---
title: "Counselling psychology"
description: "Looking to study counselling psychology? Explore what counselling psychologists do, how they help people and what they can earn. Find out more today."
canonical: "https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/psychology-subject-guide/counselling-psychology"
published: 2022-09-07
updated: 2023-07-26
author: "Arden University"
---

# Counselling psychology 

WHAT IS COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY?

### Counselling psychology blends the theory and research of psychology with psychotherapy to reduce psychological distress and promote well-being. A counselling psychologist won't offer advice or opinions, they won't pass judgement either. Instead, they're an impartial guide to help patients understand their thoughts and emotions in relation to a wide range of topics, including past and present life events, childhood, relationships and behaviours.

Lots of people consult the advice of a counselling psychologist during those most challenging times in their lives. Whether it's because of a mental health issue bought on by the loss of a loved one, past trauma, domestic violence or sexual abuse, they're there to empower people to make any changes they need to make or find ways to cope with their problems.

TThey often work with children, young adults, adults, couples, families and groups at a community and organisational level. The sessions counselling psychologists host can take place over a shorter (weeks or months) or much longer period of time (years).

[Read more ](#collapseExtraText)

## Counselling psychologist personality traits

![Attention to detail](https://d2n98vq36tw7n9.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/2022-09/Attention%20to%20detail.png?VersionId=MNbI4ycuMvZGV96wCjuRcl1t7jMiNqT3)

SELF-AWARENESS

![Highly Organised](https://d2n98vq36tw7n9.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/2022-09/Highly%20organised.png?VersionId=8Ag3JGFGp6Uef6U.c2WvJPljmHYTnRIC)

DISCRETION

EMPATHY

![Communication Skills](https://d2n98vq36tw7n9.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/2022-09/Communication%20skills.png?VersionId=6v39OwwZzVe62YhMqRl8DwpgiOE6TTQV)

OPEN MINDEDNESS

## Our fictional famous counselling psychologist

![Beth-Latimer](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/course_hero_low/public/2022-09/Beth%20Latimer%20%28Broadchurch%29-2.jpg)

Beth Latimer (Broadchurch)

Beth Latimer begins the series in a completely different vocation. However, after experiencing a traumatic life event of her own, she retrains and becomes a rape counsellor. In season three, we see Beth providing counselling and support for Trish Waterman, a local Broadchurch resident who has been sexually assaulted at a friend's birthday party.

` ## Potential counselling psychology jobs and employers

Counselling psychologists in the UK will find career opportunities in the NHS and private hospitals, GP surgeries, specialist organisations dedicated to children and families, prison services and educational institutions.

Internationally, organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) regularly employ people with specialisms in counselling psychology to put their skills to good use.

Alternatively, you could pursue your passion for counselling psychology by contributing to the field's development through research work and training.

![](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_low/public/2022-09/Counselling-Psy-Careers%20%281%29.jpg)

### How much do counsellors earn?

As a trainee counselling psychologist working within the NHS, you could earn between £32,306 and £39,027 per year (band 6 on the Agenda for Change (AfC) Pay Rates).

When you're qualified, the pay rate climbs to between £40,057 and £45,839 per year (AfC band 7). Senior roles can see salaries of between £47,126 and £53,219 (AfC band 8a).

At the highest level of experience and responsibility, you could expect to earn from £65,664 to £90,387 per year (AfC bands 8c to 8d).

Pay rates for private sector roles can expect salaries of a similar amount.

Source: [Prospects](https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/counselling-psychologist)

[ Explore our psychology courses ](https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/distance-learning-psychology-degrees)

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