1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Cognitive behavioural therapist

Cognitive behavioural therapist

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

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practitioners use talking therapy to help patients change negative patterns of thinking or behaviour.

Average salary (a year)

£31,365 Starter

to

£44,503 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

How to become a cognitive behavioural therapist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university degree
  • applying directly

University

You'll usually need an accredited postgraduate qualification in cognitive behavioural therapy and experience of working in mental health.

You'll need a degree in a subject related to health and social care to get onto a postgraduate course in cognitive behavioural therapy.

Relevant subjects include:

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

You may still be able to get onto postgraduate training without a related degree. To do this, you'll need to show that you meet the knowledge, skills and attitude requirements of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.

You'll also need experience of working with people who have mental health issues through your job or from volunteering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to get experience of working in mental health, for example with charities like Mind, Rethink and Turning Point.

Do-it also has information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

Direct Application

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

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies for professional accreditation and training opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more details about routes to qualifying through the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies and Health Careers.

What it takes

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
  • active listening skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication 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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You might work on a one-to one basis or in groups to:

  • assess clients to see if they'll benefit from CBT
  • build trust, discuss therapy plans and focus on what clients want to change
  • encourage clients to talk about feelings and behaviour
  • teach skills and techniques that build positive ways to think and act
  • help clients practise the changes you've discussed
  • check clients' progress
  • provide advice to other health professionals
  • talk to family members
  • keep accurate records
  • follow data protection and confidentiality rules

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

With experience, you could supervise other CBT practitioners.

You could set up your own practice, working as an independent practitioner and seeing patients privately.

You could also specialise in teaching or research for a healthcare trust, college or university.

Current opportunities

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 Skills

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2021
  • Location: Havant

Counselling: ABC Level 3 Counselling Skills (Day)

  • Provider: YORK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 20 January 2022
  • Location: York
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.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

  • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
  • 10am - 5pm Saturday

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.