Welcome to UK Therapy Guild Academy
Affordable training in Integrative Counselling and Clinical Hypnotherapy
About UK Therapy Guild
The UK Therapy Guild trains people to the highest possible standards in Counselling & Hypnotherapy. We offer students the opportunity to obtain 2 Diplomas over 2 years – namely a Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling, which is accredited by the National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP), and a Level 5 Hypnotherapy Diploma validated by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC).What You’ll Study
Students cover a very wide curriculum comprising of a range of highly useful modalities including, but not limited to: CBT, Person Centred, Gestalt, Psychodynamics, Transactional Analysis, Grief Therapy and Family Counselling, Couples Counselling, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hypnotherapy.Learning Experience
Training sessions are delivered face to face, with some sessions taking place online. All sessions are designed to be resourceful and interactive as well as informative. Students are encouraged to realise their full potential. To facilitate this, tutors foster a climate of trust, support and empathy which result in relationships being quickly established between students and tutors as well as connections being created within peer groups.Our Integrative Approach
It is the sincere aim of UK Therapy Guild to equip our students with a diverse and vital skill-set with which they can help a broad range of clients with presenting and underlying psychological issues. The integrative counselling model enables us to use individual and tailored approaches. The similarities and differences between relevant modalities and techniques are applied by trainee counsellors in a complementary way. Counsellors are encouraged to take time to reflect and think about a client’s process through different lenses (e.g., looking at relationships through Transactional Analysis, Psychodynamics or Humanistic Theory) and to help make sense of what is happening for the client, thus personalising the experience for them. Integrative counselling is different in every therapeutic relationship, because each therapist brings their own experiences and perspectives to the session, and because the model is applied flexibly to meet the needs of the individual client. Through our highly effective teaching programme and inspiring curriculum, the student develops sound knowledge of all areas of the programme. It is our aim to give students the confidence to use the integrative model well.Practice and Supervision
After the first year of counselling studies, students who demonstrate that they are fit to practise begin working towards completion of the required 100 client counselling hours. In preparation for this, there are plenty of opportunities for students to take part in monitored practice sessions, which take place both face to face and online. These sessions give the students the chance to put theory into practice. Once client hours have commenced, students have access to 5 hours of supervision, included within the course fee, which take place with an Accredited and Highly Experienced Supervisor. Part way through Year 2, students begin the Level 4 Hypnotherapy Diploma and opportunities are provided for hypnotherapy practice sessions which continue to be supported and monitored.Progression and Recognition
Following completion of the 2 year course, and the required 100 client hours, students have the following options available to them, namely: to apply for Individual Membership of the NCIP, or the choice to sit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Proficiency Test. Upon passing this test, there is an opportunity to apply to become a Registered Member of the BACP.Student-Centred Environment
Our supportive environment and student-centred approach to training allows the learner to feel safe, supported, comfortable and immersed in the learning experience. We are proud to state that UK Therapy Guild students progress from being trainee counsellors to fully qualified, equipped, confident and capable psychotherapists. Our counsellors possess a wide knowledge and range of integrative modalities which can be used to help their clients, and themselves, to live consciously and make positive improvements to their lives.Kindest Wishes
Nichola Doyle
Founder of UK Therapy Guild
Here at UK Therapy Guild, we are driven by our Vision and Values:
Training
All teaching is provided by experienced teachers who are active in the field of psychotherapy and the learning that takes place is structured so that it aids and enhances the student’s understanding.
Supportive Climate
Our friendly and approachable staff offer a safe and supportive learning environment with personalised help and guidance for all students.
Inspiring Curriculum
We offer an Insightful, Informative, and Integrative approach to the teaching and learning of Counselling & Hypnotherapy. Our expansive curriculum provides students with a wealth of counselling knowledge, resources and approaches.
Interactive Teaching
Teaching is motivational with opportunities for interactive group work, as well as self-reflective solo tasks. There are live sessions, demonstrations, guest speakers and monitored and supported practice sessions.
Opportunities for Personal Growth
We encourage free thinking and self-reflection with a view to expanding the mind. Students often develop themselves as well as their skills.
Our Commitment to Quality Training
UK Therapy Guild are passionate about providing the Highest Quality Training, delivered by experienced tutors who are active in the fields of Counselling and Hypnotherapy.
Comprehensive and Integrative Curriculum
Our integrative curriculum offers counsellors training in a wide range of modalities (including CBT, Person Centred, Gestalt, Psychodynamics, Object Relations, Grief Counselling, Transactional Analysis, etc). In this way, our students gain a deep understanding of a broad set of approaches and the needs of the client can be fully met.
