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 September 2025.
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 Guild0151 272 1092 / 07368 363946 · [email protected]
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. A full course handbook is available to download.
- 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, minimum one hour per eight client hours. UK Therapy Guild offers monthly group supervision from Year Two at reduced cost.
Hypnotherapy: Minimum 20 hours practice strongly encouraged, which may be gained within existing counselling placements.
Ethics: UK Therapy Guild abides by the Codes of Ethics of the NCIP and BACP, 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
Completing your 100 placement hours is one of the most significant challenges in any counsellor’s training. Through UK Therapy Guild Counselling Services, students on placement can work directly with us, removing the pressure of sourcing a placement independently. The UKTG team will match you with clients whose needs align with your developing specialisms, and support you throughout.
Qualifying is not the end of the relationship. Counsellors who wish to continue with UK Therapy Guild Counselling Services after completing their placement hours 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 into one piece of software — no juggling separate tools, no costly subscriptions. You keep control of your own professional identity. We take care of everything else.
Clinical Notes on Your Google Drive
Your notes are organised by our software and saved directly to your own Google Drive. We never store your clinical records. Your notes are yours, and you decide the level of security around them. We provide clear guidance on keeping client data safe and compliant.
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 in the world, safely and confidentially, without costly video subscription services.
Supervision Sessions
Supervision is a fundamental part of ethical counselling practice. 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. Your income dashboard gives you a clear picture at all times.
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% classroom attendance is required. Where attendance falls below this, additional work or repeat learning may be agreed with the Course Director.
Students who experience personal difficulties are encouraged to speak to a tutor early so that appropriate support can be offered.
Complaints Procedure
Concerns may be raised informally with a tutor or formally with the Complaints Sub Committee. A written response is provided and shared with the NCIP.
What Our Students Say
"A wonderful and challenging experience I have grown from. Any concerns I had quickly eased when I met the tutors. College evenings became the highlight of the week."
"With each topic I learned something new about people and about myself. I now feel confident heading into placement with the tools to help others."
"One of the most enjoyable programmes I have been involved in. The tutors are knowledgeable and supportive. I would highly recommend this course."
"The tutors are genuinely invested in your growth. I came in unsure of myself and left year one feeling like a completely different person. A remarkable programme."
Course Logistics
Venue and Schedule
St Mary's Millennium CentreWest Derby, Liverpool, L12 5EA
View on Google Maps
- Duration: two years part-time, term-time study
- Teaching day: Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm
- 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 is registered with the ICO and complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Student data is processed lawfully, fairly and securely.
Course Fees and Payment Options
Covers the full two-year Dual Diploma, both the Level 5 Integrative Counselling and the Practitioner Level Hypnotherapy Diploma.
- Pay in full: £3,750 payable up front.
- Deposit and balance: non-refundable £500 deposit on acceptance, remaining £3,250 due by 31 August 2026, payable by bank transfer, PayPal or Klarna.
Payment plans may be available on request. If you need to leave the course early, the full course fee becomes payable in line with the student contract, regardless of payment method.
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.
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.
Prior counselling training at Level 2 or 3 is not required. Comprehensive training is delivered within the Dual Diploma. All acceptance decisions are final.
Start your application
Complete the eligibility form to apply or find out whether the Dual Diploma is right for you.
Complete Eligibility Form Download 2026 Handbook (PDF)Questions? [email protected] · 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.