How to become a Counsellor

in the UK

How to Become a Counsellor in the UK?


How to Become a Counsellor in the UK: Steps to becoming a counsellor typically include obtaining a level 4 counselling qualification or a counselling degree, gaining experience through internships or volunteer work and then registering with a professional body.


This article includes a step-by-step guide to help you become a counsellor or qualified practitioner in the UK.


Contents:


What is Counselling?


Counselling is the provision of professional assistance and guidance in resolving personal or psychological problems. Counselling is a form of consultation that goes beyond providing advice.


The goal of counselling is to establish a process where the counsellor assists you in achieving certain outcomes. Counselling offers a secure and private environment for you to discuss your issues with a trained professional.


Your therapist will assist you in examining your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to enhance self-awareness and understanding of others.


A counsellor provides support in helping you discover your solutions, whether that involves making changes in your life or finding ways to cope with your problems. They do not offer opinions, advice, or prescribe medication.


Counselling enables you to:


  • Express your true feelings.
  • Gain a better understanding of your circumstances.
  • Recognise and address negative patterns of behaviour that may have been learned from others in the past or present.
  • Alter negative behavioural attitudes, patterns, and cycles.
  • Make well-informed decisions using the available options.
  • Develop confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem that can be beneficial.

The counsellor utilises active listening, reflective questioning, and other therapeutic interventions and tools to provide an effective counselling service based on their training and experience with other clients.


The relationship between a counsellor and client should be built on trust, empathy, and respect. A counsellor's role is to listen without judgment or blame, providing relief to clients who are seeking answers and resolution.


Counselling aims to establish healthier ways of relating to oneself and others.

What Does A Counsellor Typically Do?

Counsellors play a crucial role in providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to explore and address their emotional difficulties and mental health issues. In this job role, counsellors primarily engage in "talking therapy," which has gained popularity in recent years, especially among those with mental health conditions, relationship difficulties, or emotional and behavioural difficulties.


Counsellors facilitate this therapy by asking questions to help clients delve deeper into their feelings and emotions. They may also employ techniques such as role-play, visualisation, and memory-focused processes to create a secure space for clients to explore difficult experiences. Outside of sessions, counsellors maintain records of their client's information and may communicate with other healthcare professionals if necessary.


Confidentiality is crucial in this profession, and counsellors adhere to strict confidentiality agreements to protect their clients' privacy.

What Are The Important Skills A Counsellor Needs?

Active listening is one of the most important basic counselling skills for a counsellor, along with empathy and compassion. Counsellors must also be comfortable discussing sensitive subjects such as abuse, self-harm, or suicide. Creating a comfortable and relaxed environment for clients to open up is essential.


Organisational skills and basic computer literacy are also necessary for maintaining client records and administrative tasks, life experience is also a valuable advantage to becoming a counsellor. Patience, calmness under pressure, and the ability to work at the client's pace are vital.


Counsellors must also possess self-awareness and objectivity to provide effective support. Building trust and mutual respect with clients is crucial, requiring a balance between professionalism and empathy.

What Are the Working Hours Like?

Counsellors have varied working hours. While some choose to work full-time, others may work part-time. On average, counsellors spend approximately 20 hours per week seeing clients, with the rest of their time dedicated to preparation and administration.


Counsellors also engage in research, note-taking, and reflection to better understand their clients. With the availability of online and telephone counselling, some counsellors work from home on a freelance basis, allowing them to accommodate clients outside of regular working hours. The flexibility in working hours may be irregular compared to other healthcare professions, as clients often prefer evening or weekend sessions.

What Qualifications Does A Counsellor Need?

There are various counselling qualifications available at different levels. It is recommended to start with an introductory course to see how counselling feels to you whilst you learn to apply the core counselling skills.


Having completed your short introduction course you will have gained confidence in applying the essential skills and will be ready to move to a level 2 course, which provides a broad overview of the profession.


This is followed by a level 3 certificate in counselling, typically lasting around one year, which delves deeper into psychology and counselling techniques.


After completing these initial stages, counsellors must undertake a diploma that includes supervised contact hours with clients. The minimum number of supervised hours required can vary depending on the training provider.


