Dual Diploma in Integrative Counselling & Clinical Hypnotherapy
Two professional qualifications. Two years part-time. One supportive, accredited community.
Attain a Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling and a Level 5 Practitioner Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, both nationally recognised, accredited and built around active practice.
Accredited by the ACCPH, NCIP and GHSC. Graduates are eligible for NCIP membership, the BACP Proficiency Test, and CNHC registration.
All advertising meets ASA standards. Legal, decent, honest and truthful. Updated April 2026.
Accreditation and Membership Pathways
Both diplomas carry full national accreditation and open direct routes into professional membership bodies.
A Foreword from Nichola Doyle
Welcome to UK Therapy Guild. I am so glad you have chosen to begin, or continue, your therapeutic journey with us. The ethos of the Guild is built not just on professional theory; it is grounded in lived experience.
My childhood involved instability and time in the care system, along with separation from my brother and a difficult relationship with my father which led me to cut ties for my own protection. Later, a series of bereavements left me in a spiral of grief.
My first experiences of counselling were disappointing. Frequent changes of therapist heightened my abandonment wounds, and later I felt unheard in sessions offering little collaboration. That frustration led me to train as a counsellor myself and to discover the power of integrative counselling, especially psychodynamic work and attachment theory.
This journey is the foundation of UK Therapy Guild. At its heart is a simple truth: hurt people often go on to hurt others, creating a cycle of pain. Our fundamental goal is to break that cycle. The Level 5 Diplomas have been designed as the course I wish I could have found when I needed it most.
By joining this course, you are not just learning to be a therapist. You are becoming part of a ripple effect of healing. I look forward to supporting you on that journey.
Warmly, Nichola Doyle, Director, UK Therapy Guild
What We Stand For
"At the heart of UK Therapy Guild is a simple truth: hurt people often go on to hurt others, creating a cycle of pain. Our fundamental goal is to break that cycle, providing the space and tools for people to stop, reflect and gain deeper insight into their own psyche."
What This Course Offers
The Dual Diploma delivers two nationally recognised qualifications over two years: a Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling (NCIP accredited) and a Level 5 Practitioner Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy (GHSC validated). 370 guided learning hours including 120 hours face to face.
Sessions are mainly in person with some online teaching, designed to be interactive and practical. Students cover CBT, Person Centred, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, grief therapy, family and couples counselling, NLP and Hypnotherapy.
- Regular observation, practice, discussion, review and feedback sessions
- Structured opportunities to apply theory during monitored practice
- Ongoing assessment of your development as a trainee counsellor and hypnotherapist
Course Curriculum
Expand each diploma below to view all units.
- Unit 1, The Self Structure: concepts of self, social and cultural influences, the Johari Window.
- Unit 2, Determinism or Free Will: soft and hard determinism, humanist and behaviourist perspectives.
- Unit 3, Professional Issues: ethics, confidentiality, transference, crisis work and supervision.
- Unit 4, Counselling Skills Update: theoretical approaches, paraphrasing, summarising and reflecting.
- Unit 5, Psychodynamic Counselling: defence mechanisms, structural theory, transference, object relations.
- Unit 6, Attachment Theory: Bowlby and Ainsworth, stages and styles of attachment, life positions.
- Unit 7, Gestalt Therapy: wholeness, awareness, unfinished business, empty chair work.
- Unit 8, Humanistic Approaches: Rogers, Maslow and existential approaches.
- Unit 9, Transactional Analysis: ego states, life positions, scripts, Karpman's Drama Triangle.
- Unit 10, Grief Counselling: stages of grief, Worden and the Dual Process Model.
- Unit 11, Narrative Therapy: problem-saturated stories, externalising and deconstruction.
- Unit 12, Family Counselling: Bowen systems theory, strengths-based approaches.
- Unit 13, Couples Counselling: unconscious dynamics, TA, the Gottman Method.
- Unit 14, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: evolution of behaviour therapy, cognitive approaches, REBT.
- Unit 15, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: protected characteristics, mental health and safeguarding.
- Unit 16, Preparing for Placement: case studies, practice sessions, supervision frameworks.
On completion, students are expected to articulate their own philosophical approach and demonstrate integrated counselling skills within an ethical, anti-oppressive framework.
- Unit 1, Introduction to Hypnosis: history, misconceptions, everyday hypnosis, depth stages.
- Unit 2, Session Structure: suggestibility tests, induction methods, full session script.
- Unit 3, Effective Voice Usage: embedded commands, intonation, emphasis and distraction.
- Unit 4, Components of the Mind: conscious and subconscious minds, prime directives, anchoring.
- Unit 5, Safety and Sub-Modalities: precautions, abreaction, legal and ethical issues.
