Students who study Counselling and Psychotherapy at university typically pursue careers in mental health, therapy, and emotional wellbeing. They work with individuals, groups, and organisations to help people manage mental health issues, trauma, and personal challenges. Many careers in clinical and health psychology require further postgraduate training and professional accreditation.
Common Career Paths:
- Counsellor – Providing talking therapy for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship issues.
- Psychotherapist – Working in deeper psychological therapy, often with long-term clients or specialising in areas like trauma, addiction, or CBT.
- Mental Health Support Worker – Supporting individuals with severe mental health conditions in hospitals, care settings, or the community.
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) – Delivering low-intensity CBT-based interventions in NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) services.
- School or University Counsellor – Helping students manage stress, academic pressure, and personal issues.
- Corporate & Workplace Wellbeing Counsellor – Supporting employees with mental health, work-related stress, and personal difficulties.
- Private Practice Counsellor – Many therapists set up their own private counselling services after gaining experience.
- Further Study (MSc, Doctorate, or Specialist Training) – Some graduates train in specialist therapies (e.g., CBT, psychotherapy, trauma therapy) or progress to a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
To practise as a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist, graduates often need to gain accreditation with professional bodies like:
- BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy)
- UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)
- BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies)
Certainly! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the career paths available to graduates of a Counselling and Psychotherapy degree:
1. Counsellor
Counsellors provide talking therapy to help clients deal with emotional difficulties, mental health challenges, and life transitions.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Offering short-term or long-term therapy for issues like stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma.
- Using different counselling approaches, such as person-centred therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or CBT.
- Working with individuals, couples, families, or groups.
- Maintaining confidentiality and ethical practice.
? Where They Work:
- NHS counselling services.
- Charities and community organisations (e.g., Mind, Samaritans).
- Schools, universities, and workplaces.
- Private practice (self-employed).
? Further Study & Accreditation:
- Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Counselling (if not already taken at undergraduate level).
- Accreditation with BACP or UKCP.
? Progression:
- Specialising in relationship therapy, bereavement support, or trauma counselling.
- Becoming a clinical supervisor or trainer for other counsellors.
2. Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists work in longer-term therapy and often specialise in specific therapeutic approaches.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Using evidence-based techniques such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), or Gestalt therapy.
- Helping clients explore deep-rooted emotional patterns and past experiences.
- Providing therapy for serious mental health conditions, including PTSD, eating disorders, and personality disorders.
- Working one-on-one, with couples, or in group therapy.
? Where They Work:
- Private practice (often self-employed).
- NHS or private mental health clinics.
- Charities and rehabilitation centres.
? Further Study & Accreditation:
- An MSc or Doctorate in Psychotherapy or Counselling Psychology.
- Accreditation with UKCP, BACP, or BABCP (for CBT-based therapy).
? Progression:
- Becoming a specialist in trauma therapy, addiction recovery, or psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
- Working as a trainer or lecturer in psychotherapy courses.
3. Mental Health Support Worker
Mental health support workers provide practical and emotional support to individuals with severe mental health conditions.
⚕️ Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting people with daily living, coping strategies, and crisis intervention.
- Supporting clients with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.
- Working alongside psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists.
- Helping patients integrate back into society, education, or employment.
? Where They Work:
- NHS mental health wards.
- Care homes, charities, and rehabilitation centres.
? Progression:
- Training as a Counsellor, Psychotherapist, or Mental Health Nurse.
- Specialising in community mental health work or crisis intervention.
4. Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
PWPs work in NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT services), delivering low-intensity CBT-based interventions for conditions like anxiety and depression.
⚕️ Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting assessments for common mental health disorders.
- Delivering guided self-help, CBT-based interventions, and group therapy.
- Supporting individuals via phone, online, or in-person sessions.
- Helping patients manage anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions.
? Where They Work:
- NHS Talking Therapies services.
- Community mental health centres.
? Further Study & Accreditation:
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions (PWP training).
- Registration with BPS or BABCP.
? Progression:
- Becoming a High-Intensity CBT Therapist (requires MSc in CBT).
- Training as a Clinical Psychologist or Counselling Psychologist (via Doctorate).
5. School or University Counsellor
School and university counsellors provide mental health and wellbeing support to students of all ages.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting students with stress, academic pressure, anxiety, and bullying.
- Running mental health workshops and wellbeing initiatives.
- Offering one-on-one and group therapy sessions.
? Where They Work:
- Primary and secondary schools.
- Colleges and universities.
? Progression:
- Specialising in child and adolescent therapy.
- Moving into educational psychology (requires further study).
6. Corporate & Workplace Wellbeing Counsellor
Many organisations employ counsellors to support employee mental health and improve workplace wellbeing.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Providing workplace counselling for stress, burnout, and career challenges.
- Running mental health awareness programmes.
- Advising companies on employee wellbeing policies.
? Where They Work:
- Corporate HR departments.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
? Progression:
- Becoming a Workplace Wellbeing Consultant or Occupational Psychologist (requires further study).
7. Private Practice Counsellor
Many counsellors choose to work independently, setting up their own private therapy practice.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Offering one-on-one therapy for clients.
- Specialising in relationship counselling, trauma therapy, or CBT.
- Managing a self-employed business.
? Where They Work:
- Private clinics or home-based therapy rooms.
- Online therapy services.
? Further Study & Accreditation:
- Accreditation with BACP, UKCP, or BABCP.
- Additional training in specific therapies (e.g., EMDR, mindfulness, DBT).
? Progression:
- Expanding into supervision and training of other therapists.
- Writing books or online courses on therapy techniques.
8. Further Study & Specialisation
Many graduates pursue further qualifications to enhance their skills or specialise.
? Options Include:
- MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – For advanced CBT practice.
- Doctorate in Counselling Psychology – To become a Counselling Psychologist (HCPC registered).
- Postgraduate training in specialist therapies (e.g., Trauma Therapy, Family Therapy, Art Therapy).
Summary
A degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy offers diverse career opportunities in mental health, therapy, education, and workplace wellbeing. Some graduates work in NHS mental health services, while others enter private practice, schools, or corporate wellbeing roles. Many pursue further study to specialise in CBT, trauma therapy, or psychotherapy.
Choosing the Correct Pathway
The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Counselling and Psychotherapy course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.
For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Health Pathway, click HERE.
If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.
