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Counselling Psychologist

Counselling psychologists help people work through difficult feelings and life challenges. They create a safe space where people can talk about what's troubling them and find ways to feel better.

Counselling Psychologist

18

Psychology

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST58%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £34,000
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 work with people facing tough times - grief, anxiety, relationship problems, work stress, or trauma. You create a safe, private space where they can talk honestly about how they're feeling. Your job is to listen carefully, ask good questions, and help them understand themselves better so they can make positive changes in their lives.

Each day you see different people with different struggles. You might use techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy (working through unhelpful thought patterns), mindfulness (focusing on the present moment), or simply talking things through. Some clients come for a few sessions, others for months or years. The hardest part is hearing about people's pain - sometimes they've experienced real trauma. But the rewarding part is watching someone slowly feel better, more confident and more able to cope. To do this job you'll need a psychology degree and specialist training in counselling psychology.

Daily responsibilities

  • Conduct one-on-one therapy sessions with clients to explore emotional and psychological issues.
  • Develop personalized treatment plans based on thorough assessments and client goals.
  • Utilize various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic approaches.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of client progress and treatment outcomes.
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
  • Conduct workshops and group therapy sessions to promote mental health awareness.
  • Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in psychology to enhance practice.
  • Engage in continuous professional development and supervision for personal and professional growth.

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.