CPCAB L5 Diploma
In Advanced Professional Practice in Domestic Abuse (IDVA- aligned)
Tutor & Author
Stephan Dais
I started my journey in 2002 developing counselling services, lecturing and writing books on my experiences.
I have additional decades of experience in in Italy, Mexico, Poland, the United States of America and the Vatican in education, social care, management and administration, conflict resolution and working with power and oppression. I speak English, Italian and Spanish fluently.
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BA (Hons) Fine Art
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PGDip in Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Book Publication & Research Papers
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When Women Abuse Men -Book Published in June 2025
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An Intercultural Approach to Working with Men Who Have Sex with Men Gender Dysmorphia
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The Origins and Intercultural Elements of 12 Step Addiction Treatment Muscle Dysmorphia and The Adonis Complex
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Gay and Lesbian Parenting- The Cultural and Counselling Issue Mental Health and Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
My intention is to journey with you to enable you to feel more empowered towards living a fulfilling, whole and meaningful life. I hold a BACP professional qualification at post-graduate level from the University of Brighton. I work with adults from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. I specialise in hoarding, bereavement, anxiety, depression and psychosis and my passion has been supporting clients to explore their neurodiversity. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art which helps me to confidently work creatively therapeutically.
Course overview
L5 Diploma Advanced Professional Practice in
Domestic Abuse (IDVA - aligned)
Where, Starting Date, & Delivery
Centre: Surrey’s Learning and Counselling Centre (SLCC)
Start Date: Saturday 28th March 2026 | End Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Delivery: Hybrid – face-to-face and online
Course Overview
This advanced course provides qualified counsellors and mental-health professionals with specialist knowledge and skills in working therapeutically with people affected by domestic abuse.
You will explore:
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The full range of abusive behaviours, including coercive control, financial and emotional abuse.
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The impact of gender, culture, sexuality, and social context on abusive dynamics.
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Effective therapeutic approaches for supporting survivors and perpetrators.
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Your awareness and role as a professional when supporting victims/perpetrators within a multi-agency support.
The overall aim is to strengthen professional understanding, confidence, and competence in recognising, assessing, and responding to domestic abuse within counselling practice.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be aged 25 or over.
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Hold at least a Level 4 Diploma in counselling or psychology.
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Have a minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience in counselling or a related mental-health field.
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Hold their own professional supervision arrangement.
Course Structure
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Duration: 4–6 months
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Total Qualification Time (TQT): 202 hours
– Guided Learning Hours (GLH): approximately 168
– Independent study and research: approximately 30 -
Sessions: Minimum of 10 taught sessions (7 hours 15 minutes each)
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Tutorials: 30-minute individual tutorials every 3 weeks (Weeks 3, 6, 9, 10)
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Delivery Options:
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Intensive course: weekly sessions for 12 weeks
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Standard group course: every two weeks
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Bespoke 1-to-1 route: flexible by arrangement with tutor.
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No residential or weekend training days are required.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your learning and competence. This includes:
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Written essays and reflective journals
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Case studies
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Tutor-observed participation and application of theory
Selected case studies and essays will be sent to CPCAB for independent verification.
Internal Quality Assurance
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Internal Moderator: Catherine Coombs
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Internal Verifier: Stephen Westcott
All work is internally moderated and verified to ensure fairness, accuracy and consistency before final results are confirmed.
Learning Resources & Progress Opportunties
Learners will have access to a wide range of open-source materials, including:
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Office for National Statistics (ONS)
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World Health Organisation (WHO)
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Home Office and government reports
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National and international news publications (BBC, PBS, etc.)
Additional reading lists and case materials will be provided by the tutor.
Progression Opportunities
Successful completion may support progression toward:
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Advanced specialist counselling practice in trauma and domestic abuse.
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Work in domestic abuse services or as an IDVA.
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Teaching, supervision or further postgraduate study in counselling or psychology.
Tutor Expertise
All teaching staff are qualified counsellors or psychologists with a minimum of ten years’ post-qualification experience. The lead tutor is an author and recognised specialist in the field of domestic abuse counselling.