Counselling psychologists apply psychology to working collaboratively across a diverse range of human problems.These include helping people manage difficult life events such as bereavement, past and present relationships and working with mental health issues and disorders. Counselling psychologists explore underlying issues and use an active collaborative relationship to empower people to consider change.They utilise a ‘holistic’ stance, treating the whole person rather than the physical symptoms alone by examining the issues in a wider context of what has given rise to them.

Where?

Counselling psychologists work within the NHS in general and psychiatric hospitals and GP surgeries; in private hospitals and in independent practice; within education in schools, colleges and universities; in industry and in public and private corporate institutions.They may work directly with individuals, couples, families and groups, or act as consultants.

How?

Qualifications and training

Postgraduate training is most likely to be self-financed and total costs (including fees) will be approximately £2,500 per year. Institutions may be able to provide information on Research Councils and other funding agencies (such as charitable trusts, foundations and companies).

Pay, prospects and conditions

Based upon the nationally agreed scales for clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists should expect to receive between £16,000 to £60,000 depending on age, experience and level of responsibility. For counselling psychologists working as lecturers the nationally agreed lecturers’ scales apply.

Further information

www.bps.org.uk/counselling

The British Association for Counselling
and Psychotherapy, Regent Place,
Rugby,Warwickshire CV21 2PJ
Tel: 0870 443 5252
Website: www.bacp.co.uk