Counselling psychology

Job Summary

As a Counselling Psychologist you would apply psychological theory and research to therapeutic practice in order to help people cope with a variety of problems. These problems may include stress, trauma, sexual abuse, and relationship issues.

You would carry out a range of key tasks including:

• Assessments 
• Report writing and record keeping 
• Counselling 
• Psychotherapy 
• Training and supervision of other psychologists 
• Consulting 
• Research

You may work anywhere where there are people. You would work directly with individuals, couples, families or groups. You would work primarily with the NHS in health and social care, general or psychiatric hospitals. Some Counselling Psychologists work in the Prison service or educational and academic settings. Additionally, some practice privately as organisational consultants.

To find out more about life as a Counselling Psychologist, take a look at the BPS video:

Qualifications
1) You will need a 3 year degree in Psychology that meets the standards of accreditation by the British Psychological Society. Qualification with a 2i or more provides eligibility to apply for GBC (Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS).

2) Relevant work experience will be needed.

3) It is often a requirement to have completed a basic counselling skills course before being accepted onto any postgraduate courses. For more information on where to find these courses go to the website for the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

4) You will need to undertake an Accredited Postgraduate Qualification in Counselling Psychology. EITHER by completing a 3 year Accredited Doctorate OR the BPS Qualification in Counselling Psychology. These will provide you with the eligibility to apply for registration with the HPC (Health Professions Council) and to gain eligibility to become a Chartered Psychologist.

Postgraduate training is usually self-financed, however you can get sponsored.

What relevant work experience would I need?
It is often very competitive to obtain a place on a postgraduate course in Counselling Psychology. Work experience may be just as important to a postgraduate selector as your degree. It proves that you are committed to the particular area and it helps you to stand out from the crowd.

The following points include examples of relevant work experience; some include jobs in the local area.

• The University of Southampton runs a programme for a Voluntary Research Assistant (VRA). This is unpaid and usually runs over the summer or a few hours a week during term time. It is a great opportunity to increase your chances of achieving a place on a postgraduate course. In addition, the researchers could write a letter of reference for you.
• NoLimits offer free and confidential information, support, advice and counselling to people around the Southampton area with a variety of problems. NoLimits welcomes Volunteers. You would need a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check as you will be dealing with confidential and sensitive information.
• Working on a mental health ward within the NHS
• Working on a helpline
• Assistant Psychologist role – easier to obtain after graduation and relevant voluntary work experience has been undertaken. These roles can be found in the 'Psychologist Appointments' which is part of 'The Psychologist' (the BPS monthly magazine), in newspapers or in specialist publications.