Level 4: Diploma in African Centred Restorative Counselling Practice
This course in grounded in African-Black psychology and draws on African traditional thought and praxis and aims to provide access to African-heritage communities to ways of knowing ‘self’, from their own perspective. This allows us to engage with our families, communities and history in a healthy self-defining and self-determining manner.
The course will develop participants ability to integrate practical experience with theory and theoretical insight. It will develop an understanding of how to create relationships that are therapeutic at an individual, group (family), and community level. The course will facilitate insight into the participants’ and others’ well-being; and facilitate the illumination and revitalisation of their African spirit.
This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired a personal or professional understanding of the need for a therapeutic framework that facilitates culturally congruent engagement with people of African-heritage and want to:
take the next step in training to become a counsellor, while gaining the knowledge and skills to begin to engage usefully with the members of the African-heritage community.
learn more about African Black psychology theory, worldviews and ethical ways of engaging.
be prepared to deliver therapeutic wellbeing healing circles within organisations and the African-heritage community.
This qualification does not lead to employment. It is designed as both a precursor to a level four African-centred Counselling and Therapy Diploma, for those who desire a professional counselling qualification. It is a great asset toAfrican-heritage people working in related fieldsand who engage with African-heritage communities.
This is an in-person course, delivered in Birmingham City centre, excellent transport links throughout the United Kingdom. 80% attendance is required to complete the course.
This diploma offers recognised professional status, allowing you to practise as a qualified counsellor specialising in working with African heritage clients. The training combines therapeutic rigour with cultural relevance, providing a meaningful alternative to Eurocentric counselling models. Rooted in African-centred psychology, the course equips learners to address the mental health and emotional wellbeing needs of individuals and communities in a culturally competent, ethically sound, and psychologically restorative way.
Overview
This Level 4 Diploma offers comprehensive professional training aimed at equipping you with essential counselling skills alongside specialised knowledge in African-centred therapeutic practice. It provides a clear pathway to becoming a counsellor prepared to navigate the complexities, histories, and lived realities of clients of African heritage.
Delivered in a supportive, relational, and academically rigorous environment, the course combines psychotherapeutic theory, counselling skills, cultural knowledge, and reflective practice. Our approach allows learners to engage deeply with self, community, and therapeutic responsibility through an African worldview.
Graduates are eligible to work as professional counsellors and may register with appropriate counselling bodies.
Who is it for?
- Individuals dedicated to becoming qualified counsellors
- Those seeking to specialise in working with African heritage communities.
- Community practitioners and individuals with lived experience pursuing formal qualifications
- Learners who value cultural relevance in therapeutic training.
- Professionals seeking to enhance their practice within a culturally affirming framework
This course in grounded in African-Black psychology and draws on African traditional thought and praxis and aims to provide access to African-heritage communities to ways of knowing ‘self’, from their own perspective. This allows us to engage with our families, communities and history in a healthy self-defining and self-determining manner.
The course will develop participants ability to integrate practical experience with theory and theoretical insight. It will develop an understanding of how to create relationships that are therapeutic at an individual, group (family), and community level. The course will facilitate insight into the participants’ and others’ well-being; and facilitate the illumination and revitalisation of their African spirit.
This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired a personal or professional understanding of the need for a therapeutic framework that facilitates culturally congruent engagement with people of African-heritage and want to:
take the next step in training to become a counsellor, while gaining the knowledge and skills to begin to engage usefully with the members of the African-heritage community.
learn more about African Black psychology theory, worldviews and ethical ways of engaging.
be prepared to deliver therapeutic wellbeing healing circles within organisations and the African-heritage community.
This qualification does not lead to employment. It is designed as both a precursor to a level four African-centred Counselling and Therapy Diploma, for those who desire a professional counselling qualification. It is a great asset toAfrican-heritage people working in related fieldsand who engage with African-heritage communities.
