How to become a counsellor

What qualifications do I need to become a counsellor?

While there’s a common misconception that anyone can become a counsellor without specific qualifications, most reputable employers and ethical bodies in the UK expect counsellors to have undergone accredited training. To gain professional accreditation and be listed on registers like the Professional Standards Authority’s counselling register or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), you’ll need to meet stringent criteria relating to your training, practical experience, and ethical standards.

Educational paths can vary, but many individuals start with courses that award a Certificate or Diploma in Counselling before progressing to degree-level studies in counselling or psychotherapy. While academic qualifications may not be a strict prerequisite, they are highly recommended for providing clients with a reliable and beneficial service.

What skills are needed for a career as a counsellor?

Counsellors are usually warm, empathetic and interested individuals keen to offer support to those who have suffered personal struggles. Beyond academic qualifications, successful counsellors typically possess a unique blend of skills and qualities. To excel in this career, you should have:

• The ability to listen patiently, not interrupt and encourage others to speak.
• To calm the nerves of people visiting you and help them feel confident enough to open up.
• Excellent administration skills and the ability to record notes from all meetings to compile reports.
• The ability to work in a non-judgemental and impartial way.
• The ability to recognise what influence you might have on other people.
• The ability to calmly make suggestions without coercing others.
• Excellent time management skills.

What will my day look like if I become a counsellor?

Working as a counsellor can be an emotionally challenging job. You are likely to spend the bulk of your time listening to other people and hearing difficult and complex stories. You might work for the NHS, a private facility, for yourself or another agency, and you will be expected to adhere to their practices and regulations.

Some of the likely day-to-day tasks for a counsellor would include:

• Building professional relationships with clients.
• Explaining the counselling process and services offered to clients.
• Writing reports following a counselling session.
• Undertaking training to ensure that skills and practices are up to date.
• Patiently listening to clients and being empathetic but challenging ideas gently to encourage clients to think differently.
• Liaising with supervisors and undergoing personal therapy, which is needed for accreditation.
• Making future plans with clients for further sessions.

How much can I earn if I become a counsellor?

A counsellor will earn a salary that reflects their experience, working hours, location and area of specialisation. New counsellors can expect to earn around £28,000. Those with some experience are likely to earn in the region of £35,000, and those with a high level of experience can earn more than £45,000 annually.

The rates charged by private counsellors will depend on the services offered, experience and location. The prices charged per counselling session can range considerably. The British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP) state that the £40 to £50 per session is the average cost in the UK. However, it is not uncommon for in-person sessions with experienced counsellors to cost more than £80 per session.

Career path and professional development of a counsellor

Counselling is a highly competitive career, particularly for those looking to be employed on a full-time basis. Advancement often requires considerable work experience and a focus on continuous professional development. You may choose to specialise in areas like mental health, substance abuse, or relationship counselling. Managerial roles or training positions may also be an option as you gain more experience.

With experience, you could even start your own counselling or psychotherapy practice. You could specialise in providing counselling services to people with mental health issues, professional problems at work, drug and alcohol addictions or relationship troubles.

Working hours for a career in counselling and psychotherapy

The working hours that you will follow as a counsellor will depend on the employer that you work for and the needs of your clients. In most full-time counselling positions, you will work a standard 9-5 on weekdays only. Most of your working week will be spent listening to clients in sessions, and the remaining time will be spent maintaining client records. You might meet clients at your workplace, at their homes or in external areas such as schools, colleges, surgeries or hospitals.

Some counsellors will also work over the telephone via video calls or email consultations. This might mean that they work in the evenings or at the weekend.

Private counsellors will usually set their own hours and may vary their working hours to meet the needs of the clients they are working with at that time.