How to Become a Counsellor
If you’re the kind of person people naturally open up to, the one friends call when life gets heavy, and you’ve found real value in listening rather than jumping in with advice, then counselling might already be on your radar. It’s a career that’s become increasingly relevant as more people seek support for their mental health, and it’s one that genuinely makes a difference.
But figuring out how to become a counsellor in the UK can feel like a bit of a maze. Do you need a degree? How much training is involved? And what does the day-to-day actually look like?
Let’s walk through the different routes into the profession, what the job involves, and what it’s like once you’re working in the field.
What does a counsellor actually do?
Forget the movie stereotypes. Counselling isn’t just nodding solemnly and asking, “How does that make you feel?” Counsellors offer people a space to talk through what they’re going through, whether that’s anxiety, grief, relationship issues, trauma, or just feeling stuck.
It’s not about fixing people. It’s about helping them understand their thoughts and feelings, explore options, and make sense of what they’re experiencing. Counsellors need to be excellent listeners, calm under pressure, and able to create a safe, non-judgemental environment.
It’s not always easy work. But it is incredibly meaningful.
Do you need a degree to become a counsellor?
Short answer: not necessarily. Longer answer: it depends on the route you take.
There are two main paths: academic and vocational. If you love the idea of uni life, you can study counselling or psychology at degree level. A BA or BSc in Counselling or a related field (like Psychology with Counselling) often includes practical placements and can lead directly into further training. Some courses even meet the requirements for core practitioner training – but double-check that before enrolling.
Not into the uni route? No problem. The vocational pathway is super popular, especially with people who want to work while they train or don’t have traditional academic qualifications.
You’d typically start with an Introduction to Counselling course (often part-time and short), followed by a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, then a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, and finally, the all-important Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. That diploma is generally the minimum needed to work as a professional counsellor.
If you already have a degree (in anything), you can also look into postgraduate diplomas or MScs in Counselling or Psychotherapy. These often include intensive practical training and are usually accredited by a professional body.
Speaking of professional bodies…
While the title ‘counsellor’ isn’t legally protected in the UK, most reputable employers and clients will expect you to be registered with a recognised professional organisation. Think of it as your badge of trust.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) are two of the biggest names. They set standards for training, ethics, and ongoing development. Choosing a course that’s accredited by one of these bodies is a smart move, it shows you’re serious and can save a lot of hassle later.
To join as a registered member, you’ll usually need to complete an accredited course with at least 100 hours of supervised placement (yep, real client work).
What kind of person makes a good counsellor?
This isn’t one of those careers where technical skills are enough. You could ace every exam and still struggle in the role if you’re not the right fit personally.
Great counsellors are:
Good listeners (obviously)
Empathetic but able to maintain boundaries
Calm under emotional pressure
Self-aware and reflective
Open-minded, non-judgemental, and ethical
You also need emotional resilience. Supporting other people through their darkest moments can be draining, so looking after your own mental health is part of the job.
And yep, you may even be required to have personal therapy as part of your training. It’s about understanding how your own stuff might show up when helping someone else with theirs.
What does the job market look like?
The demand for counselling services is growing, especially in schools, universities, GP surgeries, and online platforms. That said, it’s not always an easy job to break into full-time straight away.
A lot of counsellors start out with part-time roles or volunteer placements to build experience. Some join organisations like Samaritans, Relate, or Cruse Bereavement Support to get hands-on practice while training. Others go on to specialise in areas like addiction, trauma, or working with children.
With experience, you could:
Work for the NHS (often under their Talking Therapies service)
Join a school or university wellbeing team
Go into private practice (more on that below)
Train to become a supervisor, trainer or consultant
There’s no one fixed route, which can be exciting or a bit overwhelming, depending on how you like to plan your career.
Let’s talk about money
Nobody becomes a counsellor for the paycheque. But it’s still worth knowing what to expect.
Entry-level salaries tend to sit around £20k–£26k, especially in charities or schools.
NHS counsellors start at Band 5 (£28k+) and can progress to Band 7 (£43k+).
Private practice rates vary hugely, but sessions usually cost clients between £40–£80, sometimes more in big cities.
It’s worth noting that private practice means running your own business – so you’ll need to factor in things like insurance, room rental, marketing, and admin. It offers flexibility and autonomy, but it can take a while to build a steady client base.
So... how do you actually become a counsellor?
To summarise, here’s a typical journey:
Try it out – Take an Intro to Counselling course to see if it suits you.
Start your training – Move up through Levels 2 and 3, then the Level 4 Diploma (or take a uni/postgrad route).
Get experience – Do your 100+ hours of supervised placement. Volunteering helps too.
Register – Join a professional body like BACP or UKCP.
Keep learning – Continue your professional development. It never really stops.
Whether you go the academic or vocational route, the key to how to become a counsellor is staying committed, reflective, and open to growth.
It’s not the easiest job in the world, but it might just be one of the most impactful. If you’re the kind of person who genuinely cares about helping others feel seen, heard, and understood, this could be a perfect fit.
