Reflect On Academy
COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY TRAINING IN PURLEY, CROYDON, EASY REACH OF SUTTON, WALLINGTON, CATERHAM, SOUTH EAST LONDON AND SURREY
Level 6 Diploma Courses
Diploma in Couple and Relationship Therapy
Programme Overview:
The Diploma in Couple and Relationship Therapy (Level 6) is a professional CPD programme tailored for qualified counsellors and therapists who wish to extend their practice into the field of couple and relationship work. Rooted in systemic, psychodynamic, humanistic, and attachment-based theories, the course offers a rich integrative framework to deepen understanding of relational dynamics, emotional connection, and therapeutic communication. It supports practitioners in developing the insight, confidence, and ethical grounding needed to engage meaningfully with couples in diverse contexts. This is an advanced CPD programme for qualified counsellors and therapists, designed to deepen and extend existing professional clinical practice.
Key course features
Qualification: Diploma in Applied Couple and Relationship Therapy
Level: 6
Mode of Study: Part-time (classroom and zoom)
Duration: 1 year (15 days training)
GLH: 100 (in person and virtual learning environment via video (Zoom)1.
Total Qualification Time: 600 (Guided learning hours (taught sessions, group discussions, and tutor-led activities), and independent study time (reading, reflection, written work, skills practice, and assignment preparation).
Attendance: Minimum 80% required
Programme Start Date: September 2026 (flexible start date)
Accreditation: Quality License Scheme (QLS)
Progression: Provides a developmental bridge to further Level 7 post-qualifying study. For practitioners who hold an eligible core professional qualification, this course may contribute recognised training hours towards COSRT Accredited Membership, subject to COSRT requirements.
Requirements for Practicum Work Experience: N/A
Fees: £1,950 yearly. (£500* non-refundable deposit paid in advance or with Registration and £1450 balance by monthly instalments (10x145 = £1450) *.
Discount of 10% if paid in full.
Flexible Payment by Instalment
- Payments by monthly standing order or direct debit only.
- 10% discount for payment in full.
- Payments commence one month after interview.
- Deposit of £500 required.
Admission Entry Requirements
Who is This Course For?
This course is not a qualifying training and does not lead directly to professional registration. It is suitable for qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, and supervisors who wish to expand their practice into couple and relationship work. It also welcomes practitioners with an interest in systemic and integrative approaches to relational dynamics, as well as professionals seeking CPD hours and structured theoretical development without the requirement of a formal placement..
Entry Requirements
Candidates must complete an application form and meet the following course-specific entry requirements:
- A recognised Level 5 counselling or psychotherapy qualification (completed within the last 5 years)
- A minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification counselling or psychotherapy experience with adult clients
- Current professional membership with a recognised professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP, COSRT)
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A 500-word personal statement outlining motivation, learning goals, and relevance to current practice
- Two referee reports (character and professional suitability)
- Interview (online or in person)
- Agreement to uphold confidentiality and professional boundaries within seminars and group learning discussions
Applicants are expected to demonstrate self-awareness and reflexive capacity, emotional readiness for post-qualifying study, and the ability to work relationally and make use of feedback. The admissions process also explores awareness of difference, equality and oppression, including willingness to reflect on bias, power and privilege, and to identify appropriate personal and professional support.
Admission decisions are based on the written application, references and interview.
Safeguarding Note
DBS clearance is not required by the provider, as this course does not include a placement component. However, learners must meet any safeguarding requirements set by their own workplace or setting. Where this is not in place, learners will be required to undertake the Reflect-On Academy Level 3 Safeguarding Certificate (endorsed by QLS).
The Course's Philosophic Rationale
This programme is grounded in the belief that effective couple therapy requires the integration of theoretical understanding, emotional presence, and reflective practice. Learners are invited to explore how interpersonal patterns, attachment histories, and systemic influences shape relationship functioning and therapeutic engagement.
The course emphasises personal insight, professional ethics, and a pluralistic approach that honours diversity, cultural context, and the complexity of human relationships. Its philosophy is rooted in reflective and experiential learning, encouraging practitioners to deepen empathy, manage countertransference, and engage with relational dynamics in a balanced, ethical, and self-aware manner.
The Aims of the programme
The Applied Couple and Relationship Therapy programme aims to develop practitioners’ knowledge, skills, and reflexivity for ethical and effective couple work. It strengthens integrative understanding of relational dynamics, communication, attachment, intimacy, and therapeutic boundaries, supporting learners to work confidently with complex presentations. Through reflective and practice-informed learning, participants consolidate theory and application to facilitate meaningful and sustainable change in couple relationships.
Course Structure
The Level 6 Diploma in Applied Couple and Relationship Therapy is delivered part-time over 12 months, combining 100 hours of taught contact, excluding private study. The programme is structured around five interconnected units that build progressively from foundational theory to advanced integrative practice. Each unit deepens understanding of relational dynamics, systemic formulation, and therapeutic use of self, while supporting ethical and culturally sensitive engagement with diverse couple presentations.
Learners engage in tutor-led seminars, experiential workshops, role-play, and supervision-style case consultation. The curriculum is grounded in systemic, psychodynamic, attachment-informed, and humanistic approaches, with emphasis on reflective integration and relational depth. The course is designed for qualified practitioners seeking to expand into couple and relationship work, without the requirement of formal placement.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is delivered through a blend of seminars, live demonstrations, skills labs, and supervision-style case consultation. Learners participate in experiential exercises, role-play, guided reading, and reflective journaling. The learning environment encourages peer dialogue, collaborative feedback, and critical engagement with diverse relational contexts.
