Counselling psychologists work with people who experience a range of psychological difficulties in physical and mental health. This includes anxiety, depression and adjusting to and managing long term physical health conditions, as well as other specialist areas like substance misuse, eating disorders, psychosis, complex trauma, self-harm, attachment relationship issues.
Counselling Psychologists are trained in at least three major theoretical approaches to psychological therapy models, commonly including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and person-centred therapy with competency in utilising these. They consider how people relate, how they think and behave, their experiences of the world and how they make meaning from this. This will include exploring people’s social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and physical health experiences. A Counselling Psychologist’s primary focus is on understanding individual and contextual factors (both difficulties and strengths) that helps inform a collaborative psychological formulation. They use psychometric assessments along with their training in psychological therapy approaches to discover a way forward in the best interest of the individual or group.
The quality of relationships is central to counselling psychology, especially regarding the therapeutic relationship and relationships in a person’s social world. To enhance the effectiveness of the therapeutic alliance, counselling psychologists are encouraged to develop greater self-awareness and critically reflect on the use of self. As part of counselling psychology training and continued professional development, counselling psychologists engage in personal therapy as a client.
Counselling Psychologists also engage with research facilitating the development of psychological and psychotherapeutic theory, plus evidence-based practice. They teach, mentor, supervise a range of professional groups, provide clinical leadership to multi-disciplinary teams, and engage in service development, audit, and evaluation.
Counselling psychologists will usually have completed an undergraduate degree or master’s degree in psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to confer the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (usually 2:1 or higher).
This will be followed by further training and some experience of face-to-face work with adults or children. Finally, counselling psychologists complete a BPS accredited practitioner doctoral degree in counselling psychology at a university, or the qualification in counselling psychology which is awarded by the BPS. Both of these pathways lead to eligibility to register with HCPC using the protected title of Counselling Psychologist and Chartership with the BPS.
The courses require supervised therapy practice of a minimum of 450 hours over three or more years in a variety of settings. Trainees are required to receive personal therapy during training.
Entry Requirements to Train for this Role
Qualifications
You will need to have an undergraduate degree in psychology, or an undergraduate degree in a different subject followed by a master's level psychology conversion course. Your psychology degree or conversion course must be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and lead to the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS.
Experience
Excellent interpersonal skills are essential. Some experience of face to face 1-1 and/or group therapy work with adults and/or children.
Salary Expectations
Qualified counselling psychologists are employed at Band 7 on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales. Progression to a higher band requires further specialisation, as well as additional management and leadership responsibilities.
Future Career Options
As a counselling psychologist you may have opportunities to progress into roles where you supervise and lead other psychological professionals or multi-professional clinical teams. You may also be able to progress into training others and doing research. Some counselling psychologists go on to work at senior level leadership positions.
Counselling Psychologists can go on to become Clinical Neuropsychologists following the completion of further training in Clinical Neuropsychology. Clinical Neuropsychology addresses the links between brain dysfunction or acquired brain injury and corresponding changes in thinking, feeling and behaviour. Clinical Neuropsychology applies this knowledge and corresponding skills to the assessment, formulation, and treatment of people with brain injuries and other neurological conditions. For more information about Clinical Neuropsychology, please visit the British Psychological Society’s Division of Neuropsychology (DoN) at https://www.bps.org.uk/member-microsites/division-neuropsychology.
Registering or Accrediting Body
In order to practice as a clinical psychologist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Professional Organisation
Whilst in training it is recommended you become an in-training member of the BPS Division of Counselling Psychology. Once you qualify, you can apply for chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and become a full member of the BPS Division of Counselling Psychology (DCoP).
