Want to Transform Your Career? Our Complete Guide to Counselling at City Lit

Published: 13 June 2025
counsellor talkling to woman

You may be considering a career in counselling.

It’s no surprise; counselling is a deeply rewarding profession. It calls to those who are driven by empathy, are curious to listen, and have a desire to support others through life’s challenges. It offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Why Counselling? Why Now?

There has never been a better time to pursue a career in counselling. Demand for qualified professionals continues to grow. According to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), nearly one in three people in the UK have accessed therapy in the past year—28% of men and 30% of women.

In an age of rapid technological advancement, counselling also remains a profoundly human profession. While AI is reshaping many industries, only 18% of people say they would feel comfortable discussing their mental health with a chatbot, compared to 60% who prefer speaking with a trained therapist. This highlights the enduring need for empathetic, skilled professionals in the field.

A counselling group sitting in a circleA counselling group sitting in a circle
City Lit offers beginner, intermediate and accredited counselling courses. Credit: Phil Hardman

Your Counselling Journey Starts at City Lit

At City Lit, we offer a comprehensive pathway into the world of counselling and psychotherapy. Whether you're exploring the field for the first time or looking to build on existing knowledge, our courses are designed to support your development at every stage.

Our programmes range from one-day introductory workshops to year-long accredited courses.  There are specialist counselling pods available to use in our state-of-the-art Wellbeing Centre, based right in the heart of London. Our courses provide both a broad theoretical foundation and practical strategies you can apply in real-world settings and are taught by experienced practitioners.

open door with chairs in roomopen door with chairs in room
As well as our main building, City Lit's Wellbeing Centre offers a place to practise counselling. Credit: Phil Hardman

Tailored Learning for Every Stage

We understand that every learner’s journey is unique. That’s why we’ve structured our counselling and psychotherapy courses to support progression—from beginner to advanced levels:

  • Unlock the World of Counselling: Beginners Courses on Key Counselling Theories

    Are you curious about the foundations of counselling? Our comprehensive introductory courses are designed for anyone eager to explore the core principles of counselling without any prior training. Dive into the fascinating world of Person-Centred Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT).


    Throughout this course, you'll:

    • Discover the Pioneers: Learn about the influential theorists who shaped these approaches.
    • Understand Key Concepts: Grasp the essential ideas that underpin each theory.
    • Develop Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with techniques related to each counselling style.

    These courses are perfect for those with a genuine curiosity and a desire to understand the basics of counselling. Upon completion, you'll be well-prepared to advance to an intermediate level. Join us and start your journey into the world of counselling today!

    Course Duration: 18 hours over 6 weeks

  • Advance Your Counselling Knowledge: Intermediate Courses on Key Counselling Theories

    Have you completed our Counselling Theory: Beginners course or are you looking to deepen your understanding of the core counselling theories? Our intermediate course is designed for those eager to further embed their knowledge of Person-Centred Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT).


    In this course, you'll:

    • Revisit Key Theorists: Deepen your understanding of the influential figures behind these theories.
    • Strengthen Core Concepts: Solidify your grasp of the essential ideas that underpin each approach.
    • Enhance Practical Skills: Refine your counselling techniques through hands-on practice.

    This course is perfect for those who feel they have gaps in their knowledge and want to build a more comprehensive understanding of these fundamental theories. Join us to advance your counselling expertise and take your skills to the next level!

    Course Duration: 18 hours over 6 weeks

  • Understanding: A range of One-Day Counselling Courses

    Do you have a desire to delve into the complexities of human issues and or enhance your personal and professional development? Our "Understanding" series offers a unique opportunity to gain insight through both knowledge and practical experience. These one-day courses are designed for anyone with a keen interest and a wish to explore various elements of counselling.


    Throughout this series, you'll:

    • Explore Diverse Topics: Each course focuses on different topics within counselling providing a well-rounded understanding.
    • Learn Through Experience: Engage in practical exercises that bring counselling theories to life.
    • Enhance Your Skills: Develop valuable skills that can be applied in both personal and professional contexts.

    No previous counselling training is required—just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn. Join us for an enriching journey into the world of counselling and discover the tools to better understand yourself and others.

    Course Duration: 6 hours

  • Working with: A range of One-Day CPD Counselling Courses

    Are you an enthusiastic counselling professional or trainee passionate about developing your understanding of human issues and other therapeutic strategies? Our "Working with" series offers a unique opportunity to enhance your personal and professional development through knowledge and practical experience. These one-day courses are designed to provide valuable insights into various counselling idea and their application.


    Throughout this series, you'll:

    • Gain In-Depth Knowledge: Explore diverse topics that address key human issues and explore other therapeutic strategies.
    • Learn Practical Techniques: Engage in hands-on exercises that bring counselling theories to life.
    • Enhance Your Skills: Develop advanced skills to improve your counselling practice.

    These courses are perfect for professionals within the field who have a commitment to expanding their expertise. Join us for an enriching journey into the world of counselling and discover the tools to better understand and support your clients.

    Course Duration: 6 hours

  • In Action: A Range of Strategy Counselling Courses

    Are you ready to be intentional by engaging with strategies for practical change and enhancing both your personal and professional development? Our "In Action" series offers a unique opportunity to explore various current and topical issues within counselling through both knowledge and practical experience.


    Throughout this series, you'll:

    • Explore Diverse Topics: Each course focuses on a different aspect of topical issues within counselling, providing a comprehensive understanding.
    • Learn Through Experience: Engage in practical exercises that will help to bring personal development strategies to life.
    • Build Confidence: Develop tools for life that will enhance your confidence in both personal and professional settings.

    These courses are ideal for anyone who is seeking for practical strategies personally and professionally. Join us for an enriching journey into the world of counselling and discover the strategies to better understand and support yourself and others.

    Course Duration: Various hours

therapist talking with mantherapist talking with man
Almost a third of people in the UK have accessed therapy in the last year. Credit: iStock

Akin's City Lit Experience

It’s easy for us to claim that our counselling courses set you up for a career as a counsellor. So why not hear it from one of our students?

When Akin came to City Lit, he was looking for a career change-up. He thrived in the Therapeutic Counselling Diploma, absorbing and channelling the energy of his tutors and peers around him. Since gaining his qualification, Akin has gone on to set up his own private counselling practice.

VIDEO_TITLE

VIDEO: Akin talking about his experience at City Lit

Study Counselling at City Lit

Take the first step to becoming a counsellor today with a course at City Lit.

Related posts

Want to Transform Your Career? Our Complete Guide to Counselling at City Lit