Counselling is not a statutorily regulated profession, which means the title of ‘counsellor’ is not protected by law. This means that even an individual with minimal training can call themselves a ‘counsellor’. However, there are recognised benchmarks for practitioner training set by professional bodies and awarding organisations, which are associated with entry to practitioner registers and employment opportunities.
Generally, counsellors should complete the following stages of training:
- An introductory ‘taster’ course to introduce students to the basic ideas and skills behind counselling; and/or
- A certificate in counselling skills (typically Level 2 or 3) to introduce students to counselling theories and ethics, practical counselling skills and self-awareness; followed by
- A Level 4 Diploma in counselling to provide an in-depth study of counselling theory and ethics (with a minimum of 400 hours therapy training in a classroom setting), plus a supervised practice placement of typically 100 hours. Online self-study courses alone do not meet these requirements.
Professional body requirements may be higher
Major professional bodies, such as BACP, UKCP, and NCPS, each have their own training standards and core curriculum requirements. These typically include additional requirements such as:
- Personal therapy hours (requirements vary between organisations)
- Ongoing professional development
- Clinical supervision arrangements
- Adherence to specific ethical frameworks
Quality assurance through accredited registers
Since 2012, the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has maintained ‘Accredited Voluntary Registers’ to help the public and employers identify qualified practitioners. BACP, UKCP, and NCPS are all PSA-accredited, meaning counsellors on their registers have met rigorous standards for safe, effective practice.
Our commitment to quality training
At Adept Central, we deliver CPCAB-accredited courses, ensuring our training meets nationally recognised standards. CPCAB is a well-established awarding organisation whose qualifications are respected by employers and professional bodies alike, providing you with a solid foundation for your counselling career.
Our recommendation
Choose training providers who are recognised by established awarding bodies, such as CPCAB, and ensure your pathway aligns with the requirements of reputable professional bodies. This investment in quality training protects both you and your future clients whilst providing flexibility in your career choices.