Counselling psychologists use psychological and psychotherapeutic theory and research. The relationship between a psychologist and client is considered to be central for counselling psychologists as it helps to inform the understanding of particular psychological difficulties as it applies to clients. Counselling psychologists consider how people relate, how they think and behave, their experiences of the world and how they function in their everyday life. There are also links to further information. After undertaking a postgraduate professional training course (at doctoral level) to become a counselling psychologist, you must then register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Undergraduate Degree To become a counseling psychologist, you must obtain a graduate degree and licensure. Check with individual universities for specific entry requirements. Most graduate counseling psychology programs accept applicants with bachelor's degrees in any subject; however, schools may prefer those who've majored in psychology. Counselling psychologists examine a person's experience and explore underlying issues. More information on training and development in counselling psychology. Maths at the Scottish Standard Grade or at GCSE level, at grades A, B, C, are usually required. Counselling psychologists may work as part of multi-professional teams that include doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. The number of students applying for psychology courses has risen dramatically in the last few years which has resulted in higher grades being required. After completing their training counselling psychologists will be paid at band 7. As part of counselling psychology training and continued professional development, counselling psychologist’s engage in personal therapy as a client as they may bring aspects of themselves to their work, derived from their training, wider knowledge, and lived experience. The last recorded figures show that there are over nearly 3,000 counselling psychologists in the UK. 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This page has information on the role of a counselling psychologist. This allows you to practice as a counselling psychologist. Hear what our staff have to say about their NHS careers, Download resources to help you with your career decisions, Access a range of support and resources for the classroom, You’ll need a BSc or BA honours degree in psychology to become a. which allows you to apply for post graduate courses in counselling psychology. If you're applying for a role or training post either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work. This will include exploring people’s social, economic, cultural, spiritual and physical health experiences. Find out more about the entry requirements for counselling psychology. Most universities are flexible with their entry requirements, however, you should contact the institution you wish to study at for further information. Find out more about the training and development in counselling psychology. Biology, mathematics, English, history, economics or similar arts or social science subjects are all useful preparation for a psychology degree. Most NHS organisations advertise their job and apprenticeship vacancies on NHS Jobs, including those who run NHS services. You may also work within: Many counselling psychologists also work in academia, teaching, social justice, advocacy and researching in their area of expertise. Counselling psychology deals with a wide range of mental health problems that may occur such as common mental health disorders including depression, in addition to eating disorders, psychosis, personality disorder, negative life events, bereavement, domestic violence, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, traumas and relationship issues. Once you have qualified as a counselling psychologist, there are a wide range of opportunities. You can find a list of NHS organisations at NHS Choices. Make a comment or report a problem with this page, thorough knowledge of psychological theory and practice, an interest in how people think and behave, the ability to relate to a wide range of people including patients and colleagues, the ability to work on your own and in consultation with others. You’ll need a BSc or BA honours degree in psychology to become a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society which allows you to apply for post graduate courses in counselling psychology. This process begins with the completion of an undergraduate degree program. Psychologists in the NHS will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Counselling psychologists work with individuals, (children, young people, adults and older adults), couples, families, with groups and at an organisational and community level. Those interested in counseling psychology careers will usually start by earning a four year Bachelor's degree in psychology. In January 2018, there were 22,960 practitioner psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Biology, mathematics, English, history, economics or similar arts or social science subjects are all useful preparation for a psychology degree. With further experience you could qualify for the Register of Psychologists Specialising in psychotherapy and become a clinical supervisor.