What is Counselling and Psychotherapy?

Counsellors and psychotherapists are trained professionals who use talk therapy to help clients express their feelings and emotions.

Both routes offer rewarding careers where you can support people through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or personal change. The terms are often used interchangeably:

• Counselling usually refers to short- to medium-term support, often focused on current issues.
• Psychotherapy tends to involve longer-term work, exploring deeper emotional patterns and past experiences.

Whatever the label, both require professional training, supervision, and commitment to ethical practice.

Related read : 9 core counselling skills

Step-by-step guide to become a registered counsellor or psychotherapist

Step 1: Try an Introductory Course

The first step for many people is a Level 1 introduction to counselling or psychotherapy course. These short programmes (typically 8–12 weeks, part-time) give you a taste of what the work involves. You’ll practise basic listening skills, learn about the nature of counselling relationships, and reflect on whether the profession feels like a good fit for you.

Typical cost: £200–£500, depending on provider and location.

Step 2: Take a Certificate in Counselling Skills

The next step is usually the Level 2 and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills, each taking around six months to a year part-time. You’ll develop stronger practical skills, explore ethical frameworks, and build self-awareness; essential qualities for anyone considering a counselling or psychotherapy career.

Typical cost: £600–£1,500 per level, depending on the provider and whether the course is in-person or blended.

Step 3: Complete Core Practitioner Training

To practise professionally in the UK, you’ll need a Level 4 or higher qualification, such as a diploma, degree, or master’s in counselling or psychotherapy. This usually takes two to three years to complete and includes 100+ hours of supervised client work and personal therapy.

Completing training at this level allows you to register with professional bodies such as BACP, UKCP, or NCPS, and you can join as a student member during your training for support and guidance.

Typical cost: £3,000–£6,000 for a diploma; degree or postgraduate training can be higher.

Step 4: Join a Professional Body

Once qualified, it's recommended that counsellors and psychotherapists apply for membership with a recognised professional body. Becoming a Registered Member or Accredited Practitioner helps establish credibility, provides access to ethical frameworks, and reassures clients and employers that you are trained, supervised, and practising safely.

Typical cost: Membership fees range from £100–£300 per year, depending on the organisation and membership level.

Related Read: What are the regulations for UK mental health practitioners?

Step 5: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Supervision

Once your training is complete, the journey isn't over. Ongoing learning is essential. Counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK are expected to engage in continuing professional development (CPD), maintain regular clinical supervision, and commit to reflective practice. This ensures you stay competent, up to date with new approaches, and able to provide safe, effective support.

Typical cost: CPD courses or workshops range from £50–£500 per session; supervision usually costs £40–£60 per hour.

Where do counsellors and psychotherapists work?

Counsellors and psychotherapists have diverse employment opportunities across various sectors. Here are some of the most common workplaces:

• NHS & Public Health: Many counsellors and therapists work within the NHS, offering services in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
• Private Practice: Establishing a private practice allows for greater autonomy and offers the opportunity to select your own clients.
• Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities employ counsellors to support students' mental health and wellbeing.
• Charities & Voluntary Organisations: Numerous charities offer counselling services, providing support in areas like addiction, bereavement, and domestic violence.
• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Some therapists work within companies, offering confidential support to employees, usually via telephone or online counselling.
• Online Therapy Platforms: With the rise of digital health services, many therapists now provide online counselling, expanding their reach.

Related read: Top Counsellor and Psychotherapy jobs with salaries

Final Thought

Is Counselling or Psychotherapy the right career for you?

Training as a counsellor or psychotherapist is a significant commitment of time, energy, and money. Most people take at least three to five years to qualify, often studying part-time alongside other work. It’s a journey that requires personal resilience and a willingness to explore your own experiences as part of the process.

But if you feel drawn to supporting others, and you’re prepared for the challenges as well as the rewards, it can be an incredibly meaningful career.

Choosing a career in counselling or psychotherapy can be an incredibly rewarding path for a variety of compelling reasons.