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 Theories - Intermediate - Psychodynamic
Course start date: Fri 20 Feb 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 - Counselling: Advanced Skills Course 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: an introduction Course start date: Tue 28 Apr 2026 (and 6 other dates)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Constance FfrenchEnhance 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 - Counselling Introduction: Advanced Course 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 Centred Course 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 - Counselling as a career Course start date: Sat 20 Jun 2026
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 OgundareGreat news! Applications are now open. The closing date is 12.00pm on Friday 13th March 2026. Please ensure you have completed and submitted your application before the closing date as you will be unable to submit your application after this date.
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to the Stage One: Skills Assessment which will be held on Saturday 18th April 2026. If you pass the Stage One: Skills Assessment, you will be invited to the Stage: Two Individual Interview which will be held on Saturday 25th April 2026. Please ensure that you are available for both the Stage One and Stage Two dates before making an application. Unfortunately, no alternative dates can be offered.
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 OgundareGreat news! Applications are now open. The closing date is 12.00pm on Friday 13th March 2026. Please ensure you have complete and submitted your application before the closing date as you will be unable to submit your application after this date.
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to the Stage One: Skills Assessment which will be held on Saturday 18th April 2026. If you pass the Stage One: Skills Assessment, you will be invited to the Stage: Two Individual Interview which will be held on Saturday 25th April 2026. Please ensure that you are available for both the Stage One and Stage Two dates before making an application. Unfortunately, no alternative dates can be offered.
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
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