This book is a practical post-pandemic guide to qualifying as a counsellor, edited by someone who has recently followed the same path, it offers honest insight into the challenges, setbacks and opportunities in today’s training landscape. Contributions from experienced counselling and psychology professionals add further guidance for readers making decisions about their own route into the profession.

Counsellors help people understand their behaviour, build awareness without judgement, and find healthier ways forward. Their work may be one-to-one, with families or in groups, either in person or online. It is a meaningful role, but entering the profession can feel complex. This book helps readers understand where to begin, how to approach training, and what part they might play in supporting clients.

How to Become a Counsellor is for career changers, those exploring training options, people just starting out, and trainers, supervisors or others interested in the varied world of counselling psychology.

Michael Harris, SFHEA is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Bath Spa University, UK, with a focus on Partnerships. He is a qualified counsellor and Executive Member of the BACP Private Practice division. Formerly, he worked in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and has research interests in trauma-exposure, wellbeing & resilience, and missing people.