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  3. Cognitive behavioural therapist

Cognitive behavioural therapist

Alternative titles for this job include CBT, talking therapist, behavioural therapist

Cognitive behavioural therapists help clients to change patterns of negative thinking, feelings and behaviour and develop a more positive outlook.

Average salary (a year)

£40,000 Starter

to

£57,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course or by applying directly.

University

You'll usually study for an accredited postgraduate qualification in cognitive behavioural therapy.

You'll need a first degree related to health and social care to apply for a postgraduate course and experience of working in mental health.

Relevant degree subjects include:

  • mental health nursing
  • social work
  • counselling
  • art therapy
  • psychology

You may be able to get onto a postgraduate course without a degree, if you can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSAs) required by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

You'll need at least 4 years' experience of working in mental health or a similar field to apply for the KSA route.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a related degree or several years' relevant experience

More Information

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get experience of working in mental health.

You could:

Direct Application

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, like a psychological wellbeing practitioner or high intensity therapist, you may be able to apply for cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) training with the NHS.

Check NHS Jobs for trainee vacancies.

More Information

Career tips

You can work with people living with a range of conditions, such as:

  • anxiety issues
  • depression
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • long-term illness
  • eating disorders

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) for professional accreditation and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about a career as a cognitive behavioural therapist from the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and Health Careers.

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of psychology
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a cognitive behavioural therapist, you could:

  • speak with clients to learn more about them and their situation
  • assess clients' needs and whether they would benefit from CBT
  • provide personalised therapy sessions
  • work with individuals of all ages and sometimes groups
  • focus on what a client wants to change and encourage them to talk
  • work closely with other healthcare professionals
  • advise family members and carers on how they can support people undergoing treatment
  • maintain records and follow data protection and confidentiality rules

Working environment

You could work at a health centre, in the community, in an NHS or private hospital, in a prison or in a therapy clinic.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • supervise, train and mentor other cognitive behavioural therapists
  • specialise in working with particular groups, like children or young people
  • work as an independent therapist and set up your own practice

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a cognitive behavioural therapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Counselling

  • Provider: CITY OF BRISTOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Bristol

Counselling - Counselling Skills Certificate - January 2026 - Daytime

  • Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 January 2028
  • Location: Halesowen
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Related careers

Clinical psychologist

Psychologist

Psychotherapist

Mental health nurse

Counsellor

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