Supportive and Motivational Teaching
We provide motivational teaching, which supports each student towards their highest potential. Training takes place face to face, and as the teacher-student relationship grows, the student’s journey becomes more personalised and self-reflective. Course content is made accessible through a variety of approaches including group work, solo tasks, live counselling and hypnotherapy demonstrations, together with opportunities for students to practise their counselling and hypnotherapy skills. These are all closely monitored and well supported.
Personal Development and Self-Discovery
Opportunities for Personal Growth are plentiful. We encourage our students to expand their minds through free-thinking, growing their awareness of self and others. This often leads to lasting positive benefits. In keeping with the views of Carl Rogers, we believe that:
‘Every person can achieve their goals, wishes, and desires in life and when they choose to do so – self-actualization takes place’ – Carl Rogers
A Unique Opportunity to Study Two Diplomas Over Two Years
This is your chance to study a unique, two-year part-time study project and attain two professional diplomas: Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling and a Level 5 (Practitioner Level) Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
The Counselling diploma is accredited by the ACCPH and the National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists, and upon completion of this course, students are eligible to apply to become registered members of the NCIP. Students are also eligible to sit the BACP Proficiency Test to gain Registered Member status.
The Hypnotherapy Diploma is accredited by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council and underwritten by the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
The Lifelong Journey of Professional Growth
As dedicated counsellors, our commitment to our clients and our profession extends far beyond initial qualification. The journey of learning and refinement is continuous, ensuring we remain effective, ethical, and equipped with the latest insights and skills.
Engaging in regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is not just a professional expectation – with most UK counselling bodies requiring around 30 hours per annum – it’s a powerful opportunity to deepen your expertise, expand your toolkit, and reignite your passion for therapeutic work.
At UK Therapy Guild, we believe in empowering you to not only meet these requirements but to truly thrive. We are excited to be developing a range of cutting-edge CPD courses designed to inspire and equip you for the evolving landscape of mental health support. Look forward to enriching your practice with upcoming opportunities, including:
- Essential Safeguarding & Suicide Awareness Certificate
Enhance your core competencies in these critical areas of client care and ethical practice. - Digital Therapy Toolkit: Mastering Remote & Online Counselling
Navigate the nuances of virtual practice with confidence and skill. - Spectrum of Strengths: Advanced Counselling for Neurodiversity
Develop affirmative and specialised approaches to support neurodivergent clients. - Transforming Trauma: A Multi-Modal Approach
Integrate powerful techniques including EMDR, The Rewind Technique, Mindfulness, and Parts Therapy to facilitate profound healing.
Investing in your CPD is an investment in yourself and the wellbeing of those you support. Stay tuned to keep informed about these and other exciting opportunities to grow with us and continue making a profound difference.
Level 5 Diploma
- Spread the cost with Klarna
- Led by Practising Therapists Who’ve Taken the Course
- A Supportive and Person-Centred Learning Environment
- Two Qualifications in One Course
- Therapist Toolkit Designed to Help More Clients
- Weekly In-Person Evening Classes
- Modern, Personalised Teaching Approach
- Focus on Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
- 3 Years Access to our Extensive Student Library Resourse
- Flexible Application Support
Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling
Exploring the Self and Core Concepts
Embark on a comprehensive journey to become a skilled Integrative Counsellor. This course will equip you with a deep understanding of the self, exploring various psychological models, the impact of social and cultural influences, and fostering your own self-awareness.
Philosophy, Ethics, and Professional Framework
You’ll delve into foundational theories, contrasting ideas like determinism and free will, and establish a strong ethical and professional framework, covering essential topics such as boundaries, confidentiality, and the counselling relationship.
Core Counselling Skills and Approaches
Core counselling skills will be honed, including active listening, questioning techniques, and understanding different theoretical approaches. You will gain in-depth knowledge of key therapeutic models including Psychodynamic principles, Attachment Theory, Gestalt Therapy, Humanistic and Existential approaches, Transactional Analysis, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Specialist Areas and Inclusive Practice
The course also addresses vital areas like grief counselling, working with families and couples, and ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion in your practice.
Placement Preparation
You’ll conclude with practical preparation for your client placements, including case studies and reflective practice.
Integrative Counselling – Units of StudyThe Self Structure
- What Constitutes ‘SELF’:
- Models of the Person and the Concepts of Self
- The influence of social, cultural, ethnic, philosophical and political issues
- Becoming Self-Aware
- The Johari Window
- Change and how it happens
- Revisiting the Self and noting personal development as the course proceeds
- Are our lives predetermined or do we have free will?
