Finding Paid Work as a Counsellor
Having the right qualifications does not guarantee you will walk straight into a paid counselling role. Competition for positions remains strong, partly because counselling attracts people from other caring professions who retrain later in their careers.
Many individuals from healthcare and educational backgrounds are increasingly interested in the potential for one to one therapeutic work. This steady flow of newly qualified practitioners means employers can afford to be selective.
That said, the range of settings where counsellors now work has grown considerably. The expansion of digital and remote counselling since the pandemic has created new employment routes, and understanding where to look can make a genuine difference to your search.
Describe what a client brings to you and find out which counselling approach is most evidence based for their situation.
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Paid counselling roles can be found across a variety of sectors. Some of the more common include:
- NHS services, including mental health trusts and primary care settings
- Educational settings such as schools, colleges and universities
- Workplace employee assistance programmes
- Charitable organisations and specialist support services
- GP surgeries and primary care networks
- Addiction and substance misuse services
- Bereavement support organisations
- Hospices and palliative care teams
- Youth work and young people's services
- Online and telephone counselling platforms
Note that NHS Talking Therapies roles often require specific training in modalities like CBT rather than general counselling qualifications. School counselling positions tend to be more regulated and usually require child protection training, with some employers expecting teaching experience.
Specialist areas like eating disorders, trauma and relationship counselling may require additional training or experience. Some employers will support you to develop these skills once in post, while others expect you to arrive with them.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Searching for Vacancies
Counselling jobs are advertised through several channels. The BACP and UKCP both have job boards on their websites. NHS roles appear on NHS Jobs, and local authority positions are usually listed on council websites. The NCS also lists vacancies, though their accreditation may carry less weight with some employers than BACP or UKCP registration.
General job sites like Indeed and Reed carry counselling vacancies, though you will need to filter carefully. Some agencies specialise in placing counsellors in short term or locum roles, which can be useful while you build experience.
Networking matters in this field. Many positions are filled through word of mouth or internal promotion. Staying connected with former tutors, placement supervisors and professional contacts can open doors that job boards alone will not. LinkedIn groups for UK counsellors and local BACP networks can help you stay informed about opportunities.
Voluntary experience often leads to paid work. Organisations like Mind, Cruse Bereavement Support and local counselling charities may offer sessional or part time contracts to volunteers who demonstrate reliability and skill.
Strengthening Your Position
Employers generally look for candidates whose training is accredited by a recognised body. BACP accreditation or UKCP registration will usually improve your prospects, though requirements vary. Some NHS therapy roles may require Health and Care Professions Council registration, particularly for positions with protected titles.
Continuing professional development helps too. Additional training in areas like CBT, person centred therapy or working with specific client groups can make your application stand out.
Keep your CV current and tailor it to each role. Highlight relevant placement hours, supervision arrangements and any specialist experience. A clear, well written application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
Be realistic about starting points. Many counsellors begin with part time or sessional work and build from there. Full time salaried positions exist but tend to attract significant interest. Patience and persistence are usually needed.
For information on NHS pay scales and working conditions, check the NHS Employers website or GOV.UK. Professional bodies like BACP also publish guidance on typical rates for private and agency work.
I am from Ghana, West Africa and ready to receive additional training for an effective counselling job.
I am currently doing my internship and ready to work as counsellor as per my background.
Thank you
During my working period I was able to stop a suicidal patient from committing suicide and able to convince a suicidal inpatient to change his suicidal thoughts and therefore discharge himself from the ward.
I am over 50 years old and have good talking skills and enjoys talking to people from different cast, colour and religion. I can converse with people who have difficult life situations and directing them to professional help before they take a decision that can destroy their life or lives of other people.
I want some to help me to get into Counselling as a profession.
Or would I need to have completed my license acquisition in the United States before I would be able to transfer the license to England?
Thank you!
I have some experience in counselling , I have been giving friends and family some advice.
I really want to help people who are in stress, problems and try to solve their problems.
I will be very grateful if someone can tell me how to get the job.
I've studied with Salford Uni for 3 years achieving a BSc 2.1 in Counselling, then went on to do a PG diploma but having struggles with passing my last essay, research proposal. I've passed everything else, seven years of study and got told whilst in my clinical placement I can already practice as a counselor with the Degree. However even applying for role such as a Trainee Psychological well being Practitioner within the NHS seems near to impossible as even I myself have 8 years experience in mental health with the NHS and two years of counselling in Healthy Minds. It just seems impossible to get a job unless you go it alone. I feel really unsupported. Especially as I fell behind with studies after a couple of personal tragedies. Any advice? My intention is to just re do the module in research methods. My final essay was literally writing a research proposal of what I will do in year 3 to get my MSc. Which i didn't want to do as I would have got my PG Dip and accreditation after year two. This one essay is ruining my life to be honest. I passed at the now required degree level this module but the course is all about module points.. Seems ethically wrong to me.
Thanks
SUBJECT THAT I'M DOING IS AGRICULTURE SCIENCE, MATHEMATICAL LITERACY, LIFE SCIENCES, GEOGRAPHY, ENGLISH, SETSWANA AND LIFE ORIENTATION
I REALLY WANNA BE AN COUSLLOR ONE DAY
PLEASE GET BACK TO BY SENDING AN SMS WHETHER I'M QUALIFYING OR NOT
THANK YOU
What would be the best area to specialise in?
Where can I look for employment.
In my own experience, it is incredibly hard to find paid work as a counsellor, even with the aforementioned. Most companies prefer to offer a volunteer post, be prepared to see this a lot.
Don't let this put you off! The rewards out-weigh any negative. When you help someone and you see the shift from bad to good, the feeling is magic.
If you want to be a counsellor, I would say start with an introduction course so you know what counselling is, and progress from there. You will know instantly if it's for you.
Regards
Gina
I'm currently waiting to start a level 4 diploma in therapeutic counselling in west yorkshire after completing L3. I work part time & volunteer at a women s centre. Is there anywhere that I could apply for a job as a counsellor at a basic pay while I am on the L4 course. Thankyou
Julie Mcdougall
I have no specific genre of work in mind, just working alongside similar minded helping folk.
Thanks for reading.
I would particularly very much like to find a role within a domestic violence unit as this is also an area in which I have deep heartfelt interest and some involvement in Housing cases previously too.
A part-time cousellling work experience placement where I could gain some practical experiential training would be welcome however from any organisation who may be able to help in Herts and/or Beds.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Annie
I am a qualified Counsellor with 12 years experience. I took a break for two years a and now I am looking at getting back in to counselling. I am looking for paid work or voluntary to get back into counselling. I am struggling due to financial year and so many cutbacks.
I have 8 years experience with couple therapy, also 12 years of integrative therapy.
I drive and live in the Lancashire area, so travelling would not be possible.
Please if someone can guide me I would appreciate some assistance.
NCFE are highly recognised qualification but would that be enough for me to become a counsellor? Thank you.
I am 21 and I have just completed a degree in Psychology and Counselling. I am just looking for some advice on what to do next, thank you.
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