How to Become a Counselor in Sheffield, UK

Couselors offer a safe place for people to discuss problems.

People go to counselors to discuss and sort out issues in their personal and professional lives. United Kingdom counselors have their qualifications validated by the British Association of Counselors and Psychotherapists. To become a counselor in Sheffield you have to undertake a recognized counseling course or having your existing qualification validated in the U.K. by the BACP.

Things You'll Need

• Recognized U.K. counseling qualification

Instructions

1. Contact the BACP to inquire if your counseling qualification allows you to work in the U.K. if you qualified in the United States. You can email [e-mail] or ring 0044 1455 883300 during the office hours of 8:45 am to 5:00 pm.

2. Look on the BACP website (see resource below) for recognized U.K. courses in counseling near your area, if you have not already qualified. Alternatively, if you already live in the Sheffield area contact Sheffield Hallam University (see resource below) as they run a Diploma course in Counseling accredited by the BACP. Start and complete the course.

3. Apply for membership of the BACP. Membership costs vary from £64 (approximately $102) for a student membership to £142 (approximately $226) for qualified members.

4. Search for jobs in and around the Sheffield area through the BACP. Go to the BACP homepage. Click on "Advertising" at the left hand side of the page. Wait for the next page to load. Click on the "Jobsonline" page and then "View Vacancies". Undertake voluntary counseling work if you have difficulty finding a position. Get professional experience and gain advantages over other job candidates. Contact the national counseling organization Relate (see resource below) and ask about available voluntary positions within your area.

5. Alternatively, set up your own company. Contact a professional lawyer or accountant for assistance. Advertise on the BACP website when you have set up a company. Build a website as the BACP provides a link to your web page, for people to find a local counselor. Advertise your counseling services in the local newspapers.

6. Ask the BACP to find you a supervisor. All BACP members must have a supervisor and undergo their own continued therapy. These supervisor meetings and therapy session offer a safe environment for you to talk about any personal problems that might affect your counseling or for you to discuss a difficult client.

Tips & Warnings

• Relate also offer BACP recognized courses. Contact Relate (see resource below) for further information.

• Only members of the BACP can access jobs through their website.

References

• BACP: Careers in Counselling

Resources

• Relate: Work for Relate
• Sheffield Hallam University: Courses