- Soft Determinism Vs Hard Determinism
- Soft Free Will Vs Hard Free Will
- Humanist or Behaviourist
- Empathy
- Defining and Maintaining Boundaries
- Code of Ethics and Practice
- Moral, Ethical and Legal Issues
- The Counselling Relationship
- Confidentiality
- Transference and the Counselling Relationship
- Ending Counselling
- Referrals
- Client in Crisis
- Supervision
- The Structure of Counselling
- Theoretical Approaches in Counselling
- Paraphrasing, Summarizing, Reflecting
- Guided Discovery through open ended questioning, challenging
- The Counsellor’s Role
- What Counselling is NOT
- Key Concepts
- Defence Mechanisms
- Freud’s Structural Theory
- Transference and Countertransference
- Object Relations Theory
- Introducing the Work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth
- Stages of Attachment
- Four Attachment Styles
- Attachment Styles & T.A. Life Positions
- Wholeness and Integration
- Awareness – Ground and Figure
- Five layers of Neurosis
- Field Theory
- Unfinished business
- Empty Chair
- Closure and Resolution
- The Meaning of Phenomenology in Relation to Clients
- Rogers and the Person-Centred approach
- Maslow and Humanism
- The Existential Approach
- Summary
Transactional Analysis
- Introduction
- Ego States
- Life Positions
- Life Scripts
- Karpman’s Drama Triangle
- Contamination of Ego States
- Exclusion of Ego States
- Games People Play
- The Five Stages of Grief
- Attachment, Loss and the Experience of Grief
- Understanding the Mourning Process
- Dual Process Method
- Worden’s Four Tasks
- Prominent Social Discourse
- Problem Saturated Stories
- Externalising
- Deconstruction
- Family Sculpting – Theory and Case Studies
- Bowen’s System Theory
- Strength Based Family Therapy
- Family Therapy Techniques and Applications
- Unconscious Dynamics of Relationships
- Transactional Analysis and Couples’ Counselling
- The Gottman Method
- Evolution of Behaviour Therapy
- Behaviour Therapy and its view of the person
- The Cognitive Emphasis
- Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
- Why we should always strive for the highest ethical practices regarding: age, disability, gender, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race. Religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation, etc.
- Anti-Discriminatory Practices
- Competency
- Wider Health and Social Care
- Safeguarding
- Suicide Awareness
- Case Studies
- Practice Sessions: opportunities to assess, and reflect on the competency of the developing trainee counsellor with staff, taking into account feedback from fellow students within the learning environment
- Preparation for placement: Fit to Practice Letter,
- Four Way Agreements
- Supervision
Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy
Introduction to Hypnosis
Discover the transformative power of Clinical Hypnotherapy and learn to guide clients towards positive change. This course begins with a thorough introduction to hypnosis, its history, common misconceptions, and the different stages and depths of trance.
Hypnotherapy Session Structure
You’ll master the essential structure of a hypnotherapy session, from suggestibility tests and various induction methods (both direct and permissive) to effective voice usage and seamlessly closing a session.
Mind Theory & Ethics
The curriculum explores the components of the mind, including Freudian theory and the dynamics of the conscious and unconscious, alongside crucial safety protocols, ethical considerations, and managing abreactions.
Therapeutic Techniques
You’ll learn techniques for self-hypnosis, building rapport, fostering the therapeutic relationship, and leveraging the power of suggestion and expectancy for ego strengthening.
Applications & Practice
Practical application is key, with units dedicated to treating phobias (including the Rewind Technique and Swish Pattern), understanding regression, and applying aversion therapy for issues like weight loss and smoking cessation.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
A significant portion of the course delves into Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), covering its core principles, communication models (Meta and Milton), eye patterns, anchoring, and strategy development.
Professional Practice
Finally, you’ll cover the essentials of ethical practice, including confidentiality and data protection, and gain insights into setting up your own professional practice.
Clinical Hypnotherapy - Units of Study
- Introduction to Hypnosis, History of hypnosis
- Common misconceptions, Every day forms of hypnosis
- Hypnoidal states, Trance states
- The six depth stages in hypnosis
- Four criteria for judging depth of trance
- Suggestibility Tests
- Induction process
- Induction methods
- Direct/Authoritative vs. Indirect/Permissive
- Mental Overload
- Closing a session
- Complete session script
- Embedded Commands
- Maximizing the effects of intonation and voice emphasis
- Incorporating distractions
- Recap.
