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Counselling Psychologist

Counselling psychologists help people work through emotional and psychological challenges. They listen, understand and support people facing difficult times - whether that's anxiety, grief, relationship trouble or trauma. They use talking therapies and evidence-based techniques to help people feel better and live better lives.

Counselling Psychologist

18

Psychology

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST58%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (18), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a counselling psychologist, you spend your time listening to people, really listening, and helping them find their way through difficult feelings. You work one-to-one with clients - teenagers, families, adults - each with their own story and struggles. Some might be dealing with anxiety or sadness. Others might have been through something traumatic. Your job is to help them understand what's happening and learn skills to cope better.

You'll use different talking therapies depending on what each person needs. Some people benefit from learning where their habits come from; others do better with learning practical coping techniques. You'll keep careful notes about each person's progress, work with other professionals like doctors or social workers when needed, and keep learning new approaches. The work is emotionally demanding sometimes, but also deeply rewarding when you see someone feel better and more able to manage their life.

Daily responsibilities

  • Conduct individual and group therapy sessions to address various psychological issues.
  • Perform psychological assessments and evaluations to develop tailored treatment plans.
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential client records and documentation.
  • Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest therapeutic techniques.
  • Facilitate workshops and seminars on mental health awareness and coping strategies.
  • Supervise and mentor trainee psychologists and interns in clinical settings.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in psychology is highly regarded, providing a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. UK universities offer accredited programmes that meet the standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the profession.