Talk Therapy
Thinking about a career in counselling or psychotherapy? Whether you're looking for a meaningful career change or starting fresh, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to become a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist in the UK.
Learn the difference between counselling and psychotherapy, explore accredited training routes, and find the right professional body to support your development.
What is talk therapy?
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counselling, is a form of mental health treatment where individuals talk with a trained professional about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to address and resolve issues.
It's essential that talk therapists learn the 9 core counselling skills so they are able to listen to and support clients without judgement or criticism.
The aim of talk therapy is to help people gain a better understanding of their feelings and thought processes, to find their own solutions to problems.
- Counselling often refers to short-term talk therapy, focussing on helping a person find solutions to current issues or challenges they are facing.
Psychotherapy is typically a more in-depth, long-term process that focuses on a person's feelings and past experiences and desire to achieve personal growth.
Training Pathways
In the UK, counselling and psychotherapy is not legally regulated, meaning anyone can technically call themselves a 'counsellor' or 'therapist' as they are not protected titles.
However, training to recognised professional standards is essential if you want to work safely and ethically with clients, join a reputable professional body, and find paid work.
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
BACP is the largest and most widely recognised professional body for counsellors in the UK, known for high standards, ethical frameworks, and accredited training routes.
BACP is a good choice for anyone starting their counselling journey (Level 2 – 4 and beyond), and those aiming to become a registered BACP member after qualifying.
Find out more about training >
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
UKCP is a respected regulator of psychotherapy training and practice, focused on longer, in-depth training (often at postgraduate level).
UKCP is a great choice for those interested in becoming a psychotherapist rather than a counsellor, with specialised training approaches like psychodynamic, integrative, or humanistic psychotherapy.
Find out more about training >
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
NCPS (formerly NCS) is a rapidly growing professional body also recognised by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). It offers a wide directory of accredited and quality-checked training providers.
NCPS is worth considering if are looking for flexible training options, or for those considering private practice, coaching, or blended work.
Find out more about training >
More resources
Accredited Registers
Find out more about the UK standards for non-regulated professionals to help you navigate your career path.
Membership Bodies
There are many UK membership bodies that support and guide counsellors and psychotherapists throughout their careers.
How-to guide
Find out what it takes to train, register, and become a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist in our handy career guide.