- Freud’s Structural Theory
- A Model of the Mind
- The Conscious, Subconscious, and Unconscious Minds
- Prime Directives of the Unconscious Mind
- Anchoring
- Discuss Assignment 1
- Precautions and Safety Mechanisms
- Suppression, Repression and Abreaction
- Dealing with abreaction
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Modalities and Sub-Modalities
- Safety aspects of Sub-modality manipulation
- Discuss Assignment 2
- Self-Hypnosis – when and how to use it
- Stages and structure of a self-hypnosis session
- Practical exercises in self-hypnosis
- Self-Hypnosis and Ego Strengthening
- Using self-hypnosis for habit change and motivation
- Rapport building – techniques and importance
- Mirroring and Matching
- Pacing and Leading
- Developing the Therapeutic Relationship
- Empathy and Active Listening
- Role of Suggestion and Expectancy
- Understanding Phobias and their origin
- Systematic Desensitisation
- The Rewind Technique
- Swish Pattern
- Visual/Kinaesthetic Dissociation
- Case study examples
- What is Regression?
- When and why to use Regression
- Types of Regression: Age, Affective, Past-Life
- Techniques for facilitating safe Regression
- Handling abreactions in Regression
- Ethical considerations and client readiness
- Psychological factors in weight management
- Client assessment and goal setting
- Using Suggestion and Visualisation
- Addressing emotional eating patterns
- Portion control and motivation anchoring
- Scripts and structure for weight loss sessions
- Understanding the habit and psychological triggers
- Client readiness and motivation
- Creating aversion through suggestion
- Positive reinforcement and ego strengthening
- Session structure and follow-up strategies
- Scripts for smoking cessation
- What is Aversion Therapy?
- Ethical considerations and consent
- Methods of creating aversion in hypnosis
- Case uses: nail biting, alcohol, smoking, etc.
- Combining aversion with positive reinforcement
- When not to use aversion techniques
- Introduction to Neuro-Linguistic Programming
- The presuppositions of NLP
- Understanding the NLP Communication Model
- Building internal maps and representations
- Sensory acuity and calibration
- Representational systems
- Meta Model – identifying and challenging language patterns
- Milton Model – using artfully vague language
- Metaphors and storytelling
- Language and influence in therapeutic settings
- Combining language models with hypnosis
- Understanding NLP eye accessing cues
- Identifying visual, auditory and kinaesthetic patterns
- Introduction to Anchoring in NLP
- Creating, stacking and collapsing anchors
- Using anchors for emotional change
- Understanding strategies in NLP
- TOTE model (Trigger, Operation, Test, Exit)
- Eliciting and changing strategies
- Reframing techniques – content vs. context
- Using reframing in hypnotherapy sessions
- Setting up a hypnotherapy business
- Legal requirements and insurance
- Data protection and confidentiality (GDPR)
- Client contracts and record keeping
- Marketing, branding and referrals
- Review of key concepts and techniques
- Case study presentation and feedback
- Reflective practice and self-evaluation
- Importance of supervision in professional practice
- Continuing professional development (CPD)
Nick Buchanan
Author – Course Supervisor
Nick Buchanan BA (Hons), MNCP, Author – Course Supervisor
Meet Nick, our highly experienced Course Supervisor, who brings a remarkable wealth of patience and profound expertise to our students. A seasoned Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Nick is dedicated to helping people truly live their lives well.
Beyond his thriving practice on the Wirral, Nick is also a published author, sharing his insights more broadly – his notable work, "Unlocking OCD," is available on Amazon. His diverse background further enriches his approach; with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, Nick's creative talents flourished as a Designer and Illustrator (with work featured in publications like Radio Times and Nursing Magazine). He also dedicated 25 years to inspiring others as a Teacher and Trainer in Art, Design, and Education.
Nick's long-standing commitment to delivering impactful development and fostering growth shines through in his supportive guidance, making him an invaluable asset to your learning journey within a rich and supportive learning environment.
Erin Doyle
Course Administrator
Erin Doyle - Course Administrator
BA (Hons) Social Sciences Integrative Counsellor & Clinical Hypnotherapist
Erin's path to becoming an Integrative Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist is a testament to her innate interest in human experience. Her early career in hairdressing provided a unique window into people's lives, listening to their stories and fostering her enduring interest in psychology. This passion led her to achieve a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Social Sciences.
Balancing her analytical skills honed as a Digital Teams Manager at The Very Group, Erin trained with UKAIT to gain her professional qualifications. Her practical experience is notably diverse, with impactful placements at Marie Curie, where she supported individuals through anticipatory and complicated grief, and more recently with UK Therapy Guild Counselling Services (via ProMed). Here, she assists clients with a range of needs including anxiety and depression, and utilises hypnotherapy to build confidence and address fears and phobias.