The Cost of Training to be a Counsellor

In the UK accreditation provides direct access to registration as an independent counsellor. Many employers require that a counselling student gains an accreditation before employing the individual. The cost of doing so, however, can become very expensive so it is worth researching courses and costs before thinking ahead.

Hundreds and Thousands

Besides the hundreds of hours of coursework and counselling practice a student has to do, in order to gain an accredited counselling qualification, the cost of course fees may be around £2000 for each of two years. Additional, complementary, counselling skills will top up the cost of learning even further. Add on course reference materials and other sundry expenses and a student will be requiring a hefty loan.

Grants are not particularly easy to come by as the Local Education Authority is generally only prepared to fund Degree level courses. Students could consider asking an employer or local charity to provide assistance with the course fees. The Directory of Charities lists all national charities and a copy can be found in local libraries.

Timely Costing's

The financial cost of training to be a counsellor is not the only expense. A commitment to studying is also a vital consideration. A Counselling Diploma course will require weekly attendance of around 6-7 hours, and a considerable amount of extra time spent covering coursework assignments and reading the additional relevant course materials. Practice supervision, outside of the normal study hours, may also be required.

A two-year Diploma in Counselling may also provide the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge on a weekend residential course, which will bump up the course fees by around another £100 or so.

Potential Funding Sources

Students unable to comfortably fund all of their counselling training may consider an alternative way to pay the course fees. Access, or hardship, loans are available from a variety of training organisations. Sponsorships and scholarships can be awarded by industrial organisations or the Government, and bursaries are also available from local councils or selected colleges.

Your local high street bank also offers a Career Development Loan which can be used to cover the cost of study. If you are a parent, or are disabled, you may also be able to claim additional income support.

Online Courses

Distance Learning Counselling courses not only provide a convenient method of studying, around a student’s other commitments, but also offer a more cost-effective way of learning. Online course fees offer a sizeable reduction in cost, in comparison to a standard college course. One-day Introductory courses, which supplement other Counselling Skills courses, are also an affordable learning option.

Payment Plans – where the cost of the Counselling Skills Course is paid for over a pre-agreed period of time – provides a sensible way of managing your money whilst studying, and can be budgeted for with ease.

Hidden Extras

Some training specialists may require students to pay an annual membership fee, plus the cost of course application and approval procedure. It is therefore recommended that all potential students thoroughly research all Diploma and Degree courses, and course providers, before committing to a particular course of study.