Counselling Courses in Bradford:
The Definitive Guide
Thinking about starting a career in counselling or looking to take your skills to the next level?
Explore our comprehensive guide of counselling courses in Bradford with our detailed guide.
Whether you’re just starting out or already have experience, we provide all the key information you need to find the perfect course for you.
Begin your journey today!
1. Counselling in Bradford
2. Qualifications available
3. Bradford course providers
4. Classroom Vs Online
5. Why choose Connect?
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1. What does counselling in Bradford look like?
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Are you thinking about training as a counsellor in Bradford? Let us give you an inside look at what counselling involves in this vibrant city!
Bradford is a fantastic place to train and work as a counsellor, offering a diverse and welcoming community, strong support networks for mental health professionals, and a commitment to improving mental well-being across the region. With plenty of opportunities to work with a wide range of clients and organisations, Bradford is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a meaningful difference through counselling.
Let’s take a closer look at why Bradford is a great city for training and building a career in counselling.
​Bradford faces significant challenges concerning mental health, particularly among its younger population. The 2023 Director of Public Health Annual Report highlighted that Bradford has the fourth highest proportion of under-16-year-olds in England, with 22.8% of its population in this age group. Notably, 28.9% of these children live in absolute low-income families, a factor closely linked to mental health issues.
In the 2021-2022 period, Mind in Bradford assisted 3,007 individuals through 21,672 interventions, underscoring the high demand for mental health services in the area. This demand is further evidenced by the Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s participation in the 2022 NHS Community Mental Health Survey, which involved 53 providers and received responses from 13,418 individuals.
These statistics highlight a pressing need for qualified counsellors in Bradford, offering professionals the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the local community.
​Mental health is a significant focus in the Bradford region, prompting local authorities to implement numerous innovative programmes and organisations to address these challenges.​
For instance, Bradford 2025 has launched a Creative Health programme in collaboration with local healthcare providers, including the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, Bradford District & Craven Mind, The VCS Alliance, and Bradford Metropolitan District Council. This initiative aims to improve mental and physical wellbeing in the district’s underserved communities through culture and creativity.
Similarly, Leeds has developed the Leeds Mental Health Strategy 2020-2025, focusing on promoting good mental health across all ages. The strategy includes various priorities and workstreams tailored to the community’s needs.
These initiatives not only create ample job opportunities for qualified counsellors but also offer robust support networks and a wealth of resources for professionals engaged in the counselling field across the region
​Bradford offers a diverse range of counselling opportunities, catering to various client groups and specialisations. Here are some notable organisations and services in the area:​
- Bradford and Craven Talking Therapies – This NHS service provides free and confidential counselling to individuals aged 16 and over, offering courses such as ‘Stress and Wellbeing Management’ to help manage stress, low mood, and anxiety.
- The Cellar Trust – Following a merger with Aire, Wharfe & Craven Counselling Services and Bradford Counselling Services in 2022, The Cellar Trust offers psychological therapies to help individuals explore and manage a range of emotional challenges.
- Wellbeing & Wholeness Counselling Agency – Based near Morrisons Five Lane Ends in Bradford, this agency offers a professional counselling service to anyone in need, irrespective of their ability to pay.
These examples represent a fraction of the many local mental health charities, NHS organisations, and private practices that play a vital role in Bradford’s mental health landscape. For those interested in pursuing a career in counselling, institutions like the University of Bradford and local course providers offer various programs that provide an excellent foundation for a fulfilling career in this field.
2. What qualifications are available to me?
So, if Bradford feels like the right place for you, what opportunities are available to help you begin your journey as a counsellor?
Before getting started, let’s clarify the difference between what is required and what is recommended to begin working as a counsellor in Bradford.
Counselling is not yet a legally regulated profession in the UK, meaning that, technically, you could practise without any formal qualifications (Yes, really!). However, to ensure both your clients’ well-being and your own professional development, it is strongly advised to gain a recognised qualification. This will equip you with the skills needed to handle complex and sensitive situations effectively. Additionally, employers and clients increasingly seek counsellors with qualifications accredited by a recognised professional body.
So, what does this mean for you?
In the UK, there are two major professional bodies for counselling, and accredited qualifications from both are available through counselling courses in Bradford. Let’s explore these organisations and what they offer.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
The BACP is the largest professional body for counselling in the UK, setting high ethical and professional standards for the field. Becoming a BACP member is a valuable credential that can enhance your employability and credibility with clients.
To become a BACP member, you must meet specific criteria, including completing an approved core practitioner course. One common pathway to BACP membership is through CPCAB-accredited courses. Let’s use this as an example to illustrate the level of training required to qualify.
To gain BACP membership via CPCAB, you typically need to complete the following:
- CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills – 170 hours total qualification time
- CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies – 196 hours total qualification time
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – 1,204 hours total qualification time
There are several providers offering BACP-accredited counselling courses in Bradford and the surrounding region. Stay with us—we’ll explore the specific training providers in the next section!
The National Counselling Society (NCS)
The other key professional counselling body in the UK is the National Counselling Society (NCS). Like the BACP, NCS membership requires meeting specific criteria, including completing an accredited qualification.
Several providers offer NCS-accredited counselling courses in Bradford and the wider region, but only a limited number offer the Level 4 course required for full NCS membership. We’ll explore these options shortly.
