Counselling Courses in Kent:
The Definitive Guide
Are you ready to take the next step towards your career in counselling?Â
Discover the range of training opportunities available in Kent through our detailed guide.Â
Whether you are just beginning your journey or already an experienced practitioner, we offer all the essential information to help you choose the perfect course.Â
Embark on the next chapter of your professional path today!
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| Enrol for our Maidstone-based CPCAB courses and kick start your journey to becoming a qualified counsellor! |
1. What does counselling in Kent look like?
As a counsellor, Kent presents an excellent location for both living and practising as a counsellor. With the growing need for mental health services in the county, especially in its largest town, there are ample opportunities for counsellors to work in both private and public healthcare settings. Kent’s rich history and diverse population, combined with its proximity to London, enable counsellors to engage with individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and experiences.Â
Kent is home to a well-established network of mental health services and counselling centres, offering continuous professional development and fostering a collaborative, supportive environment. The region is known for its strong sense of community, welcoming residents, and abundant local events. For those seeking a peaceful break, the stunning Kent Downs and surrounding areas provide a serene escape from the everyday.Â
Now, let’s explore the top reasons why training and pursuing a career as a counsellor in Kent could be the right choice for you.
Mental health is a central priority in Kent. In recent years, substantial investments and initiatives have significantly improved mental health services, positioning Kent at the forefront of mental health transformation in the region. These efforts have cultivated a robust network of NHS providers, private practices, and charitable organisations collaborating to address community mental health challenges. For instance, the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Team page recently announced a series of 11 mental health projects aimed at tackling a wide range of issues for the local people. This growing focus on mental health not only creates a wealth of job opportunities for qualified counsellors but also offers a comprehensive network of support and resources for professionals working within the field in Kent.
There is a considerable opportunity to make a positive impact in local communities. Although Kent has made notable progress in reforming its mental health services and has lower than average mental health client rates, local authorities recognise that further improvements are needed. In particular, disparities in mental health persist in underprivileged areas and among vulnerable groups, making it a priority for government action. In fact, Maidstone Borough Council has recently encouraged local mental health charities to pursue government funding opportunities. As a result, there is a growing demand for highly qualified mental health professionals, including counsellors.
Kent presents a diverse range of opportunities for counsellors. The region boasts a comprehensive network of NHS trusts, private practices and charitable organisations that deliver essential mental health services. Whether you prefer working with young people, couples or individuals, you will find ample opportunities to train and practise in your chosen field.
Consider a few examples of the varied organisations operating across Kent:
- Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust offers mental health services, including counselling for both adults and children throughout the county.
- Mind in Kent provides a spectrum of support, including free counselling for adults registered with local GPs, alongside tailored assistance for issues such as bereavement and trauma.
- Turning Point, a nationally recognised charity, delivers counselling support for those facing crises such as homelessness, domestic abuse, depression and other mental health challenges in Kent.
- Kent Safe Haven offers mental health support, including counselling, for individuals aged 18 and over who may be encountering difficulties.
- The University of Kent delivers counselling services to its students as part of its comprehensive mental health support system.
These examples represent just a selection of the vital mental health work carried out across Kent. In addition, there are multiple training providers offering counselling courses in the region to help you launch your career in this rewarding field (See below for more details!).
Maidstone CPCAB Level 4 Course – January 2025
Enrolment for our Kent-based CPCAB Level 4 course is now open!
Become a qualified counsellor in two years with our part-time course, consisting of 60 live sessions spread across two years.
2. What qualifications are available to me?
Now, you may be wondering, what qualifications are required to work as a counsellor in Kent?
The short answer is… technically, none! Yes, you read that correctly. Currently, counselling is not a regulated profession in the UK, meaning anyone can begin practicing as a counsellor in Kent. However, before you get too eager, this is certainly not advisable. Counselling is a demanding profession, often involving sensitive and complex issues. It is strongly recommended that you pursue formal training to ensure you possess the necessary skills and experience to manage these situations effectively. Also, many counselling agencies and clients are increasingly seeking counsellors with qualifications accredited by professional bodies, as this guarantees that the counsellor has completed proper training.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
The BACP is the larger of the two professional bodies. Its members have to undertake rigorous training and adhere to high ethical frameworks and standards, and, as a result, BACP membership is well-renowned and highly valued in the counselling profession.
