Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills & Theory (CBT-L5)
About this course
The Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory (CBT-L5) is designed for qualified counsellors who want to develop their knowledge and practical application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and integrate CBT skills into their existing therapeutic practice.
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Throughout the course, you will explore the theory underpinning CBT alongside its practical application with clients. Teaching includes assessment and case formulation, CBT tools and interventions, the therapeutic relationship, ethical practice, diversity and culture, risk, working with NICE guidance and contemporary developments including ACT, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Schema Therapy, DBT and Compassion-Focused approaches.
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The course combines theoretical learning with skills practice, reflective development, group supervision and the application of CBT within your own client work. Students are encouraged to develop a thoughtful and flexible approach to CBT, considering the individual client and the therapeutic relationship alongside structured CBT theory and interventions. This reflects the CPCAB learning outcomes, which include the therapeutic relationship, diversity, individual client need and practitioner self-awareness as integral parts of CBT practice.
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Course at a glance
1 year
Course duration
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120 hours
Guided learning
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Blended
Predominantly face-to-face
Hockley Heath, Solihull
90%
Attendance requirement
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What you'll learn
Throughout the course, you will develop both your theoretical understanding of CBT and your ability to apply it confidently within therapeutic practice.
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You will explore:
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The history, development and core principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Assessment, case conceptualisation and formulation
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CBT skills, tools and interventions and their application with clients
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Working collaboratively with client goals, treatment planning and reviewing progress
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Risk assessment, ethical practice and professional boundaries within CBT
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The role of the therapeutic relationship within a structured CBT approach
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Diversity, culture and adapting CBT to individual client needs
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NICE guidance, diagnostic frameworks and evidence-based approaches
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Contemporary and Third Wave developments, including ACT, MBCT, Schema Therapy, DBT and Compassion-Focused approaches
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Practitioner self-awareness, reflective practice and the integration of CBT into your existing counselling work
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That reflects both CPCAB's seven learning outcomes and the actual Maple Leaf scheme of work rather than simply reproducing the qualification criteria.
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Professional practice requirements
30 hours
CBT client work
Minimum one-to-one practice
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40 hours
Personal therapy overall
Including 10 hours CBT-focused therapy during this course
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Clinical Supervision
Ongoing supervision
in line with your professional ethical framework
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3 Clients
Minimum number of different clients
using the CBT model
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You’ll complete a minimum of 30 hours of one-to-one client work using the CBT model with at least three different clients. Your CBT practice must be supported by ongoing clinical supervision in line with the requirements of your chosen ethical framework or professional membership body.
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As part of Maple Leaf’s course requirements, you’ll also complete 10 hours of CBT-focused personal therapy during the course, contributing towards a minimum of 40 hours of personal therapy overall, which can include therapy completed during your Level 4 training.
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Your client work, supervision and personal development form an integral part of the course, allowing you to apply your CBT learning within real therapeutic practice while developing your skills, self-awareness and confidence as a practitioner.
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Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout the course and is designed to demonstrate the development of your CBT knowledge, therapeutic skills, reflective practice and ability to apply CBT within your client work.
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There is no final written examination. Instead, you will build a portfolio of evidence across the year which includes:
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Two written assignments of 3,000–3,500 words
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Learning reviews and reflective work
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Tutor-observed CBT skills practice
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A formal case presentation
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Recorded counselling practice and transcript work
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Client work and supervision records
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Self-review and ongoing assessment of your development
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Supervisor feedback and peer feedback
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Evidence gathered through workshops, group work, tutorials and training supervision
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To achieve the qualification, you must demonstrate proficiency across all seven CPCAB learning outcomes, complete the required portfolio evidence and meet all qualification requirements, including your required CBT client hours.
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Your assessment is integrated throughout the course, allowing you to demonstrate not only your theoretical understanding of CBT, but how you apply that learning safely, ethically and effectively within real therapeutic practice.
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Entry requirements
Applicants must be aged 19 or over and hold the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) or an equivalent Level 4 or above counselling qualification of at least 300 Guided Learning Hours, aligned with SCoPEd Column A competencies, together with appropriate prior counselling training.
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Applicants must also have completed a minimum of 150 supervised client hours, including their qualifying placement hours. This reflects the advanced nature of Level 5 training and ensures that students have sufficient practice experience to have begun developing their own professional identity, therapeutic approach and understanding of client work.
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Applicants must already be working as counselling practitioners and have access to appropriate client work in which they can apply CBT learning during the course. CPCAB requires candidates to work with clients within a professional framework so that learning can be applied in practice and the qualification requirements can be met.
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As this is advanced post-practitioner training, applicants need to demonstrate readiness to develop their existing therapeutic practice through the integration of CBT theory, skills and interventions at a greater level of depth, complexity and autonomy.
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When considering applications, we will look for:
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• Clear professional reasons for undertaking Level 5 CBT training
• The academic and emotional capacity to work at Level 5
• Experience of therapeutic counselling practice
• Self-awareness, insight, honesty and integrity
• The ability to form and sustain therapeutic relationships
• The ability to work sensitively with difference and diversity
• Openness to personal development and reflective learning
• The ability to give, receive and respond to challenge and feedback
• A willingness to critically reflect on existing therapeutic practice and develop new ways of working
• The professional qualities required for autonomous practice
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Important: Level 5 involves experiential learning, personal disclosure, skills practice and engagement with complex therapeutic material. Applicants need to be sufficiently emotionally and psychologically able to engage safely with the demands of advanced practitioner training.
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Course dates & times
January 2027
Thursday daytime
Starting 14th Jan
10.00am – 3.30pm
January 2028
Thursday daytime
Starting 13th Jan
10.00am – 3.30pm
This one-year course runs from January to December 2027 across 24 teaching sessions, scheduled to meet the 120 Guided Learning Hours required for the qualification.
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A full course timetable will be provided to students before the course begins.
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Course dates are scheduled across the academic year and Solihull term dates.
Course fees
£2,495
2027 course fee
£500 deposit
+ 10 monthly installments of £199.50
2028 fees to be confirmed
£500 deposit
+10 monthly installments of £TBC
Course fees are payable in full and remain payable if you withdraw from the course before completion. Fees can be paid in full or through our monthly payment plan.
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All cohorts are subject to minimum enrolment numbers. If a course is unable to run, applicants will be notified at least two weeks before the scheduled start date.
Qualification & progression
On successful completion, you will achieve the CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory (CBT-L5).
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This nationally regulated specialist qualification develops the knowledge, skills and competence required to integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy into your existing counselling practice. It can support progression within independent practice, counselling agencies, organisations, multidisciplinary psychological therapy services and NHS or private healthcare settings.
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The qualification develops your professional practice through a solid grounding in CBT theory, formulation, therapeutic skills and evidence-informed practice, enabling you to broaden the approaches you can draw upon when working therapeutically with clients.
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Following sufficient client-work experience, you may also progress to the CPCAB Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision (TCSU-L6) or explore further higher-education study and credit transfer. CPCAB also identifies the Open University Foundation Degree in Counselling as a progression route.
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Qualification: CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People (CYP-L5)
39
Credit vallue
120
Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Level 5
RQF qualification
388 hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT)
Ready to apply?
If you’re a qualified counsellor looking to develop your practice through specialist training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, we’d love to hear from you.
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Our Level 5 CBT course is designed for experienced practitioners who are ready to extend their therapeutic knowledge, develop new skills and integrate CBT theory and interventions into their existing way of working.
Applications are now open for our October 2026 intake.
Please complete our application form and book a place at one of our upcoming Level 5 group interviews using the links below. Available interview dates and times can be viewed and booked through Eventbrite.
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