Train with us
Our practitioners help thousands of people every year and receive regular supervision and support throughout their training and practice.
How to become a counsellor with us.
To become a counsellor with us, you'll likely need to have already begun your counselling training.
- For our Diploma in Relationship Counselling, you will need a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. It would be beneficial to have experience (paid or voluntary) working with an organisation such as the Samaritans or Childline, or in a similar supporting role.
- For our Post-Qualifying Certificate in Relational Counselling, it’s likely that you have completed (or are about to complete) a recognised Level 4 (or above) Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or Psychotherapy. And as part of this completed a 100 hour supervised clinical placement.
As a qualified counsellor or practitioner we offer training to deliver in specialised service areas
FAQs
I have a degree, does this mean I am eligible for the Diploma?
Unfortunately, having a degree doesn't make you eligible for our Diploma in Relationship Counselling. Instead, you'll need the qualifications outlined above as they are practical and counselling focused rather than academic or theoretically focused. Counselling is a relational activity which depends on personal qualities, self-awareness and soft skills such as the ability to build a trusting relationship, work with difference and diversity and to convey emphatic understanding. These aspects are not included or assessed in most degree programmes (including psychology degrees) and have to be learned and developed in a very different learning context.
If you have studied a counselling degree, with the opportunity to practice developing your counselling skills, or you feel you have relevant qualifications, then do get in touch with us so we can discuss this further.
What is the criteria for a clinical placement?
For the practise element of the training you will need to secure a student placement. Please note that availability at Relate at Family Action is currently limited, therefore we encourage you to secure a placement with an external organisation. For advice in securing a placement, please email training@relate.org.uk.
I am already a qualified counsellor in private practice, can I use my private practice as my placement?
No, this is not appropriate for a student relationship counsellor as there will be no assessment or referral process for appropriate casework.
Do you offer APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning)?
As well as training our own practitioners, we recruit people who are already qualified counsellors and have the required qualifications and experiences to work for one of our mainstream services. If you are already a qualified counsellor, you may already have sufficient qualifications and experience to work for us. Check out our APEL list to find out.
What our students say
Our students consistently praise the unique advantages of our courses. As Filipa, a student on our Level 5 two year diploma in relationship counselling, shares: "One thing I really like about Relate is that you never feel alone at any part of the process."
Our diverse learning environment is another aspect our students appreciate, with each cohort bringing together a range of experiences and perspectives that enrich the learning journey.
In our interview below Filipa talks about how she found training with us.
Our courses
Diploma in Relationship Counselling
Accredited by CPCAB, this two-year qualification provides training for people wishing to work as relationship counsellors within Relate.
Post-Qualifying Certificate in Relational Counselling
Accredited by CPCAB, this 12-month professional practitioner qualification (Level 5 Certificate) in Relational Counselling covers all the key aspects of couple counselling.
Professional Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy
Accredited by COSRT, this intensive two-year course for qualified relationship counsellors combines in-depth practical approaches to the understanding and treatment of sexual difficulties with wider principles of sex and sexuality.
Certificate in Family Counselling
This 12 month course in Family Counselling is founded on a model of systemic practice that is informed by the latest research findings on what makes family work effective.
Post-Qualifying Certificate in Counselling Young People
This 12 month course in Counselling Young People is based on an integrated model with a systemic focus.
CPCAB Level 6 Diploma in Supervisory Practice
This specialist CPCAB approved training will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide individual and group supervision to Relate practitioners as well as to practitioners working in private practice.