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Counselling Psychology

On this page:

• What do counselling psychologists do?
• How do I become a counselling psychologist?
• What is relevant experience and how do I get it?
• How much will I get paid?
• Where are jobs advertised?
• What if I'm a mature student?
• Where do I find out more?

What do counselling psychologists do?

What they do

Counselling psychologists are a relatively new breed of professional applied psychologists concerned with the integration of psychological theory and research with therapeutic practice. The practice of counselling psychology requires a high level of self-awareness and competence in relating the skills and knowledge of personal and interpersonal dynamics to the therapeutic context.

Key tasks include:

• Assessment, including assessment of mental health needs, risk assessment and psychometric testing.
• Formulation (i.e. a psychological explanation of the genesis and maintenance of the psychological problem)
• Planning and implementation of therapy
• Report writing and record keeping
• Evaluation of the outcome of therapy
• Supervision and training of other psychologists
• Multidisciplinary team work and team facilitation
• Service and organisational development
• Audit and evaluation
• Research and development
• Management of services

Where they work

Counselling psychologists work almost anywhere there are people. For instance counselling psychologists are currently employed in industry, commerce, the prison service and in all layers of education from primary school to university. About half of all counselling psychologists are employed to do clinical work in health and social care settings. Other career paths can be found in teaching and research for academic bodies. Counselling psychologists can also practise privately as organisational consultants.

Who they work with

Counselling psychologists may work directly with individuals, couples, families and groups, or act as consultants.

How do I become a counselling psychologist?

To become a Chartered Member of the Society through the counselling psychology training route, you will need the following qualifications:

1. Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC, previously known as GBR). This is achieved by completing a Society accredited degree or conversion course
2. Society accredited Doctorate in Counselling Psychology or the Society’s Qualification in Counselling Psychology
   

In order to use the title Counselling Psychologist, you will need to be registered with the Health Professional Council (HPC). This will involve completing a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent) that has been approved by the HPC. Please contact the HPC directly for more information on the entry requirements for their register.

What is relevant experience and how do I get it?

It is often an entry requirement of the counselling psychology courses to have completed a basic counselling skills course. For more information on where to find counselling skills courses, please contact the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

How much will I get paid?

In the NHS, pay scales for Applied Psychologists in Health and Social Care have been agreed nationally by the Department of Health in negotiation with the BPS/Amicus Joint Professional Liaison Committee. A fully qualified counselling psychologist will earn from £26,000 p.a. and the salary scale for senior consultant psychologists extends up to just under £70,000. Most NHS psychologists earn between £30,000 and £50,000. The same is true for the Prison Service, where the Home Office has nationally agreed pay scales. Psychologists working in private practice or in commerce and industry should expect to be remunerated at a comparable level to those employed in the public sector.

Where are jobs advertised?

There are good career prospects in the NHS and the Prison Service. There is a high level of demand throughout society for qualified counselling psychologists who can offer psychological therapies. The following shows the range of potential employers:

• NHS services
• Prison and Probationary Services
• Social Services
• Voluntary Organisations
• Employee Assistance Programmes
• Occupational Health Departments and Services
• Student Counselling Services

Assistant psychologist posts and qualified positions at all levels are advertised:

• In Psychologist Appointments, which is part of The Psychologist, the Society's monthly publication.
• In the National Press (e.g. The Times, The Guardian, The Independent)
• In specialist publications such as Health Service Journal, Department of Health website.

What if I'm a mature student?

Mature students often ask us if their age will prevent them from succeeding in a psychology career. You can find out more information under the Change of Career section.

Where do I find out more?

• Accredited Psychology Courses: Contact courses direct for more information about content, entry requirements, application procedure, etc.
• DCoP: the British Psychological Society's Division of Counselling Psychology. Access to publications, conferences, and special interest groups and chat rooms with membership.
• BACP: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Careers Articles: includes published work concerning the area of Counselling Psychology.
  
• Contact us: request form for further specific information.