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Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists use talking techniques and therapies to help people who are distressed, or have mental health problems.

Average salary (a year)

£28,050 Starter

to

£85,333 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

in your own business managing your own hours

How to become a Psychotherapist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

University

You'll usually need to complete a training course like a master's degree in psychotherapy.

The course should be one recognised by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the British Psychoanalytic Council or the Association of Child Psychotherapists.

Funding may be available for some full-time masters courses taking 1 to 2 years. Most part-time postgraduate psychotherapy courses take at least 4 years. Check with your course provider to see if there’s any funding available.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

  • experience of working with children or vulnerable adults

More information

More information

Further information

You can find out more about psychotherapy from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of psychology
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • you will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

On a day-to-day basis, your work could involve:

  • encouraging clients to talk about emotional or relationship problems
  • analysing past events and behaviours so that changes can be made
  • assessing a client's way of thinking and how they deal with their feelings
  • helping develop new strategies for coping
  • having regular supervision sessions with your mentor.

Working environment

You could work at a health centre, in a consultation room or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could take on a training, teaching or mentoring role, or become self-employed and set up in private practice.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Psychotherapist 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

Are you interested in becoming a Psychotherapist?

Search for training courses near you.

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