NCS | FAQs

We have officially changed our name to the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society!

Information for members

As of the 15th of May 2023, we have officially changed our name to the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

Our new and improved website is coming soon!

  • I'm not sure which course to choose – can the Society recommend one?

    All the courses listed in this section have been awarded either accredited, advanced specialist or quality checked recognition by the National Counselling Society. The Society cannot recommend a specific training provider or course and we advise you to take time to research all courses to help you make a decision.

  • How can I find out about getting financial help to fund a course?

    We would advise you to contact the training provider you are interested in – they can advise on any grants or funding that may be available.

  • I'm confused by all of the different types of qualifications – where do I start?

    There are many different approaches to counselling and as many routes to becoming a counsellor. This is reflected in the large variety of courses that are available. If you know what you want to do in the future, find out what qualifications you will ultimately need and then work back from there. For example what type of clients do you want to work with? Do you want to work full time or part time? Do you want to work in private practice or another forum?

  • I've been told that I must do a course that is regulated – what does this mean?

    Counselling is not regulated in the UK and there are currently no plans for statutory regulation so there are no ‘regulated’ courses as such. Professional bodies like the NCS recognise some courses as being safe, ethical and delivered in a competent fashion, and as providing their graduates with enough training to join their Accredited Register of practitioners. Our register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, providing an additional assurance of quality.


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  • Find a Counsellor

    Find the help you need...If you are a potential client looking for a counsellor, you may search our registrants by location or name and you can also check whether someone is on the NCPS accredited register. A member of the Society may be a Registrant or a non-registrant member.

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  • Train as a Counsellor

    Use our Find a Course tool to find the nearest training providers who offer National Counselling Society Accredited, Advanced Specialist, Quality Checked or CPD courses. These courses are currently run across the the UK.

    Find Out More