What no one seems to tell you is how complex the route to becoming a qualified counsellor is. So we’re trying to make this simple. The example below is only related to the United Kingdom.

Either route A or B will get you to where you need to be. Degrees deemed worth more, but also costs around £25k more than the Diploma route. It is also worth noting that Degrees do not gain you any higher level of membership. Levels of membership have a number of factors applied to them. For more on membership criteria please click here.

A)  The Diploma Route

B) The Degree Route

The Degree route is simple, they teach you to write, a lot. So we’ve decided not to include a break down of this. Below is a break down of the Diploma route which can seem complex…

You need:

All training to be completed face to face (unless Covid restrictions apply)

Year 1 – Counselling Skills (90hrs)

Year 2 (Level 4, Part Time, Year 1) – Counselling Theory (90hrs)

Get Insured – Apply for Student Membership

Year 3 (Level 4, Part Time, Year 2) – Advanced Skills (90hrs) +100hrs Placement Hours

Apply for Qualified Counsellor Status (Associate member) + Upgrade Insurance

Upon gaining Qualified status, counsellors must complete 1.5 hours Supervision per month

(This concludes the basic level training and membership)

To gain further recognition counsellors must complete 450 hrs training in total (Not including +100hrs Placement) and complete a minimum of 3 years face to face client work (paid or unpaid) and complete 5 case studies to be Accredited. This then gains you potential employment with some organisations and companies. Accredited status seems to be the standard for Employer Assistance Programmes (EAP) and work within some schools. 

If you’re wanting to build a Private Practice the minimum standard is Associate Member status. However, it is a requirement that you pursue 30 hrs CPD’s (Continued Professional Development) annually to continue to be a member; and further training to gain higher Accredited status if you are a member of the ISPC.