approaches, and stay at the forefront of the evolving field. In addition to her work in education, Shirley is a dedicated psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and lecturer, specialising in relationship therapy. She integrates Person-Centred theory as her foundation while incorporating various therapeutic modalities, including Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis (TA), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy, to provide tailored care for individuals and couples. As a Registered Member of both the NCPS and BACP, Shirley upholds the highest standards in her practice. She runs her own private practice, offering a safe and compassionate space for clients to explore and overcome life’s challenges. Combining expertise with empathy, she supports people in navigating their unique personal journeys while empowering future and current therapists to do the same.