How to become a counsellor in the UK

What does a counsellor do?

The role of a counsellor is to help people understand themselves better, navigate mental health issues and unpack any challenges they may be experiencing. Counsellors do this by providing a safe space for people to talk and by using various talk therapies. 

Day-to-day, you may work with people dealing with different concerns, including:

• stress and anxiety
• bereavement
• relationship issues
• work-related problems
• low self-esteem

Counsellors work in different settings, including for the NHS, within educational institutions and in private practice. Where you practice will depend on your preferences and the types of clients you want to work with.

As a counsellor, you can choose how you work with people too, whether that be individual counselling, group therapy, family counselling or couples work. You may want to specialise to support particular demographics too, such as children and young people.

What qualifications do you need to become a counsellor?

Getting the right training and qualifications is essential for becoming a confident counsellor. This helps you gain the knowledge and understanding needed to support others. 

The role of a counsellor is not currently regulated by law, which means there is no specific qualification needed to practice. It is, however, recommended that you do a practitioner training course that includes both theoretical and practical elements. 

Several professional bodies voluntarily regulate the industry. To register with them, they will require proof of your training. This could be at a diploma, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate level.

Learn more on our dedicated qualifications page.

What is continued professional development?

After you have completed your training, it is helpful to continue your learning. Continued professional development (CPD) involves courses, workshops and training sessions that further your learning in certain subjects.

You can choose which subjects to learn more about, following your curiosity and the topics you want to work with. Many professional bodies ask that members regularly undertake CPD as a requirement, often along with clinical supervision.

Find counselling CPD opportunities in our events section, and use our supervisor search to find a supervisor that’s right for you.

Potential earnings as a counsellor

The salary you can earn as a counsellor will depend on several factors, including the setting you work in, your location, your experience and the demand for your services. 

According to the National Career Service, counsellors can earn between £24,000 and £46,000 each year. Of course, if you work in private practice, you will be able to set your rates and this number can then vary. 

Steps to become a counsellor

Feeling ready to start your career in counselling? Here are the steps you’ll need to take.

Take an introductory course

An introductory course in counselling skills is a great way to get the fundamentals under your belt. You will learn key parts of the counselling process and get an overview of the profession. This foundational knowledge is something you can then build on, to start practicing as a counsellor.

Gain a qualification in counselling

Once you have completed your introductory training, you can look at qualifications in counselling that meet the industry standard. There are lots to choose from, but if you want to register with a professional body, you may need to check which qualifications they accept. Some professional bodies, like the BACP, have a list of accredited courses to help you choose.

Complete practical training

Hands-on, practical experience with clients is a key part of counsellor training. Done with the appropriate supervision, this can be completed through certain courses and/or placements. 

It’s recommended that you get at least 400 hours of supervised client experience as part of your practical training.

Register with a professional body

Registration with a professional body is not legally required, but it is an excellent way to stay up-to-date with the industry, connect with other professionals and showcase your dedication to high standards of care. 

Becoming a member of a professional body means you are bound by their code of ethics and complaints procedure. This all gives clients peace of mind when working with you.

Learn more about what counselling professional bodies are available in the UK and what they do for the industry.

Market your services

By this point you should be feeling ready to start working with clients and advertising your services. 

If you are working in private practice, you’ll need to set up your business and ensure you have all the legal steps carried out (including gaining professional indemnity insurance). 

When it comes to marketing your services, there are several routes you can take, such as:

• setting up your own website
• advertising on an online directory
• creating social media platforms
• sharing content (videos, articles, podcasts.) that showcase your authority and expertise
• speaking at relevant events
• using press and media opportunities to get your name out there

Marketing yourself as a counsellor is all about building a bridge between those in need with the right support. You don’t have to build that bridge alone; if you join Counselling Directory, as well as an online directory listing, you get marketing support, space to publish articles and even CPD and networking opportunities. 

Find out more about joining us.