How to become a counselling psychologist
Are you someone who wants to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives? As a counselling psychologist, you could play a major part in helping clients through emotionally challenging situations.
Becoming a counselling psychologist means undertaking both academic and professional training. You’ll learn how to employ popular therapeutic tactics, like person-centred therapy and CBT, while gaining valuable experience with clients of your own.
If you’re someone who wants to use their communication skills to aid others, learn how to become a counselling psychologist with Distance Learning Centre.
What does a counselling psychologist do?
Counselling psychologists are mental health professionals who are trained to work with clients facing mental health challenges. They use therapeutic methods to address issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosis
Their responsibilities, though often broad, can include:
- Conducting assessments to understand clients' needs
- Formulating psychological explanations for clients' issues by exploring their experiences, behaviours, and relationships
- Planning psychological treatment
Counselling psychologists operate in a range of settings, such as hospitals, health centres, private practice, educational institutions, and within organisations (however, this is not an exhaustive list).
They often work as part of multidisciplinary teams alongside other health professionals but can also work alone (or operate a private practice).
How do I become a counselling psychologist?
Learning how to become a counselling psychologist doesn’t mean following one strict pathway. There are multiple ways to become a counsellor, and the qualifications you choose may depend on your specific career goals.
1. Psychology degree (accredited by the British Psychological Society)
Begin with an undergraduate degree in psychology that is accredited by the BPS. A BPS accreditation means you will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), a prerequisite for further training in psychology professions.
You can verify a programme's accreditation status through the BPS website.
2. Relevant experience
Acquire practical experience in settings that address mental health issues: this can include roles in mental health services, social work, or volunteer positions supporting individuals with psychological needs.
3. Basic counselling skills courses (QLS)
Enrolling in introductory counselling skills courses can be beneficial. These courses, offered by further education providers like Distance Learning Centre, can give students foundational skills in active listening and communication.
Our counselling courses include an ‘Introduction to Counselling’ (QLS Level 2) for those who are just starting their journey.
More advanced courses, like our Counselling & Psychotherapy QLS Level 4 Course, can give learners a more thorough grounding in the skills required of a counselling psychologist.
4. Postgraduate qualifications in Counselling Psychology
After securing GBC and relevant experience, apply for a BPS-accredited Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
These doctoral programmes typically span three years and combine academic coursework with supervised clinical practice, requiring at least 450 hours of supervised practice.
Alternatively, the BPS offers the Qualification in Counselling Psychology (QCoP), an independent route to training as a counselling psychologist.
How much can I earn?
As with most career paths, counselling psychologists' earnings vary based on experience, qualifications, and work setting.
Trainee counselling psychologists in the NHS typically start on Band 6 of the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scale, with salaries ranging from £35,392 to £42,618. Upon qualification, salaries increase to Band 7, ranging from £43,742 to £50,056.
With further experience, senior roles can command salaries between £50,952 and £57,349 (Band 8a). Those in principle or consultant positions may earn between £70,417 and £96,376 (Bands 8c to 8d).
In private practice, earnings can vary significantly. Counsellors typically charge between £40 and £80 for a 50-minute session.
Where can a career as a counselling psychologist take you?
Qualified counselling psychologists can hold positions across the field of health and social care.
They may work in the NHS, private hospitals, health centres or GP surgeries. Counselling psychologists may also find roles in educational institutions. Some counsellors could choose to engage in research or teaching within academic settings.
Start your counselling journey with Distance Learning Centre!
If you’re unsure about pursuing a career in psychotherapy, why not take one of our counselling courses?
At Distance Learning Centre, we offer both introductory and advanced qualifications for students of all abilities. Students with specific interests can hone their niche with our online QLS qualifications.
Do you aim to work specifically with children? Our Level 3 QLS course in counselling children and adolescents will teach you the skills to counsel young people in day-to-day environments.
If you’re more interested in helping those with substance abuse issues, our drug and alcohol Level 3 QLS qualification can teach you more about the principles of drug and alcohol misuse.
Learn how to become a counselling psychologist today with Distance Learning Centre, your trusted supplier of self-study courses in the UK.
