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Studying to become a counsellor

How to Become a Counsellor

Are you passionate about helping others navigate lifes challenges? 

If so, a career in counselling might be the perfect fit for you!

With an average salary of £32,000, counselling jobs offer not only a fulfilling career path but also a financially rewarding one.

This guide will take you through the counselling qualifications, skills, and experience needed to embark on this fulfilling journey. We'll explore the various counselling courses offered by TMC to help you kickstart your dream career.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a profession dedicated to providing individuals with emotional support and coping strategies to overcome personal or psychological issues. 

It involves a confidential and empathetic relationship between a trained counsellor and their client, meeting with them regularly to ensure they are progressing through life in a healthy way.

Counsellors can work in a range of fields, such as:

●    Mental health
●    Schools and education
●    Addiction and substance abuse
●    Marriage and family counselling
●    Career counselling
●    Crisis intervention
●    Rehabilitation centres
●    Community outreach
●    Elderly care
●    Trauma counselling
●    Employee assistance programmes
●    Prisons and rehabilitation facilities
●    Healthcare settings

Why choose a career in counselling?

A career in counselling is incredibly rewarding as you get to make a positive impact on people's lives, helping them navigate challenges and find solutions. It's a profession that allows for personal and professional growth while contributing to the wellbeing of others.

You can also work in various areas of interest, such as working with children, the elderly, prisoners and more.

Educational requirements for counselling

To start your journey as a counsellor, you'll need to obtain the appropriate qualifications. The educational requirements typically include a diploma or degree in counselling. TMC offers a range of courses, including:

These courses provide a solid foundation in counselling theory and practice.

Skills required for counselling careers

Besides formal education, counselling requires specific skills, including active listening, empathy, and effective communication. It's crucial to be non-judgmental and patient, allowing clients to express themselves freely.

Practical experience required for counselling careers

To become a proficient counsellor, practical experience is invaluable. Many aspiring counsellors complete supervised placements or internships to gain hands-on experience. TMC offers opportunities for practical training as well.

Counselling is a dynamic field, and continuous learning is essential. Consider participating in workshops, seminars, and ongoing training to stay up to date with the latest counselling techniques and theories.

TMC Counselling qualifications

Here are the courses in counselling we offer at TMC:

Therapeutic Counselling

Our Therapeutic Counselling course is a fantastic starting point. It covers a wide range of topics, including person-centred therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and psychodynamic theory. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to help clients effectively.

This course gives you the opportunity to complete 100 hours of counselling training placement, so you are getting the qualification and the work experience needed to pursue a successful career in counselling.

Counselling Concepts

Counselling Concepts is a 10-week course that explores the core principles of counselling. Although this course does not qualify learners to practise as a counsellor and work with clients, it provides a solid theoretical foundation for your counselling career.

Counselling Skills

The Counselling Skills course at TMC focuses on honing your practical counselling skills. You'll learn how to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life counselling situations. 

This course is the perfect stepping-stone to become a counsellor, however, it is recommended to complete the Therapeutic Counselling course before practising as a counsellor.

Supporting Teaching and Learning

The Supporting Teaching and Learning course is ideal if you aspire to work in educational settings. It equips you with the skills to support students and promote their emotional well-being. You can become a school counsellor with this course, guiding students through their developmental years with their mental health and personal issues. 

Counselling courses and careers in Manchester

Embarking on a career in counselling in the UK can be a deeply fulfilling journey. By acquiring the necessary qualifications, developing essential skills, gaining practical experience, and taking one of the College’s comprehensive counselling courses, you can build a successful career in helping others overcome life's challenges. 


Start your counselling career today with our counselling courses in Manchester and make a positive impact on countless lives.