It is important to note that completion of a level 3 qualification in counselling or a related subject is beneficial before enrolling in a level 4 course.


Funding for these courses is generally self-funded, although bursaries or loans may be available. Part-time options are also available for working professionals.

Where Can a Counsellor Work?

Careers in counselling

Counsellors work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, social care settings, therapy centres, work from home self-employed counsellors, and further and higher education colleges.


They may either work in a fixed location for organisations like the NHS or travel to different locations to see clients. Sessions typically take place in a small, private room with only the client and counsellor present. However, group therapy sessions may require larger venues. In the UK, each local authority has an NHS-funded organisation that offers low-cost or free counselling services.


Careers in counselling require minimal equipment and as long as there is a private space for uninterrupted sessions, counsellors can work from virtually anywhere.

How Much Does a Counsellor Typically Earn?

Counselling jobs

Counselling career salaries can vary significantly based on qualifications and experience. Those starting out can expect to earn around £19,000 for full-time work. However, many counsellors with lower-level qualifications work on a voluntary basis or for variable hourly rates to gain essential experience. In private practice, rates are generally higher.


The average starting salary for experienced counsellors is around £33,000, while highly experienced counsellors can earn up to £47,000 dependent of the size of their client base. Hourly rates typically range from £30 to £60, with higher rates for experienced counsellors.

Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Counsellor

  • Research: Explore the various courses available to determine the most suitable qualification for you It is not necessary to have a university degree to be a qualified counsellor.
  • Start with an introductory course: If you have no prior knowledge or experience, begin with an introductory course to gain a broad understanding of counselling.
  • Certificate in counselling skills: Progress to a certificate counselling course that provides a deeper understanding of psychology, counselling principles, and techniques.
  • Undertake a diploma: Complete a diploma that includes supervised contact hours with clients which is essential for professional practice.:
    Counselling vacancies can occur in a range of settings, including schools, further education colleges, universities and higher education colleges statutory and voluntary sector care agencies working with people with disabilities or on specific issues such as substance abuse, eating disorders, sexual health, sexual assault and domestic violence, mental health, adoption, bereavement, rehabilitation of offenders, family relationships and homelessness health sector settings including hospitals, oncology, genetics, general practices, community healthcare, mental and occupational health teams youth services and agencies children's centres Citizens Advice services human resource departments of larger employers general counselling services specialised telephone helplines churches and other faith-based organisations.
  • Gain experience with professional training: Consider working on a voluntary basis or for variable hourly rates to gain practical experience.
  • Your career in counselling with advancement options: Continuously seek opportunities for professional development and higher-level qualifications to advance your career as a counsellor.
  • Register with a professional body such as the BACP.
  • Undertake regular supervision - personal therapy.

Different Routes to Become a Qualified Counsellor

Level of training

Route 1 - a university degree course, usually a foundation degree (has entry requirements)


Route 2 - an online counselling course then a college course - diploma in counselling


Route 3 - training with a counselling organisation


A university course

To become a counsellor, there are various paths one can take. One option is to pursue a university course in counselling or a related field. Many universities offer undergraduate degrees in psychology or counselling, which provide a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. These programs usually include courses on different types of counselling techniques, ethics and professional issues in counselling, and supervised clinical practice. After completing the degree, graduates often have the option to further specialise in a specific area of counselling through postgraduate studies or professional training.


Another path to becoming a counsellor is through obtaining a master's degree in counselling or a closely related field. Many universities offer specialised master's programs in counselling, which provide more in-depth training and specialisation opportunities than undergraduate degrees. These programs typically focus on advanced counselling theories, research methods, and clinical skills development.


PRO'S: Integrated in one place.

If you're looking for a traditional mostly face-to-face learning experience this route provides an integrated experience with many opportunities to learn and interact with others.


CON'S: Cost.

If you choose to follow this route the cost will likely exceed £27,750 depending on where you are living whilst studying at your chosen University.


An online course then a college course

Alternatively, individuals can choose to enrol in a college course that focuses specifically on counselling. These programs typically provide more practical-oriented training than university courses and may be tailored towards specific areas such as addiction counselling or school counselling.


