Counselling CPD: How to Keep Learning and Stay Professionally Compliant

As a qualified counsellor, your commitment to professional development doesn’t stop after your qualifications are obtained. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is vital to maintaining and enhancing the skills needed to practice effectively and ethically. Our article explores the importance of CPD, what is required from you as a counsellor, and how to plan and track your learning journey.

What is CPD, and Why is it Essential for Counsellors?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to a range of learning activities and experiences aimed at maintaining and improving professional competence. For counsellors, CPD ensures that you are not only up to date with the latest therapeutic practices but also aligned with ethical, legal, and professional standards.

BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) both highlight the significance of CPD in supporting competent and ethical practice. For example, BACP encourages members to reflect on their professional development regularly and to take part in structured learning activities that promote personal growth and improve client outcomes.

CPD can be seen as both a regulatory requirement and an opportunity to broaden your expertise in areas such as trauma-informed therapy, digital counselling, and emerging therapeutic models. It’s about more than meeting professional standards, it’s about fostering a reflective and competent approach to your work.

Professional Body Expectations & Requirements for CPD

Professional bodies like BACP and NCPS set clear expectations for CPD, which are necessary to remain registered and maintain your professional standing.

BACP and NCPS Guidelines

●     BACP requires its members to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD every year, including at least 10 hours of clinical supervision or peer supervision. This is in line with their mission to make sure that counsellors are working ethically and competently.

●     NCPS also has a CPD requirement, urging members to document their learning activities and the impact these have on their practice.

In addition to specific hour requirements, both organisations emphasise the importance of reflective practice. CPD activities should be recorded, reviewed, and linked to improving your therapeutic skills, knowledge, and client care.

While you may not always be audited, BACP does reserve the right to review CPD records during a membership audit. Therefore, it’s essential to keep thorough and accurate records of your CPD activities.

Types of CPD Activities for Counsellors

CPD for counsellors comes in various forms, which can be broadly categorised into formal and informal activities. Both types of learning contribute to your professional development, helping you build a comprehensive skillset.

Formal CPD Activities

Formal activities typically involve structured learning experiences that are accredited or approved by recognised professional bodies. Some examples include:

Accredited Courses or Qualifications - These could be in specialised areas like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), family therapy, or child and adolescent counselling. Completing these courses can enhance your qualifications and broaden your skillset.

Workshops and Training Days - These may cover a range of topics, such as trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based interventions, or ethical issues in counselling. Workshops are a great way to engage with the latest theories and techniques in the field.

Conferences and Seminars - Attending these events provides valuable opportunities to network with other professionals, gain insights from experts, and stay updated on industry developments.

Informal CPD Activities

Informal learning experiences can also play a significant role in CPD, particularly in fostering reflection and peer learning. While formal activities provide certification and documentation, informal activities are valuable for reinforcing and expanding what you learn in structured environments. Examples might include:

Reading - Engaging with books, academic articles, and professional journals on counselling topics such as addiction recovery, mental health conditions, or therapeutic techniques can deepen your understanding.

Peer Supervision - Peer supervision or case discussions with fellow counsellors allows you to share experiences, discuss challenges, and receive feedback. These interactions often provide fresh perspectives and ideas for tackling complex client issues.

Self-Reflection and Journaling - Keeping a reflective practice journal or writing about therapeutic cases can help clarify your thoughts and track your development over time.

How to Track and Record Your CPD Hours

Tracking CPD is an important part of your professional practice. Not only does it help ensure compliance with professional bodies’ requirements, but it also allows you to reflect on your learning journey.

Key Steps for Recording CPD

While professional bodies may request to see your CPD records, keeping track of your CPD hours also benefits you. It provides a tangible measure of your commitment to growth, and it can help you identify patterns in your professional development. Some of the key steps you may want to consider would include:

Create a CPD Log

A CPD log helps track the hours you’ve spent on learning activities, including the type of activity, duration, learning objectives, and key takeaways. You can maintain this log using a spreadsheet, digital app, or the CPD recording tools provided by professional bodies like BACP.

Use the BACP “My CPD” Portal

BACP members can use this platform to log and monitor their CPD activities. It allows for easy recording and helps ensure you meet the 30‑hour minimum requirement.

Reflection and Review

As part of the CPD process, you should periodically review your learning and reflect on how it has influenced your practice. This can be an annual exercise, where you assess your progress and identify areas where further learning may be necessary.

Choosing the Right CPD Activities and Topics

Choosing the right CPD activities is key to ensuring that your learning is relevant, effective, and aligned with your career goals.

Take time to evaluate your current skills, knowledge, and areas for improvement. For example:

●     Are there new therapeutic models or approaches you would like to learn about?

●     Do you want to specialise in certain client groups (e.g., working with children or trauma survivors)?

●     Are you considering expanding into digital therapy or telehealth?

Areas for Focus

Some popular areas for CPD activities among counsellors include:

Trauma-Informed Care: As more clients present with trauma histories, understanding how to work with trauma is crucial. Courses or workshops on trauma can equip you with valuable skills for dealing with these sensitive cases.

Online Counselling: The rise of teletherapy has made it essential for counsellors to understand the nuances of providing therapy remotely. Many CPD courses focus on digital therapy techniques, ethical guidelines, and technological considerations.

Ethical Practice: Ethics are fundamental in counselling, and keeping up to date with ethical standards, especially around confidentiality, dual relationships, and online therapy, is crucial.

Supervision and Peer Learning: Attending supervision training or engaging in peer supervision can also count as CPD, and it provides an opportunity to enhance your professional relationships and learn from colleagues.