Becoming a member of the BACP requires meeting specific criteria, one of which is completing an approved practitioner course. To fully understand the level of training involved in undertaking an approved course, let’s outline a clear pathway towards achieving BACP membership. This pathway involves undertaking a series of CPCAB-accredited courses:
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Total qualification time = 170 hours
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. Total qualification time = 196 hours
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Total qualification time = 1,204 hoursÂ
As these courses are generally offered on a part-time basis, you can anticipate spending three to four years to attain a BACP-accredited qualification, like the one outlined above. Various providers in Kent offer counselling courses that can help you gain BACP membership. Stay tuned; we’ll cover these providers shortly.
The National Counselling Society (NCS)
Whilst the NCS is the smaller of the two professional bodies, it is also seen as a reputable professional body in the UK, and NCS membership is still a great stamp to have as a practising counsellor. Similarly to the BACP, the NCS requires its members to meet certain criteria, which also include comprehensive training via an approved practitioner course.Â
There are multiple providers of counselling courses in Kent that offer NCS-approved courses. We’ll come to these shortly!Â
At Astranti Connect, we are convinced that a BACP-approved qualification is the optimal choice for those aspiring to build a career as a professional counsellor in Kent. For further insights into why this route stands out, please refer to our comprehensive guide to counselling qualifications.
Other options
Lastly, there are several counselling course providers in Kent that offer qualifications outside of the two main categories mentioned earlier.Â
These include short courses, which may be ideal if you don’t intend to work as a professional counsellor but wish to acquire counselling skills for another career or personal development. Some of these courses may also provide a qualification that can count towards BACP or NCS membership if you decide to pursue further studies later on.
3. Kent counselling course providers
If Kent is the right place for you, we have great news!
 A variety of course providers offer counselling training across the region. The ideal course for you will depend on your career aspirations, interests, and preferred learning style. Let’s take a closer look at your main options:
Universities and colleges
Because universities and colleges are non-specialist institutions with a broad range of offerings, you can expect much larger campuses and student populations compared to specialised counselling centres. If you’re seeking a full, immersive student experience, these might be the perfect fit! The University of Kent, located nearby, provides a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. This broad degree prepares students for diverse career paths, making it an excellent choice if you want to keep your options open. The course combines practical sessions with lectures, though it may not suit everyone’s learning preferences.Â
For those seeking a more hands-on approach, Mid Kent College offers an introductory Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts. Kent Adult Education also provides both online and in-person CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 counselling courses.
Specialist providers
But that’s not all! In addition to universities and colleges, there are also a number of specialist providers offering counselling courses across Kent. These focused institutions specifically cater to counselling, mental health, and well-being, providing courses that align with more defined career goals. Due to their smaller size, specialist providers typically offer more personalized class settings, fostering stronger connections with tutors and peers. This creates a supportive and immersive environment for learning. Many tutors at these schools are practising counsellors themselves, meaning they come with valuable local networking opportunities that can be helpful in securing work experience and job placements. Here are some providers offering specialised counselling courses across Kent:
The Kent Wellbeing Hub – Offers a range of counselling courses from Level 2 to 4.
Chrysalis Courses – Provides Level 3 and Level 5 counselling courses, as well as a unique Level 3 qualification in Hypnotherapy and Counselling for those interested in specialising.
Astranti Connect – Let’s save the best for last! Our counselling courses are available from Level 2 to Level 6, custom-designed to meet the needs of future counsellors.
These specialist courses offer a range of pathways for those aiming to expand their skills and pursue a meaningful career in counselling.
4. Classroom vs Online: what should you choose?
That is an excellent question, and the answer truly depends on your specific counselling ambitions. Much like selecting the right qualification or training provider, it is essential to choose a course format that best suits your career goals.
If you aim to join a professional body such as the BACP or NCS, be aware that a significant portion of your training must be completed in person. For example, on the CPCAB pathway to BACP membership, you can complete the Level 2 and Level 3 courses online, but 75% of the Level 4 programme must be delivered face-to-face.
