The CPCAB Model of Helping Work and Counselling Practice

We have created a description of the CPCAB model of helping work and counselling practice, this generic model is applicable to all theoretical approaches that underpins most of CPCAB’s qualifications.

This description integrates key contemporary research from both the counselling field and from other disciplines. Importantly, it focuses on clients and their problems, rather than the different counselling approaches. It also aims to be as student-friendly as possible, whilst still describing the complexity of helping work and counselling practice.

The model is in three parts:

Part 1:   Three levels of client problems. This defines the broad categories of client problems for which counselling has proved helpful.

Part 2:   Three dimensions of client problems. This describes how client problems can be best understood, and worked with, in the context within which they arise.

Part 3:   Seven helping and counselling processes. This describes how the process of supporting client change is associated with a range of contextual factors – including those concerning the client, the counsellor and the relationship that they form.

You can read more by downloading the CPCAB model of helping work and counselling practice.

Resources for Tutors:

We've produced a set of illustrations and diagrams about the CPCAB model which are free for CPCAB tutors and centres to use in presentations or documentation. Download the CPCAB model graphics pack to obtain them.