BECOMING A COUNSELLOR

Confused about where to start?

Baffled by the regulations surrounding the counselling profession in the UK?

This is the best place to start - read on and realise your own pathway into counselling...

STEP ONE...KNOW THE REGULATIONS

If you're aiming to become a counsellor in the UK, navigating the path can initially seem unclear.

The main reason for this is the there is currently a lack of legal regulation for the title 'counsellor' in the UK. This absence means there's no formal training mandated by law, and unfortunately, some individuals practice without proper qualifications —a practice strongly discouraged by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) – who our Level 4 Diploma course is accredited by.

However, there are established standards for training in counselling recognised by prominent UK professional bodies like the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP).

Currently, the minimum requirement to join these bodies is successful completion of a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling (or its equivalent), although higher qualifications may be necessary for some professional memberships.

In 2012, the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) introduced Accredited Voluntary Registers, which endorse counsellors who meet specified standards of safe practice. These registers provide assurance to the public and employers regarding the qualifications and competence of listed counsellors.

To start your journey towards becoming a counsellor, your first step should be finding a training program that offers substantial training, culminating in supervised counselling placements.

Typically, this involves achieving at least a Level 4 Diploma (or its equivalent) or higher. Completion of such a program qualifies you to apply for membership on the PSA Register, marking you as a qualified counsellor according to recognised standards.

Our courses at NCCS comply with this requirement.

STEP TWO...RESEARCH COURSES

Should I be looking for an accredited diploma course?

When considering a diploma course in counselling, it's highly beneficial to choose an accredited program. At NCCS, for example, we offer a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Studies that is fully accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

Accreditation means that the course has been through a full assessment and inspection by the NCPS and that it meets their standards of ‘Training and Education for Accredited Courses’.

Accreditation ensures that the course meets specific standards set by the NCPS.

Here’s why opting for an accredited course is important:

✅ Professional Recognition: Completing an accredited course boosts your credibility and employability within the counselling and psychotherapy field. In some instances, it also makes it easier to obtain professional indemnity insurance, which is necessary for practicing counsellors.

✅ Regulatory Compliance: Accredited courses align with professional and ethical standards, ensuring that you are well-prepared for practice and ongoing development.

✅ Student Protection: You can be confident you're receiving a valuable education, steering clear of substandard programs that may lack proper oversight.

✅ Access to Professional Membership: Graduating from an accredited course opens doors to membership in respected professional bodies, offering resources, networking, and career support.

✅ Enhanced Professional Standards: By completing an accredited course, you're helping to maintain and elevate industry standards, ensuring clients receive competent, ethical care.

NCPS accreditation is a sign of a course that supports not only your success but also the integrity of the counselling profession.

STEP THREE...FIND YOUR PATH

What is the progression route for becoming a counsellor that enables registration with a PSA recognised professional membership body?

At NCCS this will involve courses that follow the course progression route

of the awarding body CPCAB.

You must complete the following steps:

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2)

90 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) delivered either in a classroom or through synchronous (live) online teaching.

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)

Another 90 GLH, also completed in a classroom or synchronous online format

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)

420 GLH (over 2 years) delivered either fully in a classroom or with a combination of 75%/25% - classroom/online - teaching.

If you have prior qualifications from other awarding bodies, NCCS can evaluate these to determine if they meet the required standards.

The key factors include:

Synchronous Learning

Prior courses should involve a comparable number of GLH and cover both theory and practical skills that have all been taught synchronously i.e. regular contact with a tutor where they teach in a live capacity

Level 3 and 4 Entry Requirements

To start at Level 3, you need at least 90 GLH of prior skills practice. To start at Level 4, you’ll need at least 180 GLH covering both skills and theory.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

Distance learning courses that don’t include live synchronous teaching or regular skills assessments, won’t be accepted as valid recognised prior learning.

Online courses must have involved live, synchronous teaching using platforms like Zoom to qualify for RPL.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NCCS received approval to deliver online courses with synchronous teaching.

Following this, the CPCAB and professional membership bodies now allow online training if it is live (not pre-recorded) and interactive.

Lastly, Psychology degrees alone are not considered recognised prior learning for counselling courses at NCCS.

For more specific guidance, contact NCCS directly to assess your eligibility for any course level.

YOUR COUNSELLING PATHWAY

Join us at NCCS to embark on a coherent pathway towards becoming a highly skilled counsellor.

LEVEL 2

Certificate in

Counselling Skills

Accredited by CPCAB

FIND OUT MORE

LEVEL 3

Certificate in Counselling Studies

Accredited by CPCAB

FIND OUT MORE

LEVEL 4

Diploma in

Therapeutic Counselling

Accredited by CPCAB & NCPS

FIND OUT MORE

Fancy hearing what some of our incredible students have to say about our courses?

Choose NCCS for comprehensive, well-rounded counselling training that prepares you to make a meaningful impact as a skilled, ethical counsellor.

NCCS offers a first-class pathway to becoming a highly skilled counsellor or enhancing your existing skills. Our part-time courses fit around busy lifestyles, providing a flexible yet comprehensive training experience.

To obtain further information:

email us - enquiries@northantscounsellingtraining.co.uk

or call - 07999 858630

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BECOMING A COUNSELLOR

STEP ONE...KNOW THE REGULATIONS

STEP TWO...RESEARCH COURSES

STEP THREE...FIND YOUR PATH

YOUR COUNSELLING PATHWAY