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Understanding the Role of a Counsellor
Becoming a counsellor in the United Kingdom can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. If you're interested in pursuing a career in counselling, this practical guide will help you get started.
What Does a Counsellor do?
As Counsellor, you are a professional who provides counselling services to individuals or groups to help them address emotional, psychological, or personal issues. These issues can range from mental health concerns and emotional difficulties to relationship problems and life transitions. Counsellors play a crucial role by helping people better understand and manage their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours.
Different Types of Counselling
Counsellors work in diverse settings such as schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practice. They may specialise in various areas such as:
- Mental Health Counselling
- Marriage and Couples Counselling
- Substance Abuse Counselling
- Bereavement Counselling
- Career Counselling
- Educational Counselling
- Youth Counselling
How Much Does a Counsellor Earn?
Salaries vary depending on employer, location, and experience. Starting salaries tend to be around £20,000 to £26,000. More experienced counsellors earn around £30,000 and £40,000, but some specialist roles can be paid higher. Private practice counsellors typically charge between £40 and £80 for a 50-minute session.
Check out the most up-to-date job outlook and average salary for counsellors in the UK in our jobs and salaries section.
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Counsellors typically hold relevant qualifications and training.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)’s recommended route to becoming a counsellor involves the following educational and training steps:
1. Introduction to Counselling
Enrolling in an introductory course will help you determine whether a career in counselling aligns with your interests. These courses provide foundational counselling skills and offer an overview of the training process.
- Introduction to Counselling - QLS Level 2 Course
- Introduction to Counselling Level 2
- Introduction to Counselling QLS Level 2
2. Certificate in Counselling Skills
Getting certification in counselling skills will enable you to deeply explore the theories and ethics associated with the profession. This will help you develop self-awareness that will help you help others.
- Online Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- CPCAB Level 2 - Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Counselling Studies Certificate CPCAB NVQ Level 3
Practitioner Training equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a counsellor or psychotherapist. To meet the minimum BACP requirements, core training should result in a diploma in counselling or psychotherapy (but it can also extend to a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctorate).
The course should be at least one year if pursued full-time, or two years on a part-time basis with classroom-based instruction. Additionally, it should incorporate supervised placements of at least 100 hours, enabling you to gain practical experience working with clients within an organisation under supervision.
Find the right courses to fit your needs here:
Become a Skilled Counsellor with Comprehensive Counselling Courses
Looking for more Counselling courses? Our free search engine can help you find the best training course for you.