At Astranti Connect, we believe that following the BACP route is the stronger option of the two—you can find out why in our definitive guide to counselling qualifications.
Other options
If you’re interested in learning counselling skills for personal development or to support another professional role- such as teaching or care work- but don’t plan to become a professional counsellor, there are additional training options available in Bradford.
Various individuals and organisations offer short counselling courses, some of which provide qualifications that could later contribute towards BACP or NCS accreditation if you decide to continue your studies. However, some courses may not be accredited, so it’s important to check their quality and suitability before enrolling.
3. Bradford counselling course providers
Bradford offers a variety of counselling course providers, and the right choice for you will depend on your goals, interests, and career ambitions within the counselling profession.
Let’s explore the main options available.
Universities and colleges
Bradford offers a variety of counselling courses through its universities and colleges, each providing unique opportunities for those interested in the field. If you’re looking to combine academic study with hands-on experience or prefer a traditional student lifestyle, there are several options to explore.
The University of Bradford offers a BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling, which blends core psychological principles with counselling theories and practical applications. This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and also includes opportunities for real-world placements, helping students gain practical experience.
Several universities in the wider region also offer a range of accredited courses, for example:
The University of Leeds offers an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling, accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Leeds Trinity University provides a BSc (Hons) in Counselling Psychology, exploring the relationship between theoretical psychology and counselling. Leeds Beckett University offers a PG Dip in Counselling and Psychotherapy, accredited by the BACP. This two-year, part-time course develops understanding of relational theory and practice, enabling students to become professional counsellors or psychotherapists
Specialist providers
Bradford is home to a range of specialist counselling course providers. These institutions focus specifically on counselling, mental health, and wellbeing, offering a more tailored curriculum designed to meet the needs of aspiring counsellors.
Classes at these specialist providers are often smaller, promoting greater interaction with tutors and providing a more supportive, hands-on learning experience. Many of the instructors are practising counsellors with strong links to Bradford’s local counselling community, which can be incredibly valuable when it comes to securing placements and career opportunities.
Here are some specialist providers of counselling courses in Bradford:
Ian Wallace Training and Coaching (IWTC)
Provides training and support for therapists in Bradford and across West Yorkshire, offering various courses and workshops.
The Yorkshire Institute of Counselling – Provides a wide range of courses, from introductory to advanced post-qualification training.
Discovery Counselling and Training Services
Based in West Yorkshire, Discovery offers courses such as the Introduction to Counselling, Certificate in Counselling, and a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling. Their programmes are grounded in the Person-Centred Approach, focusing on personal growth and self-awareness.
Astranti Connect
Last but certainly not least, we offer CPCAB and BACP-approved + NCPS-approved counselling courses from Levels 2 to 6, along with specialised post-qualification courses and CPD designed to help you progress in your counselling career.
These are some of the leading institutions in Bradford offering counselling courses, each providing valuable opportunities for individuals looking to start or progress their careers in counselling.
4. Classroom vs Online: what should you choose?
That’s a great question! Just like selecting the right qualification and training provider, the answer largely depends on your counselling goals.
If you aim to join a professional counselling body, such as the BACP or NCS, it’s important to note that they both require a substantial portion of your training hours to be completed in person.
Let’s revisit the example of the CPCAB pathway towards BACP membership. While the CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 courses can be completed online, the CPCAB Level 4 course requires that 75% of the teaching is delivered in person.
Therefore, if you’re aiming for BACP or NCS membership, you’ll need to undertake a mix of online and classroom-based training – or choose classroom-based training exclusively if that suits you better. Be cautious, as some providers offer online-only Level 4 courses, but these will not qualify you for BACP or NCS membership.
It’s also worth noting that, for BACP and NCS membership, any online training must be delivered live – for instance, via Zoom – to enable interaction and practical skills development with your tutor and fellow students. The professional bodies maintain that essential counselling skills cannot be effectively learned through self-directed study alone.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing an online-only counselling course versus a blended online-and-classroom approach?
Advantages of online counselling training:Â
- Increased flexibility
- Not limited to local courses
- Potential for reduced costs
Disadvantages of online counselling training:Â
- Potential for technical difficulties
- Possible distractions
- Less social interaction
- Careful consideration must be taken when picking an online course
Ultimately, there’s no definitive right or wrong choice when deciding between online-only, classroom-based, or a blended approach to counselling courses. It all comes down to your personal preferences and circumstances, so you should select the format that best aligns with your needs and aspirations.Â
If you’d like more information on this subject, you can check out our definitive 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’ve decided a classroom or online course is best for you, we have lots of course options available to suit your needs!
We offer the following in-person courses at our Leeds hub:Â
Each of these courses is approved by the CPCAB, and completing the Level 4 Diploma provides a pathway to BACP membership. It also forms part of the CPCAB Open University Foundation Degree if you’d like to come away with a degree at the end of your studies.Â
If you’re looking for greater flexibility, we also provide live online courses for Levels 2 and 3, available during both daytime and evening sessions. Just keep in mind that while Levels 2 and 3 can be completed online as long as they are delivered live, the majority of Level 4 must be undertaken in a classroom setting to meet BACP membership requirements!
Once you have qualified, we offer a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision – because why stop there?
As mentioned earlier, if you’re unsure about completing your counselling courses in London, we also have counselling hubs in Devon, Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield, and Manchester. You can explore 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 London, 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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