Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to become a counsellor
Help people work through the challenges in their lives and make positive changes.
What is a counsellor?
Counsellors work with clients to explore their beliefs and behaviours so they can overcome difficulties in their lives and move forward with confidence.
How do I become a counsellor?
To practice as a counsellor it’s a good idea to complete a course accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), National Counselling Society (NCS) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
You could train after completing a degree course, although you may be able to start without a degree. Relevant degree subjects could include:
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Education
The BACP suggests the following route into counselling:
- Introduction to counselling – An 8-12 week course covering the basics of counselling at an FE college or an adult education centre. A good way to find out if counselling’s for you
- Certificate in counselling skills – Developing your counselling skills and a deeper understanding of the practice, usually one year part-time at an FE college
- Core practitioner training – Finalising the skills and experience you’ll need to work as a counsellor. To begin, you’ll need a Level 4 Diploma or a foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Courses typically run for one year full time or two years part-time and include at least 100 hours of supervised placements
What would I do as a counsellor?
As a counsellor, you'll provide the time and space your clients need to talk about difficulties in their lives and guide them towards a positive outcome.
As a counsellor you’ll encourage your clients to talk about particular problems and listen with empathy and respect. You’ll offer guidance as they explore their feelings, behaviours and beliefs and help them discover ways to make changes and move forward with their lives.
Among the challenges you’ll help your clients with are:
- Divorce or relationship problems
- Loss or bereavement
- Illness
- Unemployment or job uncertainty
- Anxiety
- Alcoholism or addiction
Your responsibilities will include:
- Running one-on-one sessions with your clients and encouraging them to talk about their problems.
- Listening and empathising with your clients’ issues and concerns
- Building a relationship with your clients, based on trust and respect
- Accepting your clients’ beliefs and behaviours without judgement
- Helping them understand the choices open to them and encouraging them to make positive decisions to improve their situation
- Recording your clients’ progress
- Liaising with other organisations involved in the wellbeing of your clients – GPs, hospitals, community health teams
- Keeping up with the latest developments in counselling practice
Becoming a counsellor could be for you if...
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You want to make a difference
You’ll typically be helping people to come through difficult periods in their lives.
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You make a connection
You’ll quickly need to build a rapport with your clients and they’ll need to trust you with their confidences.
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You're open-minded
You accept the confidences your clients share with you, even if they’re at odds with your own beliefs.
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You have emotional resilience
You are comfortable talking about often very personal aspects of your clients’ lives.
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You stay positive
You maintain a positive outlook and a firm belief in people’s ability to change their lives.
What are the typical working hours for a counsellor?
Working hours are typically 09:00 to 17:00, although you may have to work outside these times to accommodate your clients.
Starting salaries for counsellors can be in the region of £20,000 to £26,000. With experience, counsellors can earn between £30,000 and £40,000. Some specialist counsellors can make more than this.
Counsellors working in the NHS usually receive Agenda for Change pay rates with salaries offered across Band 5, 6 or 7 depending on qualifications and experience.
Counsellors who work in private practices typically charge clients per session and the rates for a 50-minute session can be between £40 and £80.
