Counselling & Psychotherapy Courses in London
Are you thinking about a career in counselling? Or you looking to advance your knowledge and skills as a counsellor? Whether you're starting out or already practising, our Counselling and Psychotherapy courses are a great first step towards becoming a qualified counsellor or continuing your professional develoment.
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We offer a clear and supportive learning path that helps you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need. Start with beginner courses to learn the basics of counselling theory and techniques, then move on to more advanced study or accredited qualifications. Browse all our Counselling and Psychotherapy courses below.
Why Choose City Lit?
Join a welcoming, inclusive learning community where you can build your skills, grow your confidence, and explore the world of counselling. Whether you want to support others or better understand yourself, there’s a course for you here.
✅ Trusted adult education college in London
✅ Experienced tutors who are also practising counsellors
✅ Flexible course options: daytime and evening classes on weekdays and weekends
✅ Ideal stepping stone into accredited qualifications for a career in counselling
✅ Great for both personal growth and professional development
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are talking therapies that help people understand and manage emotional or psychological difficulties. The therapies involve listening, reflection, and practical techniques to support wellbeing.
Do I need experience to take a counselling course?
No experience is needed for our beginner or one-day Understanding courses. They are designed for anyone curious about counselling or looking to develop communication and listening skills. Our intermediate and Working With courses are suitable for those with some prior knowledge or training.
What types of counselling theories will I learn?
Our core theory courses cover:
- Person-Centred Counselling
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
You’ll explore key ideas, techniques, and the influential figures behind each approach.
Are your counselling courses suitable for professional development?
Yes. Our Working With and In Action courses are ideal for counselling trainees and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge, develop new strategies, or earn CPD hours.
Where are the courses held?
Courses take place at our purpose-built wellbeing centre in Covent Garden, London, with some options available online or in hybrid format. We offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends.
How do I know which course is right for me?
If you’re new to counselling, we recommend starting with a Understanding courses. If you have some experience or training, our Working With, or In Action courses may suit your needs. You can also contact us for tailored advice.
- Counselling as a career
Course start date: Sat 20 Jun 2026 (and 2 other dates)Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Delrose BowesThinking of becoming a counsellor? Wondering about gaining a counselling qualification? In this short workshop, you will find out about training and jobs in this field and gain a clearer idea of whether counselling training is for you.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - Level 3 Certificate in counselling skills Course start date: Mon 7 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Edna OgundareApplications are now closed for this course. If you would like to the added to the waiting list, please email your details to counselling@citylit.ac.uk or call us on 020 4582 0403 and we will contact you if places become available.
Do you want to develop counselling skills for paid or voluntary work? This course includes occasional weekend sessions which you will be required to join and one compulsory residential trip away.
In order to apply for this course, please ensure that:
• you have (or will have) completed an in person introductory counselling course of 30 hours, with an attendance record of at least 80% (within the last three years)
OR
• you have completed an in person introductory counselling course of 30 hours with an attendance record of at least 70%
AND
• you have completed an in person ‘Counselling introduction: advanced’ course (or equivalent) with an attendance record of at least 80% (within the last three years)
• you are able to speak and write fluently in English (level 2/GCSE).Full fee £2,649.00 Senior fee £2,649.00 Concession £2,649.00 - Level 4 Diploma in therapeutic counselling: integrative pathway Course start date: Tue 8 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Edna OgundareApplications are now closed for this course. If you would like to the added to the waiting list, please email your details to counselling@citylit.ac.uk or call us on 020 4582 0403 and we will contact you if places become available.
You will need to have completed a level 3 certificate in counselling skills course (minimum 145 GLH) within the last three years to be eligible to apply. This two-year course awarded by Skills Education Group Awards (SEG) qualifies you to practise as a counsellor.
The course fee is £5199.00. If you are unable to pay the course fee upfront, you can choose to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to help cover the cost. The Advanced Learner loan available for this course is £2225.00. The remaining fee of £2974.00 will need to be paid at enrolment. If you are unable to pay this fee upfront, you can talk to our Information, Advice and Guidance team who will advise you on other financial support available. You can contact the Advice and Guidance Team by phone on (0203 871 3111) or by email: advice@citylit.ac.uk. The Loan is repayable after the course ends. For more information, please call Psychology, Counselling & Personal Development on 020 4582 0403. You can find more information about the Advanced Learner Loan here www.citylit.ac.uk/advanced-learner-loansFull fee £5,199.00 Senior fee £5,199.00 Concession £5,199.00 - Counselling: an introduction Course start date: Mon 14 Sep 2026 (and 21 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nadia PerezEnhance your personal skills, learn more about yourself and take your first step in counselling training on this primarily experiential course, underpinned by the 3 main theoretical approaches in counselling. We have courses running daytimes, evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule, you can find a course that works for you!
