Integrative * Experiential * Transformative
Welcome to the Bedfordshire Centre for Therapeutic Studies
The Bedfordshire Centre for Therapeutic Studies is a private learning provider located in Central Bedfordshire and operating from venues in Biggleswade, Gamlingay and Shefford.
We run CPCAB counselling skills courses from level 2 through to level 5. We are a team of qualified and experienced counsellors and counselling trainers who are members of BACP. We also run CPD including our CPCAB Breathwork Coach training and our popular online psychodynamic course.
5-week Introduction to Counselling
Have you been thinking about changing your career? And thought about trying counselling? If so, then this taster course is for you
Level 2 - Certificate in Counselling Skills
This CPCAB qualification is designed to give learners the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely in a variety of contexts and roles
Level 3 - Certificate in Counselling Skills
This qualification is intended for learners who have already acquired a recognised qualification in counselling skills. It is designed as a pre-practitioner training for professional counselling qualifications
Level 4 - Diploma in Integrative Counselling
This 2-year professional training blends psychodynamic with humanistic, relational-depth & existential theory equipping to work with a wide range of clients and presenting issues
Level 5 in Somatic-informed Trauma Therapy
An ideal follow on from your core training providing you with current trauma theory and practice
Online Psychodynamic Course
This rich 10-week course is a blended online training, with 30 hours of self-study via an online platform and 20 hours via Zoom; 2 hours weekly. It is also possible to purchase the self-study only
Our Approach
The Bedfordshire Centre for Therapeutic Studies prides itself on creating an environment to nurture the emerging and growing practitioner providing the space for students to explore, experience and take personal risks. Independent thought is encouraged as well as exploration into professional areas of interest.
Our training is experiential providing opportunities for change. We value the creative arts to support learning throughout all of our trainings as well as somatic interventions to support a ‘coming home to self’, enabling transformation at the deepest level.
Our Tutors
Due to the regular changes in the field of counselling with new legislation and theoretical ideas emerging regularly our counsellors are required to be in practice, abide by the BACP ethical framework and undertake regular supervision and continuous professional development. Our tutors come from a variety of backgrounds including education, the arts, working with drug & alcohol, private practice, bodywork, trauma, working with children, teens and adults.
Having practicing counsellors as tutors means that we have a pragmatic, yet deeply reflective, approach to our delivery bringing a wealth of experience to our thoughtful and thoroughly designed training programmes. We aim to offer a full experience where students feel challenged yet supported. Care continuously goes into developing our training to enhance student experience so we can continue to offer the depth of personal learning & relating and breadth of theory, skills and professional practice.
Our Centre
Being a small centre, we can offer a flexible approach to our delivery, keep groups to approximately 12 for the foundation courses and up to 16 for the diploma. We create a relaxed space where students can be open to their own process and that of others. Students are invited to bring in cushions for the diploma training, so we can work from the floor as much as possible which can feel safe and nurturing for personal exploration.
The downside of training with a small centre means that we can’t offer some of the benefits of a larger training provider like student funding, a library, restaurant facilities and support outside of course hours and many additional breakout spaces. However, our venues are comfortable & spacious and being a centre specialising in counselling training we can provide high quality tutoring, specialist knowledge, professionalism, and a safe space to support our students on their personal and group journey.
We wish you a warm welcome to our centre.