College courses often have shorter durations compared to university degrees, making them more accessible for those looking for quicker entry into the field. However, it is important to ensure that the chosen college program meets recognised standards and accreditation requirements to ensure the quality of education received.


PRO'S: A much cheaper option costs typically less than £4000-£6000 in total tuition fees and still a highly practical experience.


CON'S: You may need to study at more than one location

Training with a dedicated counselling organisation

Another pathway to becoming a counsellor is by undergoing training with a counselling organisation. Many organisations offer specialised training programs for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a counsellor.


These programs often combine theoretical instruction with hands-on practice under the guidance of experienced professionals.


PRO'S: A highly tailored and personalised experience working with professional counsellors


CON'S: These courses have specific entry requirements that need to be fulfilled to be eligible, hard to find as there are fewer providers for this option.

Models of counselling


Psychodynamic model

The psychodynamic model is based on the idea that our behaviour, coping mechanisms, and relationships are shaped by past experiences that are often stored in the unconscious mind.


Psychodynamic Counselling aims to accomplish the following objectives:

  • The unconscious and past experience play a vital role in shaping current behaviour.


  • Clients are encouraged to explore unresolved issues and conflicts.


  • Investigate the consequences of previous relationships with parents and peers.


  • Assist clients in understanding and processing their emotions, thoughts, and related memories.


  • Create a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore personal challenges.


  • Enhance understanding and self-awareness.

Psychodynamic Counselling is utilised in a variety of settings.

  • Services offered include marriage and couple counselling.


  • Counselling services for families are available.


  • Psychosexual counselling is available.


  • The service offered is individual relationship counselling.


  • The service offered is personal development counselling.

Exploration of issues, memories, and everyday experiences is facilitated through active listening and reflection. This allows clients the opportunity to express their true feelings, leading to increased self-awareness and self-esteem.

Humanistic Therapy

Encompasses various therapeutic approaches, such as person-centred therapy, Gestalt, existential therapy, solution-focused therapy, and transactional analysis.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a therapy that focuses on addressing the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a goal-oriented manner.


Negative perceptions can lead to negative emotions and behaviours in a situation.


This treatment is centred on addressing and altering patterns of thinking or behaviour that contribute to individuals' difficulties, to promote more balanced alternatives.


Cognitive Behavioural Therapy used to:

  • Conduct an analysis of individual patterns of thoughts, emotions, and actions.


  • Assist clients in dissecting complex issues by dividing them into more manageable components.


  • Explore strategies to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.


  • Examine methods to address challenges.


  • Offering exercises for clients to practice strategies in their daily routine.


  • Work towards achieving agreed-upon therapeutic goals within a specified timeframe.


  • Clients are provided with skills during sessions that they can use to continue practising and developing, reducing the likelihood of symptoms or problems returning.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help individuals break the cycle of altered thinking, feelings, and behaviour that can negatively impact their physical and emotional well-being.


The goal of CBT is to empower individuals to develop their own strategies for addressing problems and effectively manage their mental health.

Person-centred therapy

The effectiveness of this therapy relies more on the counsellor's attitude towards the client rather than their skills.


Person-centred therapists emphasise that clients possess the answers within themselves. Through the use of three core skills - empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence - clients are empowered to reach a better place independently.


Person-centred therapy will:

  • It is important to recognise that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is a crucial factor.


  • The therapist provides a safe environment with empathy, acceptance, and non-judgment.


  • Assist clients in recognising their own resources, strengths, and self-awareness.


  • Assist clients in promoting a healthier relationship with themselves and others.

Person-centred therapy is useful in:

  • Abuse


  • Eating disorders


  • Bereavement


  • Trauma


  • Children

In therapy, the client guides the overall direction of the session, while the counsellor helps increase the client's insights and self-awareness by asking clarifying questions.

Integrative Counselling

Integrative Counselling acknowledges the complexity of each individual and has evolved from the belief that no single counselling model can fully address all aspects of a person.


Integrative Counselling allows counsellors to utilise various counselling models to accommodate the unique needs of each client, recognising that individuals have different ways of thinking, feeling, and reacting.