Assessment is designed to support reflective, integrative learning. Tasks include essays, case studies, creative projects, quizzes, and group presentations. These methods prioritise ethical reasoning, systemic mapping, and the application of theory to practice, with an emphasis on developmental progression rather than high-stakes grading..
Course Units and Content
The five units explore key dimensions of couple and relationship therapy:
- Foundations of Couple Counselling – ethical contracting, assessment of relational dynamics, integrative frameworks for working with couples and research-informed relationship counselling.
- Communication Patterns and Conflict Dynamics – exploration of interactional patterns, conflict processes, emotional regulation, and contemporary relational challenges, including digital communication.
- Working with Attachment Styles and Early Imprints – understanding attachment theory, early relational experiences, neurobiological and psychosocial influences, and their impact on adult relationships across the life course.
- Sexual Intimacy and Emotional Closeness – examination of intimacy, emotional connection, mental health influences, psychopathology and mental health presentations, relationship and sexual diversity, and culturally sensitive engagement with diverse relational experiences.
- Ethics, Boundaries, and Therapist Reflexivity – professional ethics, boundaries, use of supervision, therapist self-awareness, diversity, and legal considerations in couple and relationship work.
Each unit supports learners in developing a coherent and responsive model for couple and relationship work, grounded in ethical practice, relational insight, and cultural sensitivity. Across the programme, approximately 65–80% of the curriculum is explicitly embedded in psychosexual and relationship theory, models, ethics, and applied relational understanding, consistent with COSRT expectations for Level 6 thematic training.
Please see our Unit Overview Table for more information
Total Taught (Guided Learning) Hours: 100
- 70 hours delivered face to face
- 30 hours delivered online via Zoom
Total Private Study Hours: 500 (directed and independent study, including reading, reflective journaling, skills practice, and assessment preparation)
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 600 hours
Academic Appeal
Reflect On Academy has policies and procedures to address thoroughly, fairly, and expeditiously any issues that may arise in relation to assessment, including grounds for appeals against assessment decisions and the process to be followed, in accordance with regulatory requirements..
Quality Assurance
Reflect On Academy’s quality and standards are overseen through an enhancement-led approach to organisational review. The Academy follows the Quality Code for training providers, ensuring academic standards are upheld while continuously improving the student learning experience. Programme quality is monitored through structured feedback and review, and internal quality assurance procedures are informed by BACP guidelines. Students are expected to hold membership with a recognised professional body and to work in accordance with its ethical framework.
Equality and Diversity
Reflect On Academy is committed to equality of opportunity and the promotion of an inclusive culture. The Academy values diversity and prepares students to work within social, relational, and cross-cultural contexts, training counsellors to approach clients with integrity, respect, sensitivity, and ethical awareness.
Health and Safety
Reflect On Academy is committed to promoting positive attitudes to health, safety, and wellbeing and complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related legislation.
Concerns and Complaints Procedure
Reflect On Academy operates a concerns and complaints procedure designed to support the resolution of issues relating to any aspect of the course in a clear, equitable, and timely manner, including matters relating to students..
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Accreditation of Prior Learning one year is necessary to complete all course requirements. Therefore, APL does not accept students after the course has begun. If you have any questions regarding these procedures, please contact the Admin Team via email: info@reflectonacademy.co.uk
What will I get at the end of the course?
Diploma in Applied Couple and Relationship Therapy Level 6
Progression - Where next?
Successful completion of the course may support access to higher-level post-qualifying diplomas (e.g. Level 7 study) and contribute to ongoing professional development. Where applicable, it may also support progression within the BACP accredited training pathway (ref B1.3.1), aligned with the SCoPEd framework (Column C). Progression is subject to individual eligibility and the requirements of the relevant awarding or professional body.
Student Support Services
Student support at Reflect On Academy is embedded throughout the programme rather than delivered as a separate service. Support is provided through regular tutorials, academic guidance, clinical supervision, and ongoing communication with tutors and the course team. Students are encouraged to raise learning, wellbeing, or practice-related concerns at any stage of training. Reasonable adjustments, pastoral support, and clear procedures for feedback, concerns, and appeals are also integrated within the programme structure.
What will I get at the end of the course?
Successful completion of a Diploma in Applied Couple and Relationship Therapy Level 6
Concessions and Financial Support
ROA Foundation Scholarship
Each year, ROA offers a limited number of partial scholarships (up to four in total across all courses) through the ROA Foundation. Each scholarship covers up to 25% of tuition fees and is intended to support applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and/or those experiencing genuine financial hardship. Scholarships are competitive and awarded through a written application and interview process. For more information: https://reflectonacademy.co.uk/fees-and-requirements/
Funding/ Reduced Rate
As a privately funded institution, ROA provides limited concessions to applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as qualifying employment status (evidence required). For more information contact the Admin Team via email: info@reflectonacademy.co.uk
How to apply?
Please request an application form by contacting Reflect On Academy administrator at
info@reflectonacademy.co.uk, telephone 0778 717 2968 or 0208 660 6283