{"id":26989,"date":"2021-04-23T16:37:30","date_gmt":"2021-04-23T15:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=26989"},"modified":"2021-04-23T16:37:32","modified_gmt":"2021-04-23T15:37:32","slug":"how-to-become-a-counsellor-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/cbt-counselling-and-psychotherapy\/how-to-become-a-counsellor-3\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a Counsellor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A counsellor are trained professionally in talking therapies designed to help support people through various challenges. Statistics show that more people than ever before are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.counselling-directory.org.uk\/talk-therapy-stats.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">visiting their GP<\/a> with mental health related concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s definitely a step in the right direction to see people feeling more comfortable discussing their mental health. However, the current services provided can\u2019t accommodate everyone. Therefore, the demand for counsellors is high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming a counsellor means you\u2019ll be able to guide anyone struggling with their mental health. Helping them work through negative thoughts and behaviours or accept past experiences. Which can have a huge impact in their overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this is the career you\u2019re interested in then it requires further study to become fully qualified. However, it\u2019s a career that is open to anyone no matter their life experience or previous academic record. Which means you\u2019re able to take your first steps towards becoming a counsellor at any stage in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover the different routes to becoming a fully qualified counsellor below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Become a counsellor through University<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can become a counsellor through university. Although attending university isn\u2019t necessary. You will have to register as a member of a professional body such as the BACP, UKCP or NCS. These professional bodies require you to be educated to foundation degree\/diploma level minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, it\u2019s common for many aspiring counsellors to study at university in counselling related subjects. Here you will learn about the core elements of counselling in depth. Some courses may even have practical placements for hands-on learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The courses that are usually studied are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Psychology<\/li><li>Psychology with Counselling<\/li><li>Criminology<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other types of counselling roles may require clinical qualifications. For example, becoming a registered nurse, occupational therapist or social worker. Others like a genomic counsellor requires a more science-based academic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re considering university but lack the A Levels to meet entry requirements there are other options. An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised equivalent to A Level study. They can be worth between 48 to 144 UCAS points ensuring you meet university entry requirements. And designed to give you highly relevant knowledge for your desired degree course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through an Access to HE Diploma you could study psychology and criminology, psychology and sociology, health and social care and social work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By studying a college course<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-1-1024x413.png\" alt=\"SAC - how to become a counsellor - By studying a college course\" class=\"wp-image-26995\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-1-1024x413.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-1-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-1-768x309.png 768w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-1-1536x619.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-1-2048x825.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although university is a common route, it\u2019s not the only one available. You\u2019re able to study counselling through a college course if you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Studying a college course will deepen your understanding of counselling and the benefits of it. However, not all qualifications ensure you\u2019re able to practice as a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A three-stage approach is recommended for those who are considering this route. The stages increase in depth as you progress so you\u2019re continuously building on your knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stage 1: Introduction to counselling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An introduction to counselling gives you insight into what the career entails. You\u2019ll then be able to make an educated decision on what area or specialism interests you. Plus, you\u2019ll also gain basic counselling skills without committing to years of study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Courses at this level could be\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/counselling-children-and-adolescents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Counselling Children<\/a> <\/strong>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/drug-solvent-and-alcohol-abuse-counselling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Adolescents<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Drug, Solvent &amp;<u> <\/u>Alcohol Abuse Counselling<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/dysfunctional-family-counselling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Dysfunctional Family Counselling<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stage 2: Diploma\/Certificate in counselling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Following on from stage 1 would be to study a recognised counselling diploma or certificate. This will build on the skills you have already established. As well as covering counselling theories and ethics in more depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Courses you could study include<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/mental-health-and-counselling-level-3-diploma-rqf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">\u00a0<strong>Mental Health and Counselling Level 3 Diploma<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/counselling-skills-qcf-level-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These courses alone won\u2019t qualify you as a counsellor. However, they are essential to meet entry requirements for the next level of study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stage 3: Core practitioner training of a counsellor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Core practitioner training needs to be at least level 4 study in counselling or psychotherapy. The course will usually last around one year and include theory and practical learning. As well as a supervised placement of at least 100 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This gives you the hands-on experience to demonstrate your ability as a counsellor. And learn first-hand from leading industry professionals. Throughout the course, you\u2019ll advance your knowledge of counselling to meet international standards of quality and competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon completion of this qualification you\u2019ll be able to practice lawfully as a counsellor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Volunteering as a counsellor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-2-1024x413.png\" alt=\"SAC - how to become a counsellor - volunteering as a counsellor\" class=\"wp-image-26997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-2-1024x413.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-2-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-2-768x309.png 768w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-2-1536x619.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-2-2048x825.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Volunteer work can be a solid way to break into this profession without committing to study. You\u2019ll be able to get a feel of the work you\u2019ll do and decide if it\u2019s the right choice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Volunteer work can offer plenty of opportunities to trial different areas of counselling. Some agencies even offer to train volunteers for free. This is generally paid back by providing voluntary counselling within the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To secure a volunteer position you\u2019ll need to understand basic counselling skills. As well as demonstrate an interest in developing your skills and helping people. Plus, should you choose to study further and become fully qualified you\u2019ll already have experience to add to your CV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Training with a Counselling Organisation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve already got some relevant experience or related qualifications then you could train with an organisation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.relate.org.uk\/about-us\/work-us\/train-be-counsellor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>Relate<\/strong><\/a>, for instance, provide courses in Relationship, Family and Young Peoples Counselling as well as Relational Training and Psychosexual Therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to meet specific entry requirements to be able to enrol onto these courses. Depending on what your background is you can start with a level 3\/4 certificate or go straight into a level 4\/5 diploma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, when you complete your training through an organisation you\u2019re more likely to be employed once qualified. Allowing you to start working professionally straight away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re an aspiring counsellor then Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help you get started. As the leading UK distance learning provider, we offer a broad range of online courses in counselling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/counselling-skills\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">basic counselling skills<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/mental-health-and-counselling-level-3-diploma-rqf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">combined mental health and counselling diplomas<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and industry specific\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/category\/all-a2he-diplomas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Access to Higher Education Diplomas.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Studying an online course means you\u2019re able to study wherever suits you best. Without impacting on your current schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, we have flexible payment options and dedicated tutors to support your learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To better prepare for your online learning experience visit our blog here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to get back into education <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">get in touch<\/a> <\/strong>today or browse our courses below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/search?keyword=counselling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-CTA-1024x413.png\" alt=\"SAC - How to become a Counsellor - CTA\" class=\"wp-image-26991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-CTA-1024x413.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-CTA-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-CTA-768x309.png 768w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-CTA-1536x619.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-how-to-become-a-counsellor-CTA-2048x825.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A counsellor are trained professionally in talking therapies designed to help support people through various challenges. Statistics show that more people than ever before are visiting their GP with mental health related concerns. It\u2019s definitely a step in the right direction to see people feeling more comfortable discussing their mental health. However, the current services [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":26993,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[330],"tags":[187],"class_list":["post-26989","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cbt-counselling-and-psychotherapy","tag-counselling"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26989","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26989"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26989\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26999,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26989\/revisions\/26999"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26989"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26989"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26989"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}