How to Become a Counsellor in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you considering a career in counselling? Becoming a counsellor is a fulfilling profession that allows you to support people through personal and emotional challenges. The process involves a combination of education, practical experience, and personal development. There are multiple ways to get there, including academic routes and vocational training.
At Renew, a counselling charity based in Essex, we can help you at every step of your counselling career. From training and placements to continuing professional development (CPD) and employment, we are a hub for professional growth.
Our courses, many delivered in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University are ideal for anyone living in Essex and the surrounding areas (such as Greater London, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Kent and further afield).
In this guide, we’ll outline the key steps, qualifications, and routes to becoming a counsellor in the UK.
What Does a Counsellor Do?
Counsellors provide a confidential and safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. They help clients work through issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and grief. Counsellors facilitate self-discovery and personal growth by employing active listening, empathy, and therapeutic techniques, rather than offering direct advice.
Is Counselling the Right Career for You?
Before starting on the path to becoming a counsellor, it’s important to assess whether this career aligns with your personality and values. Good counsellors are empathetic, patient, excellent listeners, and emotionally resilient. If you have a passion for helping others and a commitment to personal development, a career in counselling could be the right choice for you.
Steps to Becoming a Counsellor in the UK
1. Gain Self-Awareness and Experience
Counselling is as much about understanding yourself as it is about helping others. Many counsellors draw on personal experiences to better understand the emotional challenges of their clients. Volunteering or working in roles that involve listening and supporting others—such as in healthcare, social care, or education—can help you develop essential skills and decide if this career is for you.
2. Choose Your Path: Different Routes to Becoming a Counsellor
There are several ways to qualify as a counsellor in the UK. Here are the common routes:
Diploma in Counselling (Offered at Renew)
One of the most recognised qualification routes to becoming a counsellor is through a Diploma in Counselling, accredited by professional bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Renew offers a clear progression from introductory courses to a diploma in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University.
- Introduction to Counselling Skills (Level 2 or 3):
- This part-time course provides a basic understanding of what counselling involves. You will learn foundational skills like active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication.
- Renew offers a 12-week Introduction to Counselling course—an ideal first step.
- Duration: Typically 10–12 weeks.
- Certificate in Counselling Skills (Level 3):
- This course is designed to deepen your understanding of counselling skills, preparing you for more advanced training.
- Duration: 1 year, part-time.
- Diploma in Counselling (Level 4 or 5):
- This is the core qualification for becoming a professional counsellor. Our Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling, delivered part-time at Renew in partnership with ARU, provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience through placements arranged by our team.
- Duration: 4 years, part-time.
At Renew, we ensure students gain real-world experience during their studies by offering placement opportunities to work with real clients under supervision.
University Degree in Counselling or Related Subjects
For those interested in a more academic route, many UK universities offer degrees in Counselling or related subjects like Psychology with Counselling. These courses combine theoretical learning with practical placements.
- Renew’s partnership with ARU offers a BA (Top-Up) in Counselling for those who have completed prior qualifications. This one-year course provides both academic rigor and practical training, with a focus on counselling adults and an introduction to working with children and young people.
3. Register with a Professional Body
Once you’ve qualified, it’s important to become registered or accredited by a professional body. The leading bodies in the UK are:
- BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy): Requires 450 hours of supervised practice and completion of a Certificate of Proficiency.
- UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy): Primarily focused on psychotherapists but offers accreditation for counsellors.
- NCS (National Counselling Society): An alternative professional body offering accreditation and recognition.
4. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Counselling is a career that requires ongoing learning. At Renew, we offer a range of CPD courses to help counsellors develop and refine their skills. From workshops to specialised training, our CPD opportunities allow you to stay up-to-date with the latest therapeutic techniques and approaches.
5. Placements and Employment
Renew is proud to offer placement opportunities for trainee counsellors, giving you valuable real-life experience under supervision. Once you’ve completed your training, Renew also provides employment opportunities, making it a one-stop space for career development in counselling.
Key Skills for Counsellors
To excel as a counsellor, you’ll need to develop a range of skills, including:
- Active Listening: Listening without interrupting or judging.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of your clients.
- Non-Judgemental Attitude: Accepting clients’ thoughts and emotions without bias.
- Patience and Resilience: Emotional strength to handle challenging situations.
- Confidentiality: Ensuring clients’ privacy and ethical practice.
Why Choose Renew for Your Counselling Career?
At Renew, we are more than just a training provider. We’re a counselling charity based in Essex, and we are ideally located for students from London, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Kent, and the surrounding areas.
We combine over 120 years of history with a forward-looking approach, offering high-quality counselling and training programs in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to continue your professional development, Renew offers a supportive environment to help you succeed in your counselling career.
Want to know more?
Becoming a counsellor in the UK is a rewarding and meaningful career path. Whether you choose a diploma, university degree, or CPD courses, the journey requires dedication and continuous learning.
At Renew, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way, from foundational training to advanced qualifications and beyond.
Explore our range of courses and start your counselling journey today with Renew.
Our training team would love to chat to you! Contact our Training Coordinator & Student Adviser Michelle on michelleallen@renew-us.org or 01245 359353.