This is an in-person course, delivered in Birmingham City centre, excellent transport links throughout the United Kingdom. 80% attendance is required to complete the course.
The course is modular and lasts over two academic years, integrating experiential learning, group work, supervised practice, academic assignments, and self-directed study.
Key Modules Include:
Foundations of African-Centred Restorative Practice
- Counselling Skills and Professional Ethics
- Coloniality, History, and the Healing of the Self
- Psychological Wellbeing through an African Lens
- Trauma, Memory, and Identity
- Community, Family, and the Collective Self
- Supervised Clinical Practice
- Integrative Approaches to Culturally Relevant Counselling
- Each module draws on African-centred philosophies and therapeutic traditions such as Maat, Ubuntu and Sankofa, alongside contemporary counselling methods adapted to be culturally resonant.
Entry Requirements
- Completion of Pattigift’s Level 3 Certificate in African-Centred Therapeutic Practice (or equivalent)
- Commitment to anti-racist and culturally engaged practice
- Willingness to participate in a personal therapeutic process, interview, and group assessment.
Accreditation and Progression
This diploma complies with national training standards and prepares learners for professional registration. Upon successful completion, you can practise as a qualified counsellor and advance to our Level 5 Diploma in African-Centred Supervision and Reflective Practice, or specialise further in therapeutic leadership, research, or training.
This course in grounded in African-Black psychology and draws on African traditional thought and praxis and aims to provide access to African-heritage communities to ways of knowing ‘self’, from their own perspective. This allows us to engage with our families, communities and history in a healthy self-defining and self-determining manner.
The course will develop participants ability to integrate practical experience with theory and theoretical insight. It will develop an understanding of how to create relationships that are therapeutic at an individual, group (family), and community level. The course will facilitate insight into the participants’ and others’ well-being; and facilitate the illumination and revitalisation of their African spirit.
This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired a personal or professional understanding of the need for a therapeutic framework that facilitates culturally congruent engagement with people of African-heritage and want to:
take the next step in training to become a counsellor, while gaining the knowledge and skills to begin to engage usefully with the members of the African-heritage community.
learn more about African Black psychology theory, worldviews and ethical ways of engaging.
be prepared to deliver therapeutic wellbeing healing circles within organisations and the African-heritage community.
This qualification does not lead to employment. It is designed as both a precursor to a level four African-centred Counselling and Therapy Diploma, for those who desire a professional counselling qualification. It is a great asset toAfrican-heritage people working in related fieldsand who engage with African-heritage communities.
This is an in-person course, delivered in Birmingham City centre, excellent transport links throughout the United Kingdom. 80% attendance is required to complete the course.
Accreditation and Progression This diploma complies with national training standards and prepares learners for professional registration. Upon successful completion, you can practise as a qualified counsellor and advance to our Level 5 Diploma in African-Centred Supervision and Reflective Practice, or specialise further in therapeutic leadership, research, or training.
How You’ll Learn
- In-person group workshops
- Clinical supervision
- Tutorials and reflective practice groups
- Online learning resources
- Required and recommended reading
- Community-based placement and practice hours
You will be supported by a team of experienced tutors and practitioners who are deeply rooted in African-centred therapeutic approaches.
Course Duration & Location Duration: 2 years part-time
Location: Birmingham (with some online components)
Placement: Minimum 100 supervised practice hours
Beginning April 2026
Start Date: April 2026 - May 2028
420 guided learning hours / 1024 total hours
Wednesdays from 9.30 am - 5:00pm In person – Digbeth, Birmingham
Fees: Fee £3,500 per year
The course fee reflects the depth, quality and cultural integrity of the programme. Payment plans and some bursaries may be available.
Please enquire directly for full details, including payment options.
Apply Now If you are ready to embark on a transformative journey—both personal and professional this diploma offers a unique opportunity to train as a counsellor in a culturally affirming and restorative learning environment.
Contact Information: admin@pattigifttherapy.com
Other Courses
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Explore our courses and enrol today.