Full fee £439.00 Senior fee £439.00 Concession £285.00 - Counselling Theories - Beginners - CBTCourse start date: Thu 17 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Angela ChristieThis course is perfect for those with a genuine curiosity and desire to understand the basics of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to advance to an intermediate level.
This course will take you from theorists Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck through to the present day. CBT combines two types of therapy to help you deal with negative thoughts and behaviours:
- Cognitivetherapy, examining the things youthink
- Behaviourtherapy, examining the things youdo
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Counselling Careers Virtual Open EventCourse start date: Fri 25 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Delrose BowesPlease join us at our virtual open event to hear more about our suite of counselling courses that will start in September 2026.
Full fee £0.00 - Counselling: Advanced Skills Course start date: Mon 28 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Myriam FerreiraA practical, in-person course focused on developing core counselling skills through hands-on exercises. Each week introduces a new skill, with plenty of opportunity for real-time practice, observation, and reflection in a supportive group setting.
Prior to enrolling, please complete a short application, by clicking 'Start Assessment', so the department can ensure the course is suitable for you.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Assertiveness Course start date: Fri 2 Oct 2026 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Debora CollisterWould you like to be more assertive? Develop the skill of communicating effectively and on equal terms with others in these practical workshops designed to help you gain self esteem and confidence.
This course takes place in person.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £149.00 - Nonviolent Communication Foundation Training (NVC) Course start date: Sun 4 Oct 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Tracy SeedNonviolent Communication Skills (NVC) helps people communicate with respect, compassion and honesty. It leads to people being heard and understood, finding increased clarity in communication, and feeling connected to self and others.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £162.00 - Understanding Process in Personal Development Course start date: Mon 12 Oct 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nadia PerezThis course is an exploration in a group setting to gain greater understanding of self and others.
-Understanding of self through personal development groups.
-Exploring and reflecting different aspects of self.Prior to enrolling, please complete a short application, by clicking 'Start Assessment', so the department can ensure the course is suitable for you.
Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £149.00 - Understanding the Unconscious from a Jungian perspectiveCourse start date: Sat 17 Oct 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nadia PerezThis course is designed for students to gain an understanding of Jungian concepts such as the collective unconscious, dreams and Synchronicity to facilitate their own self-awareness and to develop a more symbolic attitude towards their work.
Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Group facilitation Course start date: Sun 25 Oct 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Dennis CarneyLearn how to lead groups and develop your facilitation skills through an exploration of group roles, hidden dynamics, facilitator styles, methods of intervention and stages of group development. This course is both experiential and theory based.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £149.00 - Understanding Trauma: Part 1Course start date: Thu 5 Nov 2026
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Myriam FerreiraThis introductory day builds a clear and embodied understanding of trauma as a nervous system response. Participants explore what trauma is, what can cause it, and how it presents in the body and behaviour.This course provides the foundation for recognising trauma responses in everyday and professional contexts.
Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Counselling Theories - Intermediate - Person Centred Course start date: Wed 6 Jan 2027
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Myriam FerreiraAn intermediate-level course for those with prior knowledge of Person-Centred Theory, exploring relational depth, fragile process, and complex client work. Ideal for progressing trainees or practitioners seeking deeper theoretical and practical understanding.
Prior to enrolling, please complete a short application, by clicking "Start Assessment", so the department can ensure the course is suitable for you.
Full fee £349.00 Senior fee £349.00 Concession £227.00 - Counselling Theories - Intermediate - Psychodynamic Course start date: Sat 9 Jan 2027
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Constance FfrenchAre you looking to deepen your understanding of the Psychodynamic theory? Our intermediate course is designed for those eager to further embed their knowledge of Psychodynamic Theory.
This course is designed to facilitate an understanding of the core concepts of Psychodynamic theory, looking at the key thinkers and development of the theory from its initial stages to current day use in psychotherapy. You will learn about Freud, Jung and the main Object relations Theorists.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
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