How To Become A Counsellor: UK Training Requirements

Becoming a counsellor can be deeply rewarding for those passionate about helping others in the mental health profession. Whether you're starting fresh or considering a career change, understanding the UK counsellor education and certification process is key to pursuing a career in counselling. Here, you will learn how to become a counsellor (UK qualifications), including counsellor education requirements at accredited organisations, the steps to complete counsellor professional training routes, and how to gain practical experience to get started in various counselling careers. 

An overview of counselling in the UK

How to become a counsellor in the UK

Step 1: Begin the field's required university 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 a short college course, such as Introduction to Counselling, or a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. These options are commonly offered at colleges and adult education centres. A training course is an opportunity to gain basic counselling skills and theoretical knowledge, and it’s 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. Some people may go on to a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Psychotherapeutic Counselling).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 further training and 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. A supervised placement involves working directly with clients under the guidance of an experienced supervisor, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned during your college or university 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 organisations 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 centres 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 counselling qualifications, establish an independent practice, or work 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 counselling training and 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.

Gaining experience: Volunteering and practice opportunities

When beginning in the counselling profession, you might consider looking for ways to gain experience. Some counselling orrganisations, such as the Samaritans, Relate, or Cruse, may provide opportunities for volunteering. This type of work experience can provide some valuable practical training before you open your own counselling practice or begin working with a counselling organisation. 

Education and professional memberships in UK associations in counselling and psychotherapy

While joining an accreditation or membership organisation like the BACP or UKCP may not always be 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 Standards Authority or organisation that ensures high-quality training and commitment to an ethical framework. In some cases, registration may require ongoing supervision and continuing education. Consider joining one of the following counselling or psychotherapy organisations:

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

Key skills and qualities for counsellors

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 and interpersonal skills: Ensuring clients sense they are heard and understood without judgment
• Empathy and the ability to understand reactions: 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
• Patience and self-awareness: Reflecting on your biases and behavior to improve interactions
• Ethics and professionalism: Upholding discretion, respect, and boundaries at all times

Career paths and specialisations

Counsellors in the UK can choose a number of careers and specialisations, including the following:

• Bereavement counselling
• Relationship counselling
• Addiction counselling
• Family therapy
• Individual psychotherapy in independent practice

Counsellors in training might consider pursuing experience with supervision in their areas of interest. This training may help them decide if they want to start their own consultancy in a specific area.

Costs and funding options for university counselling training

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 organisations for financial support may be another way to offset the costs of training.

Setting up as an independent counsellor 

If you’re considering working as a self-employed counsellor, you might speak with experienced counsellors about the details of getting started, such as business registration, professional insurance, and consent forms outlining the terms of client protection and other conditions. You might also consult a professional organisation to ask about requirements for continuous professional development (CPD), which can help you remain informed of the latest treatments.

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. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

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.