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 careerCourse start date: Mon 5 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
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 - Counselling: an introductionCourse start date: Mon 5 Jan 2026 (and 14 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 £399.00 Senior fee £399.00 Concession £259.00 - Understanding Process in Personal DevelopmentCourse start date: Mon 5 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Constance FfrenchThis 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 contact the department on 020 4582 0403 for approval.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £149.00 - Level 3 Certificate in counselling skills (Fast Track / Intensive)Course start date: Sat 10 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Margaret Prince, Ana WellbrookApplications are now closed.
Do you want to develop counselling skills for paid or voluntary work? Enhance your career or progress to further study with a qualification in counselling. Explore theory, practice, ethics and personal awareness. Ideal for professionals seeking to develop counselling skills for paid or voluntary work?
In order to apply for this course, please ensure that:- you have (or will have) completed a face to face introductory counselling course of 30 hours, with an attendance record of at least 80% (within the last three years)
or
- you have completed a face to face introductory counselling course of 30 hours with an attendance record of at least 70% and you have completed a ‘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 £2,549.00 Senior fee £2,549.00 Concession £2,549.00 - Counselling Theories - Intermediate - PsychodynamicCourse start date: Fri 16 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nadia PerezHave you completed our Counselling Theory: Psychodynamic: Beginners course or are you looking to deepen your understanding of the theory? Our intermediate course is designed for those eager to further embed their knowledge of Psychodynamic Theory.
This course will take you from Freud through to the present day, demonstrating a more relational experience for the client. Examine the unconscious, the presenting past and issues in early development
Full fee £349.00 Senior fee £349.00 Concession £227.00 - Working with bereavement and lossCourse start date: Fri 23 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Adrian ScottWe'll use the theories of Bowlby, Winnicott and Klein to explore your reactions to bereavement and loss, and increase your ability to help others work through their reactions.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - AssertivenessCourse start date: Fri 30 Jan 2026 (and 2 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 - Understanding traumaCourse start date: Thu 5 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Myriam FerreiraThis one-day course provides a foundational understanding of trauma, its effects, and basic assessment tools. Learn to recognise trauma responses, apply trauma-informed care principles, and create supportive environments for individuals affected by trauma. Ideal for professionals and caregivers
Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Nonviolent Communication Foundation Training (NVC)Course start date: Sat 21 Feb 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 - Group facilitationCourse start date: Sat 21 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Emma WinkleyDevelop your skills in leading groups through this exploration of facilitator styles, group roles, interventions, stages of group development and hidden dynamics. Experiential and theory based.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £149.00 - Working with traumaCourse start date: Thu 26 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Myriam FerreiraThis CPD course is designed for mental health practitioners seeking practical skills to support individuals affected by trauma. It covers accessible techniques for creating safe environments, managing trauma responses, and promoting healing through trauma-informed practices.
Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Counselling: Advanced SkillsCourse start date: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
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.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Counselling Introduction: AdvancedCourse start date: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Myriam FerreiraExtend your use of counselling skills and personal development in this highly experiential course. You will need to have completed a 30-hour counselling introduction (with a minimum of 70% attendance) within the last three years. Prior to enrolling, contact the department on 020 4582 0403 for authorisation.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Counselling Theories - Intermediate - Person CentredCourse start date: Thu 7 May 2026
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.
Full fee £349.00 Senior fee £349.00 Concession £227.00 - Understanding the Unconscious from a Jungian PerspectiveCourse start date: Sun 14 Jun 2026
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
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