An Integrative Counsellor utilises various techniques to assist clients in achieving their desired outcomes and personal growth.


An Integrative Counsellor will:

  • Assess the client's experience and apply theory and techniques that are suited to them therapeutically.


  • Collaborate with the client to develop a personalised counselling program.


  • Address the client's overall experience with personal, effective, and flexible responses.


  • Utilise a range of theories and techniques.


  • Clients will be provided with homework and worksheets, as needed, to facilitate change.

An Integrative Counsellor acknowledges and appreciates the expertise, abilities, and understanding of all major counselling models. If deemed necessary, the counsellor will refer you to a practitioner specialising in a specific model for targeted therapy.

Gestalt Counselling

The goal of Gestalt Counselling is to assist clients in recognising emotional or cognitive blockages and addressing how these issues impact their current life experiences.


The counsellor assists the client in modifying beliefs and unresolved feelings that impede the client's ability to lead a fulfilling life.


Gestalt Counselling will:

  • Assist the client in pinpointing the areas where they are facing emotional or cognitive roadblocks.


  • Explore how established patterns are influencing the client's lifestyle.


  • Discover innovative solutions to address their challenge.


  • Assist clients in finding their own solutions to problems and enhancing their quality of life.

Gestalt Counselling is useful in:

  • Anger management techniques


  • Methods for managing stress


  • Sexual preference


  • The quality of being shy.


  • Developing self-assurance.


  • Interacting with others

The main goal of Gestalt Counselling is to enhance awareness of feelings, emotions, and thoughts, and to facilitate effective expression of them.


This process can help individuals better understand their thought processes and improve their ability to manage them. The goal is to empower the client to address their own needs as well as the needs of others.

Integrative Counselling

Integrative Counselling acknowledges that no single counselling model can fully address the complexity of each individual.


Integrative Counselling allows counsellors to utilise a range of counselling models tailored to meet the needs of the client, as individuals may vary in their thoughts, emotions, and responses.


An Integrative Counsellor utilises various techniques to assist individuals in making positive changes in their lives, creating a tailored therapy approach based on each client's desires and requirements.


An Integrative Counsellor will:

  • Evaluate the client's experience and apply the appropriate theory and technique for therapeutic purposes.


  • Collaborate with the client to develop a personalised counselling program.


  • Address the client's overall experience in a personalised, efficient, and adaptable manner.


  • Utilise a range of theories and techniques.


  • Clients are given homework and worksheets, when beneficial, to facilitate change.

An Integrative Counsellor respects and incorporates various counselling models into their practice. If they believe you would benefit from a specific counselling approach, they will refer you to a practitioner specialising in that model.

Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis identifies three "ego states" within the human personality: Parent, Adult, and Child. Individuals express their personalities through a combination of behaviours, thoughts, and emotions.


According to the TA model, individuals generally use all three ego-states.

One aspect of Transactional Analysis involves individuals behaving, feeling, and thinking based on unconscious imitation of their parents' actions.


The goal is to develop and strengthen the Adult state in TA.


Transactional Analysis will:

  • Examine thoughts and behaviours that may lead to personal challenges for the client.


  • Examine the ego states from which individuals are forming relationships with others.


  • Assist the client in clarifying their desired changes and empower them to reach their goals.


  • Offer the client practical tools for problem-solving in their daily routine.


  • Enhance communication by improving quality and effectiveness.

Transactional Analysis is useful for:

  • Shifts in behaviour patterns.


  • Making connections in a different manner.


  • Developing effective communication skills.


  • Working on enhancing our relationships.


  • Raising our children.


  • Personal growth and self-development are important in both business and educational settings.

Transactional Analysis acknowledges the value and worth of every individual. It is a goal-oriented therapy that aims to empower the client and facilitate a new direction in life.

Related Topics:


Can you train to be a counsellor online?

Counselling skills

Counsellor career options

Additional training

How to become a therapist

Training in counselling

A day in the life of a counsellor

What makes successful counsellors?

Opportunities for counsellors


Personal qualities of a good counsellor

How to Become a Counsellor

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