There are many elements to counselling training which all prepare trainees for working in their chosen field. While we may all understand that counsellors listen to their clients, there is a whole range of academic knowledge and practical skills which need to be acquired in order to become a counsellor. 
 

1. Academic / coursework

What it involves:

• Studying theories of human behaviour 
• Learning counselling techniques and ethics
• Modules on specific areas depending on your course: trauma, addiction, grief, family dynamics, diversity, etc.
• Assignments: essays, case studies, reflections

Day-to-day feeling:
Lots of reading, note-taking, and writing reflections. It’s more like being a university student than a ‘practical helper’. You’ll be analysing behaviour and practice scenarios, not just giving advice.
 

2. Skills practice

What it involves:

• Role-playing sessions in class with peers
• Practising active listening, paraphrasing, empathy, and questioning
• Receiving detailed feedback from trainers

Day-to-day feeling:
Can feel awkward at first as there will be lots of ‘pretend counselling’ but it’s designed to get you comfortable holding someone else’s emotions safely. Expect to feel exposed, judged, and challenged in these exercises.

3. Supervised practice / placements

What it involves:

• Working with real clients under supervision (usually 100–400 hours, depending on the training course that you are on)
• Reflecting on your sessions with a supervisor
• Learning from your colleagues and supervisor 

Day-to-day feeling:
Exciting but intense. You’ll have real emotional responsibility, but you’re not alone. Supervision is there to keep you safe. Often involves writing session notes and discussing challenges afterward.

4. Personal / reflective work

What it involves:

• Reflecting on your own emotional reactions, triggers, and blind spots
• Possibly engaging in therapy yourself (many counselling training courses require this)
• Journaling or reflective essays

Day-to-day feeling:
Emotionally demanding. You’ll learn a lot about yourself. Some of this may be fun and some may be deeply uncomfortable. This is critical to avoiding burnout.

5. Assessments and exams

What it involves:

• Written assignments and case studies
• Readiness to Practice assessment: counselling someone while being observed
• Ethical scenarios: demonstrating an understanding of boundaries, confidentiality, and professional conduct

Day-to-day feeling:
Pressure moments, but not constant. Usually a few big assessments per semester.

Typical weekly rhythm in training

A typical week may include lectures, skills practice/role play, a placement/supervised sessions, and reflection/journalling/assignments. 
You’re constantly cycling between theory,  practice and reflection, which is exactly how you learn to hold yourself while holding others’ emotions.

The process will bring with it emotional weight. Even practising with classmates can stir up feelings you weren’t ready for. You will have to prepare for lots of constructive criticism which while being about personal growth, can feel deeply personal at times. 
 

Interested in becoming a counsellor?

If you are interested in training to become a counsellor/psychological therapist, we are currently accepting applications to our diploma course starting in autumn 2026. Find out more here.