- Unit 6, Self Hypnosis: methods, indirect language scripts, teaching self-hypnosis.
- Unit 7, The Therapeutic Relationship: rapport, congruence, parts integration and motivation.
- Unit 8, The Power of Suggestion: ego strength, laws of suggestion, post-hypnotic suggestions.
- Unit 9, Phobia Treatment: rewind technique, systematic desensitisation, future pacing.
- Unit 10, Regression: age and past-life regression, Movie Screen, Hall of Doors.
- Unit 11, Aversion Therapy: weight loss, smoking cessation, hypnobirthing, gastric band.
- Unit 12, NLP Foundations: presuppositions, communication and language models.
- Unit 13, Representational Systems: sensory preferences, eye patterns and pattern charts.
- Unit 14, Anchoring: stacking, chaining and collapsing anchors, achievable outcomes.
- Unit 15, Metaphor: pre-mapping, mapping strategies and therapeutic metaphor.
- Unit 16, Confidentiality: boundaries, data protection, GDPR and contracts.
- Unit 17, Introduction to Strategies: types of strategies and the TOTE model.
- Unit 18, Setting up a Practice: marketing, professional body membership and insurance.
Hypnotherapy outcomes align with the CNHC National Occupational Standards, enabling students to work safely as practitioners on completion.
What is Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?
Healing through trance states or altered awareness is one of the oldest therapeutic practices. Modern hypnotherapy regards hypnosis as a focused state of attention, often supported by relaxation, in which the subconscious mind can work more directly with the conscious mind.
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis alongside other therapeutic techniques to support change in thoughts, feelings, behaviours and perceptions. It can help with stress, anxiety, phobias, sleep difficulties, unwanted habits, pain management and performance issues.
You will explore who can be hypnotised, how depth of trance relates to change, and how to apply techniques responsibly within agreed safeguarding and professional frameworks.
Assessment, Supervision and Ethics
Assessment
Counselling: written and verbal assignments, case studies and skills assessments including an audio-recorded session with written critique. Feedback is detailed and formative throughout.
Hypnotherapy: at least three case studies including single and multi-session work, plus ongoing observation of practical skills. Assessment by course tutor with independent sampling.
Supervised Placement and Ethics
Counselling: 100 client hours required. Supervision follows BACP and NCIP guidance. A minimum of 1.5 hours of supervision per month is required, with at least one hour of supervision for every eight hours of client work. UK Therapy Guild offers monthly group supervision from Year Two at a reduced cost.
Hypnotherapy: a minimum of 20 practice hours is strongly encouraged, which can often be gained within your existing counselling placement work.
Ethics: UK Therapy Guild abides by the BACP Ethical Framework and the Codes of Ethics of the NCIP, covering safeguarding, confidentiality, boundaries, data protection and professional conduct.
From First Day to Qualified Practitioner and Beyond
UK Therapy Guild has two distinct arms: the Academy, where you train, and UK Therapy Guild Counselling Services, where you practise. We are with you at every stage of your journey.
A Professional Home for the Whole of Your Career
You are responsible for sourcing your own placement, and we actively support you in doing so. BACP guidance requires that at least 51% of your placement hours with adult clients are delivered in person, so the majority of your hours must be completed with an in-person provider. We recommend Marie Curie as a placement provider that accepts student counsellors.
UK Therapy Guild Counselling Services is a virtual platform, which means any hours completed through us count towards the remaining 49% at most. Availability is also subject to client demand, so students should not plan to rely on our service as their primary placement source.
Once you have qualified, counsellors who wish to continue with UK Therapy Guild Counselling Services are warmly welcomed to do so. You remain fully self-employed, practising under your own professional registration, with UKTG providing the infrastructure and client referrals around you.
No monthly subscription. No overhead. The platform operates on a straightforward commission basis. Everything you need to practise professionally is built in to one piece of software. You keep control of your own professional identity.
Google Drive Integration
Your clinical notes are organised by our software and saved directly to your own Google Drive account. We never store your clinical records on our servers.
Bookings
Client appointments managed through the platform. Scheduling, reminders and session management all in one place, with nothing extra to install or pay for.
Peer-to-Peer Video
Encrypted peer-to-peer video calls built directly into the platform. See clients anywhere, safely and confidentially, without costly video subscription services.
Supervision Sessions
The platform supports scheduled supervision sessions, enabling you to check in with a fellow counsellor for reflective practice as a core part of your ongoing professional development, whether you are on placement or fully qualified.
Payments and Earnings
Payments tracked and managed on a commission basis. No monthly fees, no subscriptions. When you work, you earn.
Expert Client Matching
The UKTG team matches clients to counsellors based on presenting need and your individual specialisms. You receive referrals without having to market yourself or manage a waiting list.
