Aloe Level 5 Diploma in Relationship Counselling

The course combines flexible online study with face-to-face experiential learning carried out over four in-person weekends.

• Online training can begin immediately upon enrolment
• The course includes 26 self-paced online learning modules
• Learning is supported by scheduled in-person training weekends
• Four in-person weekends are currently scheduled in February, March, May and June
• In-person weekends are held at our centre in St Ives, Cambridgeshire

This course explores integrative relationship frameworks and evidence-informed approaches, covering:

• Foundations of relational counselling and relational identity
• Attachment theory and emotional regulation in couple work
• Relational conflict, communication and emotional safety
• Systemic and family systems theory
• Emotionally Focused Therapy principles
• Transactional Analysis and integrative models
• Cultural, gender and diversity-focused relational competence
• Contemporary relational challenges including digital intimacy, neurodiverse relationships and blended families
• Psychosexual aspects of relational work and assessment
• Advanced case formulation and therapeutic structure

The exact course curriculum is as follows:

PART 1 – Foundations of Relationship Counselling (Modules 1–9) Key Areas:

• Identity and role of the relationship counsellor
• Pre-screening, assessment, communication foundations
• Attachment theory and emotional regulation
• Emotionally Focused Therapy principles
• Relational trauma and containment
• Cultural awareness and diversity
• Systemic and genogram work
• Transactional analysis
• Overcoming relational blocks

PART 2 – Advanced Relational Practice (Modules 10–17):

• Helping couples to separate amicably
• Parental alienation in split families
• Dating in the modern age
• Supporting blended families
• Additional topics
• Gender and relationship structures
• Cultural and intersectional competence
• Narcissistic dynamics

PART 3 – Working with Coercion, Control & Mentalisation Themes (Modules 18–24):

• Coercive and controlling behaviour
• Gaslighting, minimising, isolation
• Risk assessment and safety decisions
• Narcissistic and high-conflict presentations
• Mentalisation and emotional regulation
• De-escalation and rupture repair
• Infidelity

PART 4 – Psychosexual Relationship Training:

Building upon the exploration of narcissistic dynamics and the complexities of coercion, control, and mentalisation, this section delves into the multifaceted nature of psychosexual relationships. Emphasizing comprehensive assessment and understanding of sexual histories, the focus shifts toward desire, arousal, and the varied aspects of sexual functioning within partnerships. Contemporary challenges such as pornography use, addiction, and digital sexual culture are examined alongside considerations for sexual identity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and the impact of trauma and dissociation on embodied safety. The training also addresses the nuances of consent, sexual power dynamics, and coercion, providing guidance on navigating addiction, shame cycles, and fostering recovery. Ultimately, this part aims to cultivate skills for supporting healthy intimacy, enriching eroticism, and enhancing communication within diverse relational contexts.

Themes:

• Psychosexual assessment and history
• Desire, arousal, and sexual functioning
• Pornography, addiction & digital sexual culture
• Trauma, dissociation and embodied safety
• Consent, sexual power dynamics and coercion
• Addiction, shame cycles and recovery
• Healthy intimacy, eroticism and communication

Residential training weekends:

• Weekend 1: Safety and Structure
• Weekend 2: Boundaries and Movement
• Weekend 3: Control and Mentalisation
• Weekend 4: Psychosexual Relationship Training

You will develop advanced competencies to:

• Assess, conceptualise and work ethically with complex relational presentations
• Integrate multiple theoretical models into practice
• Navigate diversity, identity and contextual factors in couple work
• Apply reflective practice to clinical decision-making
• Demonstrate relational and systemic clinical judgment

Learning combines:

• 26 online theoretical modules for flexible study
• 4 experiential in-person residential weekends with live skills practice
• Case reflection and supervision integration
• Group discussion, role-play, demonstrations and reflective tasks
• Ongoing tutor support and cohort collaboration

Applicants must hold a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or an equivalent professional counselling qualification.

Applicants are also required to provide a supervisor’s or line manager’s letter confirming readiness for advanced relational training and attend an interview to discuss suitability and preparedness for specialist work.

This diploma requires sustained engagement with both online learning and in-person experiential work. Consistent study, reflective tasks and completion of supervision logs are integral to successful progression.

You will be required to attend 4 residential weekends.

Assessment is portfolio-based, combining reflective journals, supervision logs, observed practice and a case study. Successful completion evidences your ability to work ethically, reflectively and competently with relational complexity.

You will demonstrate your learning through:

• Observed relational skills during residential weekends
• Reflective journals and learning logs
• A 5,000-word case study integrating theory and practice
• Portfolio evidence showing clinical competence and professional growth