BUILD A REWARDING CAREER IN COUNSELLING

The growth in nationwide poor mental health impacts UK society and our economy. Experts point to several contributing factors, but whatever the cause, it’s clear that there’s no quick solution. Being part of a nationwide strategy to address this issue could be a rewarding vocational pathway.

Could you develop a career as a counsellor, making a difference in people’s wellbeing, helping them engage with daily life and return to work?

This guide explains what’s involved in training to be a counsellor.

Stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges can prevent people from working, interacting with friends and family and generally living full and rewarding lives. The increase in mental health has led to a rise in demand for counsellors and other professional specialists capable of guiding people back to health and work. 

More essential than ever

The awareness of mental health issues has grown, and at the same time, the stigma around it has faded. Therapy can heal, and its popularity demonstrates how it can work. Help for mental health issues is more accessible, but skilled people are needed to provide this service. 

Counselling is a respected profession, with practitioners skilled in empathy, active listening, and effective communication. However, it is more than just talking. A therapist also observes their client’s body language and reactions to gain insight into their state of mind. 

Working as a counsellor isn’t for everybody. For some, though, it is a hugely rewarding profession as it helps others. Many people retrain in counselling as a meaningful new career. One thing is for sure: qualified counsellors are in high demand. Below, we explore some pathways to becoming a counsellor or psychotherapist. 

Becoming a counsellor

The first step in pursuing any profession is always to understand the skills and qualifications you need. To practice professionally, you must have a formal qualification in psychology or counselling therapy. Most people working in this profession start their training through accredited courses or university degrees.

A stepping stone

Consider the time and resources you have available and your long-term goals. An introductory course is a great stepping stone. It could help you:

• Weigh up whether a career in counselling is right for you
• Acquire transferable skills that could be useful alongside your current job role
• Broaden your self-awareness and understanding 

Blackburne House, for example, offers a level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, an excellent beginner’s course focusing on real-life applications of counselling. Progressing to the level 3 diploma provides more profound knowledge, exploring theories alongside practical counselling skills.

Becoming a professional

To become a fully-fledged counsellor or psychotherapist, you should seek a course accredited by a recognised body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Some diplomas carry their accreditation and the BACP directory lists the degrees and doctorates that can get you admitted to the BACP accredited register. 

Liverpool John Moores University offers a BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Students can progress to a Master’s degree, a three-year part-time course. 

During the Master’s, students must enrol as student members of a Professional Standards Authority in Health and Social Care-approved counselling membership body. BACP is listed under counselling in their directory, along with others such as the National Counselling Psychotherapy Society. 

Media reports in 2024 exposed the inadequate regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists. So, before you spend your time and money, be sure any course you pay for won’t label you a ‘rogue therapist’. Indeed, tougher regulations are sure to follow, so beware of cheap online training courses that do not provide a recognised or professional qualification. 

The challenges

Professional training for a career in counselling is a big commitment. Recognised courses often expect you to complete up to 100 hours of supervised client placements. You may be expected to participate in personal therapy to enhance your self-awareness and emotional resilience. This is in addition to a structured course of study you will be expected to complete. 

Starting your career

As a skilled counsellor, you can work in private practice or within an NHS setting. Many educational establishments and employers provide counselling services. 

The job can be as fulfilling as it is diverse. Retraining for a second, or sometimes third, career in the modern age is common. Older people entering counselling and psychotherapy bring useful life experiences. 

Final thoughts

Counselling is an increasingly vital profession that enables clients to bring about meaningful change. Training as a counsellor could signal a great career move if you are motivated by personal experience, have a passion for helping others, or seek impactful work. Psychotherapy could lead you into child psychology, play therapy, or even life coaching.

Courses such as those offered by Blackburne House or BACP-accredited programmes will set you on the right path. When you’re ready to begin your counselling career or simply want to explore whether it’s the right fit for you, check out the local suppliers of accredited training.