What Qualifications Are Needed?

Before selecting a Counselling qualification it is worth considering your personal and vocational strengths, along with previous academic achievements. Many graduates end up following a career that has no reflection on their course of specialisation. Understanding that certain types of profession require a particular qualification will help you define your career choice more easily.

Before applying for a study course always research and carefully check the entry requirements. Some Counselling courses require that you complete a foundation or introductory course of study before embarking on more in-depth training. There may also be an age restriction, depending on the particular course you are interested in. Details of all the current counselling courses available will help you make an informed choice, and will provide you with all the information you will require about the course you are interested in studying.

Tools of the Trade

Qualifications are tools that help you to understand and do the work you have chosen to do, in the most effective and productive way. Counselling is made up of many specialist fields, so it is important that you select the correct course of study, that leads to the required qualification, in the field you would like to specialise in.

In order to select the ideal counselling course for you, take your time researching any relevant courses, career and occupational information and options available. Taking time to research, before embarking on a course of study, with ensure you select the ideal specialisation for your requirements.

At present in the UK however, no minimum qualifications are required to practise as a Counsellor.

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Degree or Diploma?

If you prefer to learn, with an emphasis on theoretical knowledge, and enjoy research and basic scientific methods, a degree would be the ideal choice for you. A degree will prepare you for a particular professional occupation, like that of a psychologist.

If your focus is on a more practical level, a diploma could be the best choice for you. Diplomas offer training for specific careers. If you are simply looking to improve your skills and knowledge, in a specific field or area of study, a certificate, or short learning course, is also worth considering.

If you already have a degree you may consider a Masters qualification. Some counselling courses however, may require that you complete an Introductory course in the relevant subject.

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Accreditation

Many employers, and clients, require that a counsellor is accredited. A professional qualification, and accreditation, that is recognised by a professional body like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) will stand you in good stead when researching career openings.

In-depth training courses will reward you with an accreditation certificate. This type of course usually requires at least one full year of study, or two to three years of part-time study. A period of supervised placement is also a requirement.

Further Qualifications

Once you have gained a Counselling accreditation you may decide that you would like to continue learning and developing your skills. Many specialist areas of counselling offer training to those professionals who already work in a relevant field. You can however, add a specialist qualification to training you have already gained on a substantial training course.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Counselling Approach Finder lets you describe what a client brings to you and find out which counselling approach is most evidence based for their situation. Try it now →