Ways To Become A UK Counsellor

Becoming a counsellor can be a deeply rewarding journey for those passionate about helping others. Whether you're starting fresh or considering a career change, understanding the UK education and certification process is key to pursuing a career in counselling. Here, you will learn how to become a counsellor, including education requirements, the steps to complete professional training, and how to gain practical counselling experience to start your career. 

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An overview of counselling in the UK

How to become a counsellor

Step 1: Begin the field's required degree, diploma, or certificate

In general, there is no minimum educational requirement to become a counsellor. You can complete your core practitioner training with or without a university degree to become a counselling professional. This makes counselling a highly accessible career path for individuals from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. The following are common pathways to a career in counselling:

• A-levels or equivalent: While not mandatory, pursuing A-levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects like psychology, sociology, or health can be beneficial for progressing to advanced counselling training. Upon completion of secondary school, you may choose to enroll in an accredited counselling course or pursue a university degree in counselling or psychology.
• Introduction to counselling courses: Many aspiring counsellors start with short college courses, such as an Introduction to Counselling or a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. These courses are commonly offered at colleges and adult education centers. These courses are an opportunity to gain basic counselling skills and theoretical knowledge and are a common route taken by those transitioning from a different profession or exploring a new career path.
• Accredited college courses: A Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is generally considered the standard qualification for becoming a professional counsellor in the UK for those without a relevant university degree. This qualification may take around a year part-time to complete. Your course should ideally be accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
• University courses: Another option is to pursue a degree in counselling, psychology, or a related field. Degree programs offer in-depth knowledge of psychological theories, counselling techniques, and mental health practices, as well as opportunities for supervised placements. 

Step 2: Register with a professional body

Step 3: Complete the required hours of supervised counselling practice

Most accredited college and university courses require students to complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised practice. This involves working directly with clients under the guidance of an experienced supervisor, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned during your course to real-life situations. 

Step 4: Begin your career

Once you have completed your counselling training course and supervision period, you will be considered fully qualified and can begin your career as a counsellor. Many counsellors begin their careers in entry-level counselling positions, such as the following:

• School counsellor: Supporting students with emotional, social, and academic challenges in educational settings
• Charity counsellor: Providing counselling services for organizations that focus on mental health, addiction, or community support
• NHS counsellor: Working in primary care or specialist settings, often focusing on brief interventions like CBT
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counsellor: Offering support to employees experiencing work-related or personal issues
• Community counsellor: Assisting individuals in community centers or local mental health initiatives
• Helpline counsellor: Providing immediate emotional support via phone or online chat for crisis or support services
• Independent practice assistant: Supporting an established counsellor or practice while building experience and a client base

As you gain experience, you may choose to pursue a specialization or advanced qualifications, establish an independent practice, or become professionals in counselling areas such as supervision, teaching, or research. These paths allow you to deepen your expertise, expand career opportunities, and make a greater impact on how you advance your counselling career.

Step 5: Continue professional development to further your expertise

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to stay updated on best practices, new counselling techniques, and emerging trends. As a member of a professional body, you will be required to complete a certain number of CPD hours each year to maintain your registration. CPD activities might include attending workshops, conferences, and advanced training courses or engaging in peer supervision. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Professional associations

While joining a professional association like the BACP or UKCP is not legally required to become a counsellor, it is usually a requirement of accredited training courses, and most employers expect you to register with a professional body. Consider joining one of the following counselling or psychotherapy organizations:

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

Key skills

Successful counsellors rely on a range of essential skills and personal qualities to effectively support clients and maintain professional standards. These skills are developed through training, practice, and self-reflection. Key counselling skills include those listed below:

• Active listening: Ensuring clients sense they are heard and understood without judgment
• Empathy: Connecting with clients’ emotions to build trust and rapport
• Communication skills: Clearly expressing thoughts while encouraging openness
• Problem-solving abilities: Helping clients identify solutions to their challenges
• Emotional resilience: Managing your own feelings to maintain professionalism
• Self-awareness: Reflecting on your biases and behavior to improve interactions
• Ethical practice: Upholding discretion, respect, and boundaries at all times

Costs and funding options

The cost to become a counsellor varies depending on the level of training pursued. There are many courses available, so it’s advisable to research your options thoroughly and find one that suits your budget. Consider the following estimates for counselling training:

• Introductory courses may range from £200 to £500.
• Advanced diplomas might cost between £2,500 to £4,000.
• University degrees in counselling may cost up to £9,250 per year for tuition. 

Funding options might include government loans for degree programs, scholarships, and bursaries offered by some institutions. Many counselling students also finance their studies through part-time work or savings. Exploring local charities or professional organizations for financial support may be another way to offset the costs of training.

How to find mental health support for career changes

Whether you are changing careers or just starting out as a student, navigating these changes can be mentally taxing. It’s not uncommon to experience stress, anxiety, or uncertainty, making mental health support an important consideration. In fact, research suggests that mental health professionals can experience significant personal and professional benefits from attending therapy themselves. 

With BetterHelp, you can attend personal therapy sessions by phone, video call, or live chat, plus benefit from a range of tools and features designed to help you get the most out of therapy, including guided journaling, digital therapy worksheets, group sessions, and the option for daily messaging with your counsellor. Research suggests that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.