Which Counselling Course Is Right for You? A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Therapists

If you’ve ever found yourself being the go-to person when friends or family need to talk, or if you’ve always had a natural interest in people’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours, then training to be a counsellor might just be the perfect path for you.

But here's the catch: with so many counselling courses, qualifications and pathways out there, it can be a little overwhelming figuring out where to start.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of counselling training and figure out which course is the right fit for your goals, your schedule and your lifestyle.

Whether you're starting from scratch, changing careers or looking for flexible online counselling training, this guide is packed with practical advice to get you moving in the right direction.

Step 1: Ask Yourself Why You Want to Be a Counsellor

Before jumping into a course, it’s important to reflect on why you’re drawn to counselling in the first place.

• Are you passionate about helping others through difficult times?

• Do you see yourself working in private practice, schools, healthcare or community settings?

• Is it personal experience that’s sparked your interest?

Knowing your “why” will help shape the type of counselling training that suits your future ambitions. At Key Counselling Training, we welcome people from all walks of life - whether you’re fresh out of education, making a career change or returning to learning after time away.

Step 2: Understand the Counselling Career Path

In the UK, becoming a qualified counsellor typically involves several stages of training. Here’s a rough outline:

Introduction to Counselling Course (Level 2 or equivalent)

A great starting point if you’re brand new to the field. It introduces the basics: active listening, empathy and communication skills.

Counselling Skills Certificate (Level 3)

This digs deeper into counselling theory and ethical practice. It’s ideal if you want to develop your helping skills or move toward becoming a professional therapist.

Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Level 4 or higher)

This is the recognised qualification needed to practise as a counsellor. It involves both classroom study and supervised practice.

Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Once qualified, you’ll need to keep developing your skills through short courses, workshops and specialist training.

At Key Counselling Training, we offer all the above levels - both in-person at our Birmingham-based training centres and via counselling courses online - giving you total flexibility over how and where you study.

Step 3: Choose Between Online and In-Person Learning

Let’s face it: life can get busy. Whether you're juggling a job, family or other commitments, it’s worth considering what type of learning suits you best.

In-Person Counselling Training

• Structured classroom time

• Face-to-face interaction with tutors and peers

• Great for hands-on learners

• Available at our Birmingham venues

Online Counselling Training

• Study from anywhere in the UK (or beyond!)

• Access recorded sessions and materials 24/7

• Perfect for people with full-time jobs or busy schedules

• Delivered via interactive platforms with real tutor support

We’ve designed our online counselling training to be just as engaging and practical as our in-person courses, meaning that you don’t miss out on the real-life practice that’s vital to becoming a confident therapist.

Step 4: Pick the Right Course Level

Here’s a closer look at the levels we offer at Key Counselling Training and what kind of person each one is best suited to:

Introduction to Counselling (Level 2)

Perfect if:

• You’re brand new to counselling

• You want to explore whether this path is right for you

• You’re looking to improve listening and communication skills

What you’ll learn:

• Basic counselling concepts and ethical frameworks

• How to listen without judgement

• The importance of boundaries and confidentiality

Duration: 10 weeks (online or in-person)

Counselling Skills Certificate (Level 3)

Perfect if:

• You’ve already done an introductory course

• You want to move towards professional counselling

• You’re interested in applying counselling skills to your current role

What you’ll learn:

• Core counselling theories (person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT)

• Skills practice with feedback

• Self-awareness and reflective practice

Duration: 24 weeks (online or in-person)

Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Level 4)

Perfect if:

• You’re committed to a career in counselling

• You’re ready to complete supervised client hours

• You want to become a registered professional therapist

What you’ll learn:

• In-depth theory and practical counselling skills

• Ethical dilemmas and legal responsibilities

• How to work with clients safely and effectively

• Placement-based learning with live client work

Duration: 2 years (blended online/in-person options available)

Step 5: Check the Entry Requirements

Each counselling course has different entry requirements, so it’s good to check before you apply.

• Level 2: No previous qualifications needed, just enthusiasm and an open mind.

• Level 3: Completion of Level 2 (or equivalent experience) is expected.

• Level 4: You’ll need to have completed Level 3, and possibly an informal interview to assess your readiness for client work.

We’re always happy to chat with you to see which level would suit you best - just give us a call or drop us a message!

Step 6: Think About Career Opportunities

Once you complete your counselling training, you’ll open the door to a wide range of rewarding roles, including:

• Private practice counsellor

• School or college counsellor

• NHS or charity sector therapist

• Workplace wellbeing practitioner

• Mental health support worker

• Youth or family support specialist

You’ll also be eligible to register with professional bodies like the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), especially after completing your Level 4 Diploma.

Step 7: Ask the Right Questions Before Enrolling

Choosing the right provider is just as important as choosing the right course. Here are some good questions to ask:

• Are the tutors qualified and experienced counsellors?

• Is the training accredited or recognised by professional bodies?

• Is there flexibility in how and when I study?

• Are there real placement opportunities at the diploma level?

• Will I receive support throughout the course?

At Key Counselling Training, we’re proud of our experienced team of tutors, our friendly and supportive environment, and our flexible counselling courses online that allow you to learn at your own pace - without sacrificing quality.

Step 8: Take That First Step

We know it can feel a bit daunting starting something new, especially when it involves personal development and deep emotional learning. But we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Hundreds of students have successfully trained with us over the years - from people just starting out, to those returning to education after a long break, to professionals retraining in a new field. If they can do it, so can you!

Whether you're just dipping your toes in or ready to train to be a counsellor, there's a place for you at Key Counselling Training.

Ready to Start Your Counselling Journey?

We’d love to help you take the next step. Browse our counselling courses online or contact us for more information and to discuss your goals with our friendly team.