Presentation by Dr Hannah Sale, Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, at our Careers in psychology event, March 2016

1. A Career in Counselling
Psychology
Dr Hannah Sale.

2. ETHOS- How does counselling
psychology differ from clinical?
• Roots in a humanistic philosophy.
• (?) Greater focus on social/political/cultural
context.
• Greater focus on optimal wellbeing rather
than mental illness.
• A relational stance -emphasises the
therapeutic relationship.

3. TRAINING-How does counselling
psychology differ from clinical?
• Counselling psychology is self funded.
• Consider:
• University fees
• Personal therapy fees
• Travel cost to placements
• Possible supervisor fees
• Demanding course: study, reflection, personal
development.

4. TRAINING-How does counselling
psychology differ from clinical
• Freedom of choice with placements.
• Less focused on medical model approach.
• Strong emphasis on personal development.
• Strong emphasis on relational aspect of
therapy; the therapeutic alliance.

5. Counselling Psychology Training- What
does it involve?
4 year part time course at UEL:
450 therapy hours
80 hours of personal therapy.
60 Supervision hours.
Portfolio at the end of each year
3-4 Assignments per year e.g 3,000 word process reports/
case study/ critical review/ research proposals.
30,000 word Doc thesis.
Therapeutic framework – CBT, Psychodynamic,
integrative.

6. My career path
• Registered General Nurse
• Undergraduate Psychology Degree.
• Trained as Couples Counsellor with Relate.
• Sexual Health Adviser
• Part- time professional doctorate in
counselling psychology –University Of East
London.

7. Counselling Psychology Training- What
does it involve?
• Minimum 3 placements:
• I did 5
• Clinical Health
• Sexual Health
• Gender Identity
• Adult mental health
• Couples Counselling with Relate.

8. Working as a Psychologist in Eating
Disorders.
• Individual therapy with those who meet
criteria for Anorexia Nervosa including
assessment and formulation.
• Running groups for those with mild /moderate
eating disorders.
• Team meetings/ supervision/supervising
junior staff / audits/liaising with other
members of MDT.

9. How do I become a counselling
psychologist?
• To become a BPS chartered counselling psychologist,
you will need the following qualifications:
• Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC,
previously known as GBR). This is achieved by
completing a Society accredited degree or conversion
course
• Society accredited Doctorate in Counselling Psychology
or the Society’s Qualification in Counselling Psychology
• In order to use the title Counselling Psychologist, you
will need to be registered with the Health Professional
Council (HPC). This will involve completing a Doctorate
in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent) that has been
approved by the HPC. Please contact the HPC directly
for more information on the entry requirements for
their register.

10. What is relevant experience and how
do I get it?
• It is often an entry requirement of the
counselling psychology courses to have
completed a basic counselling skills course
• IAPT as a route to post grad training.
• Experience in mental health settings
• Paid – support worker/nursing
assistant/assistant psychologist
• Voluntary –Samaritans/ mental health
charities.

11. Where they work
• Counselling psychologists work almost anywhere
there are people. industry, commerce, the prison
service and in all layers of education from
primary school to university. About half of all
counselling psychologists are employed to do
clinical work in health and social care settings.
Other career paths can be found in teaching and
research for academic bodies. Counselling
psychologists can also practise privately as
organisational consultants.