Ongoing Professional Support
The relationship with UKTG does not end at graduation. We continue to support your professional development and practice for as long as you choose to work with us.
Student Experience and Support
Attendance and Support
A minimum of 80% attendance is required across all scheduled teaching sessions for each module and for the overall programme. Falling below this may mean you are ineligible to submit assessments, progress to the next stage, or receive the final qualification.
Students who experience personal difficulties are encouraged to speak to a tutor at the earliest opportunity so that appropriate support can be offered.
Complaints Procedure
Concerns may be raised informally with a tutor or formally in writing to the Director. A written response is provided and, where appropriate, shared with the relevant professional body.
What Our Students Say
I have thoroughly enjoyed the course so far. All sessions have been really engaging and well structured. There is a lovely atmophere within the group which has been nurtured by... read more
M C
27/03/2026Whilst reviewing the course, the amount of detail and different types of learning methods and styles that have been incorporated are great to see and supportive to all the students.... read more
Erin Doyle
18/03/2026I am a current student on this course, I have learnt so much about integrative counselling but also so much about myself already. The course is taught in such a... read more
Louis Robinson
13/03/2026I am a student on the integrative counselling course and I am loving learning and finding it really interesting. I am not only learning a lot about the different modalities... read more
Amy Barrett
12/03/2026I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience on this course and the tutors are fantastic- they make everything easy to understand no matter your learning style. Would highly recommend
sophie jones
12/03/2026I am a current student on the course and I’m really enjoying the content that is taught. It is really insightful. I am grateful to be on the cohort as... read more
Charley Doyle
12/03/2026Absolutely loving this course so far, I’m learning so much and enjoying every session. Our group is made up of lovely, supportive people which allows you to be open and... read more
Laura Westhead
16/01/2026The course is amazing, I'm not only learning so much about integrative counselling but also learning so more about myself too
Paul Davison
15/01/2026Amazing course, excellently delivered and life changing
Anthony Bennett
15/01/2026
Course Logistics
Venue and Schedule
Our Lady's & St Swithin RC Primary SchoolParkstile Lane, Croxteth, Liverpool, L11 0BQ
View on Google Maps
- Duration: two years part-time, term-time study
- Teaching day: 1 evening per week term time
- Minimum attendance: 80%
Insurance and Data Protection
Students must arrange student counsellor insurance before starting placement. A recommended provider is Holistic Insurance (holisticinsurance.co.uk).
UK Therapy Guild Ltd is registered with the ICO and complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Student data is processed lawfully, fairly and securely, and retained for six years after training ends in line with professional body requirements.
Course Fees and Payment Options
Full fee details, payment options, and what the course fee includes and excludes are set out in our prospectus. Request yours below.
Fees are in the prospectus. We have moved all pricing off the website and into our prospectus so you receive the full picture in one place, including what is covered, what falls outside the fee, and the payment options available.
Fees, payment options, and what is included are all inside the prospectus
How to Apply
Course requirements
Complete an application via the website or request a traditional form by email. Applications are assessed to determine whether the course is a good fit for you at this stage.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to a personal interview with Course Director Nichola Doyle. Suitability is assessed in relation to education, qualifications, relevant life experience, employment history and future goals. All acceptance decisions are final.
Prior counselling training at Level 2 or 3 is not required. Comprehensive training is delivered within the Dual Diploma itself. If you want to get a feel for the subject before committing, our free introductory course is a good place to start.
Start your application
Complete the eligibility enquiry to apply or find out whether the Dual Diploma is right for you. No payment is taken at this stage.
Apply Now Book a CallQuestions? info@uktherapyguild.com · 0151 272 1092
Course Tutors and Graduation
Nichola Doyle
MA Education and Teaching, BA Hons Education with QTS, L5 Diplomas in Integrative Counselling and Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR, trauma-informed training. Founder and Course Director. Senior Accredited ACCPH, Registered Member BACP, Member NCIP.
Nick Buchanan
L5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling, Certificate in Counselling Supervision, Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR Diploma, NLP Master Practitioner. Course Supervisor providing integrative counselling and hypnotherapy supervision.
Erin Rawlings Doyle
BA Hons Sociology, L5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling, L4 Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy. Administrator and teacher providing academic support and student liaison for the Dual Diploma cohort.
Completion and Graduation
Meeting the requirements of the course leads to the award of both diplomas. A grace period of one year is available after the planned end of course for students with outstanding requirements; those students are invited to attend the next graduation evening.
A graduation evening is held on the final evening of the course, an opportunity to celebrate your achievements with peers and tutors and to mark your new status as a qualified counsellor and hypnotherapist.