This means that to qualify for BACP or NCS membership, you will need a blend of online and classroom training, or simply opt for in-person sessions if that is your preference. Although some providers offer fully online Level 4 courses, these will not meet the criteria for professional body membership – something to look out for!
Additionally, any online sessions must be conducted live, for instance via Zoom, as self-directed learning does not sufficiently develop the practical skills required by professional bodies.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of online-only or blended (online and classroom) counselling courses?
The advantages of online counselling courses:
- Greater flexibilityÂ
- Location is less of a barrier
- Potential cost savings
The disadvantages of online counselling courses:
- Potential technical Issues
- Increased liklihood of distractions
- Reduced social interaction
- May not lead to membership of professional bodies
Ultimately, there is no one correct choice between online, in-person and blended counselling courses. Your decision should be based on your preferred learning style and personal circumstances. For further guidance, please refer to our comprehensive guide to online counselling courses.
5. Why join a Connect course?
So, why do we think you should study with us?Â
We have experienced tutors
Connect tutors are all qualified counsellors with experience in teaching. Many are also practising counsellors and, when they aren’t teaching our classes, they continue to work with their own clients. Our tutors have a wealth of relevant, real-life experience and strong ties with the local counselling community.
We specialise in counselling
We have over 15 years of experience in counselling training and, unlike universities and colleges which offer a broad range of courses, our expertise and knowledge are focused on a small number of subject areas.
We are a national provider with centres across the country
If you’re not set on completing your counselling courses in Bristol, but you’d like to take part in one of our classroom counselling courses, we also have counselling hubs in Devon, Wiltshire, Norwich, Sheffield and Manchester. This also means you don’t have to be tied to one area throughout the course of your studies! We also have online options for Levels 2 and 3 and our post-qualification courses, offering additional flexibility. You can check out our full range of courses here.
We have a high Trustpilot rating
We are renowned as a high-quality training provider, as you can see from our excellent Trustpilot rating and reviews!
We have limited class sizes
Both our online and in-person courses have a maximum size of 16-18 people. This offers a great balance between plenty of tutor interaction and support and working and practising with a diverse range of people.
You will get access to our online community
We have an active online community, allowing you to learn from other students and support each other in your studies.
Our students must pass pre-course assessments
This helps to ensure our courses run as smoothly as possible, and you can rest assured that you and your fellow students are well-suited to the course.
We provide courses for Levels 2 to 6
This means once you pass one course, you can move on to another! Completing our Levels 2, 3 and 4 courses sets you up to apply for BACP membership to become a qualified, professional counsellor.
Our CPD Seminar Subscription comes free with our CPCAB courses
Twice a month our own tutors or expert guest speakers host live online seminars, each focusing on a new interesting topic in the world of counselling. From ‘Exploring Sexual Diversity’ to ‘What Star Wars Can Teach Us About Right and Wrong’, there’s something for everyone.
When you join a Connect course, you’ll have access to our live seminars and full bank of recorded sessions for the duration of your course.
Our Connect coursesÂ
Whether you decide that an in-person or online course is best for you, we offer a wide range of options to meet your needs. At our local Kent hub in Maidstone, we provide the following in-person courses:
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
We intend to introduce additional Level 3 and Level 4 courses after the current Level 2 courses, ensuring that anyone who completes Level 2 can continue their journey towards becoming a qualified counsellor without changing providers.
All our courses are approved by the CPCAB, and completing the Level 4 Diploma offers a pathway to BACP membership. It also forms part of the CPCAB Open University Foundation Degree, which enables you to graduate with a degree upon completion.
For added flexibility, we also offer live daytime and evening online courses for Levels 2 and 3 (remember, these sessions must be live, and the majority of the Level 4 course must be undertaken in a classroom setting to qualify for BACP membership). Once you have completed Level 4, we also provide a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and a Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision – because many counsellors want to progress to run their own practice, or become supervisors, and these courses give you the skills to achieve both of these ambitions.
If you are unsure about completing your counselling courses in Kent, we also operate counselling hubs in Devon, Reading, Leeds, Bristol, Liverpool, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester. You can view our full range of courses here.
Want to talk to someone about your next course options?
If you have any questions about Astranti Connect’s counselling courses in Maidstone, you can have a free 1-2-1 call with one of our Connect student advisors!
Head to your relevant course page below to book yours:
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