What training do Counsellors and Psychotherapists need in the UK?

1/4/20253 min read

a group of people sitting in a room
a group of people sitting in a room

What Training Do Counsellors and Psychotherapists Need in the UK?

When you’re looking for a counsellor or psychotherapist, you might wonder what kind of training they’ve gone through to be able to support clients. Let’s break it down step by step in a clear and friendly way so you know what to expect.

The Basics: What’s Required to Practice?

In the UK, there’s no single, legally required qualification to practice as a counsellor or psychotherapist. However, most professionals undertake extensive training to ensure they’re equipped to help clients effectively and safely. Here’s a typical path:

Step 1: Introductory Courses

Most people start with an introductory course in counselling or psychotherapy. These short 10-week courses give a basic understanding of what therapy involves and help people decide if they want to pursue it as a career. They’re often available at local colleges or online as a Level 2 in Counselling Concepts.

Step 2: A Certificate in Counselling Skills

The next stage is to complete a year-long course which is a requirement for eligibility to progress to the 2 year diploma course to become a qualified counsellor. It involves counselling skills practice and assessed coursework on counselling theory and ethical practice. This can be offered as a Level 3 certificate at local colleges, or a HE/PG Cert at some universities.

Step 3: A Diploma or Degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy

The next step is completing a more in-depth qualification, which is where the real training begins. The two most common routes are:

- Diploma/Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling: Typically a two- to three-year course taken part-time. This is a hands-on qualification that includes plenty of practice with real clients under supervision.

- Degree/Masters in Counselling or Psychotherapy: A full-time university course that lasts three to four years. This offers a more academic approach alongside practical training.

Both options are designed to meet high professional standards and include core topics such as:

- Understanding mental health and emotional well-being.

- Developing therapeutic relationships.

- Learning different counselling approaches (e.g., person-centred, CBT, psychodynamic).

- Ethical and professional issues.

Step 4: Supervised Practice

Training doesn’t stop in the classroom. Aspiring therapists must gain practical experience by working with real clients under supervision. This usually involves:

- Completing 100-450 hours of client work as part of their training.

- Regularly meeting with a supervisor, who ensures they’re practising safely and ethically.

Supervised practice helps trainees develop their skills and reflect on their work in a supportive environment.

Step 5: Accreditation

While it’s not mandatory to be accredited, many counsellors and psychotherapists aim for accreditation with professional bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). To achieve this, they need to:

- Complete a recognised training programme.

- Accumulate substantial experience (e.g., 450 supervised client hours for BACP accreditation).

- Demonstrate their commitment to ethical practice and ongoing professional development.

Accreditation acts as a mark of quality and reassures clients that their therapist has met high standards.

Step 6: Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Learning doesn’t stop once a counsellor qualifies. In fact, part of being a good therapist is continuously updating your skills and knowledge. Therapists regularly attend workshops, courses, and training on new techniques or areas of interest, such as trauma, addiction, or mindfulness.

What About Specialist Training?

Some therapists choose to specialise in areas like child counselling, couples therapy, or working with trauma survivors. These areas often require additional qualifications or certifications. For example:

- Child and Adolescent Therapy: Requires specific training in working with young people.

- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Involves specialist courses focused on CBT techniques.

- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Covers approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).

How Can You Check a Therapist’s Training?

It’s always okay to ask a therapist about their qualifications and training. Many list their credentials on their websites or profiles. Look for membership or accreditation with professional bodies like the BACP, UKCP or NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society).

Conclusion

Training to become a counsellor or psychotherapist in the UK is a thorough process that combines academic learning, practical experience, and a commitment to ongoing development. While the path may vary slightly depending on the therapist’s approach and specialism, you can rest assured that qualified professionals have worked hard to build the skills needed to support you.

So, when you choose a counsellor or psychotherapist, you’re not just picking someone to talk to—you’re connecting with someone who’s dedicated years to learning how to help people feel heard, understood, and supported.