Psychotherapists use a variety of psychological methods (as opposed to drugs or physical interventions) to alleviate distress. By developing a collaborative relationship with the client, they are able to explore emotional problems, analyse past experiences and help create coping strategies.

Methods of treatment will vary depending on the core theoretical model the psychotherapist is practising.

The main theoretical approaches used by psychotherapists are broadly based on combinations, variations and extensions of core models, which include:

• psychodynamic - based on childhood experiences, dreams, the unconscious and the dynamics of the client-therapist relationship
• behavioural - based on the belief that damaging behaviours can be unlearnt or reconditioned
• cognitive - based on questioning and changing self-deprecating thoughts and habitual responses
• humanistic and integrative - based on self-development and personal growth (sometimes dealing with spirituality and consciousness)
• person-centred - based on developing inner resources by expressing negative feelings with a permissive and accepting therapist
• interpersonal/systemic - based on changing transactions and roles within relationships.

This is not an exhaustive list and is by necessity selective. For full details of these models and others see the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy websites.

Treatment is carried out between individuals or groups of clients, and can be with adults or children. Psychotherapists also deliver training to non-therapeutic groups like social workers.

The skills, approach and theoretical understanding of fully-trained psychotherapists overlaps considerably with that of counsellors – see Counsellor profile. Some traditions recognise a distinction between the two; others do not.

Hours and Environment

Many psychotherapists work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, private therapy sessions often take place in early morning or early evening to accommodate clients who may be at work.

A consultation can range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on what is agreed by the therapist and the client. Part-time work is possible.

Psychotherapists work with clients on a one-to-one basis or with larger groups such as couples or families. They work indoors in private surroundings either at home or in an office.

Skills and Interests

To be a psychotherapist you should:

• be empathetic, sincere and sensitive
• have good listening and questioning skills
• have a genuine interest in the emotional issues faced by people
• appreciate and respect the variety of human experience and culture
• be non-judgmental and tolerant towards taboo thoughts and feelings
• be able to establish rapport with a wide range of people in a creative way
• have an energetic and positive outlook
• be committed to self development
• be confident enough to explore the painful aspects of a client’s life.

Entry

Psychotherapy is often entered into as a second career. Many therapists have a qualification and background in areas related to social work, psychology or one of the health professions.

There is no single regulatory body responsible for overseeing the work of psychotherapists in private practice; however, many practitioners are members of a voluntary regulatory body such as:

• the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• the British Psychoanalytic Council (BCP)
• the British Association of Psychotherapists (BAP).

Check the Further Information section for contact details. 

The UKCP has subdivided the main approaches to psychotherapy into seven areas, which are:

• analytical psychology
• behavioural and cognitive psychology
• experiential constructivist
• family, couple, sexual, systemic therapy
• humanistic and integrative psychotherapy
• hypno-psychotherapy
• psychoanalytic and psychodynamic.

Training routes vary between the different areas of psychotherapy. Each area has links with a number of membership organisations which either run training courses themselves or accredit training programmes offered by other institutions. You should contact the relevant organisations for the specialism you are interested in; these are listed on the UKCP website.

The UKCP has set some basic entry criteria. Most courses accredited by a UKCP member organisation will require you to have:

• a relevant honours degree or equivalent (in, for example, social work or psychology)
• experience of working with vulnerable adults or children
• a caring personality and self-awareness.

The entry requirements for a degree course are likely to include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two or three A levels/H grades or equivalent. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Training

Training in psychotherapy will usually include studying for a postgraduate qualification in psychotherapy, on a part-time basis over a four to six year period. A limited number of training posts may be available in the NHS.

An important element of formal, recognised psychotherapy training is appropriate, supervised client work giving practitioners the opportunity to establish and terminate professional relationships (contracts) with clients. Placements can be difficult to find and this should be discussed with the course provider at the outset.

Training will also have an academic element, made up of theoretical essays and reports, and some aspect of personal development or therapy.

Practitioners are required to keep up-to-date with the profession. This can be achieved by attending conferences, lectures, courses and meetings organised through professional bodies or schools of psychotherapy.

Throughout a career in psychotherapy you must:

• keep in touch with new research developments
• build-up good working relationships and networks with other health professionals
• undergo regular supervision with another practitioner to discuss personal and professional issues.

Opportunities

Some opportunities exist in the NHS where psychotherapy can be seen as an additional skill that a psychologist, social worker or health professional might have. Psychotherapists can also work in the public sector or with a voluntary organisation.

Some psychotherapists become self-employed and set up independently in private practice. This is usually after gaining several years of post-qualifying experience.

It is possible for psychotherapists to develop a portfolio of services that they can offer, including:

• working in a range of different specialisms
• working in a mental health setting like a hospital
• working with private clients that wish to make changes in their lives
• training professionals
• teaching and lecturing.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. 

The starting salary for a psychotherapist working in the NHS may be between £19,000 and £25,000 a year.
A senior psychotherapist in the NHS may earn up to £68,500 a year.

Many psychotherapists charge between £25 and £80 a session depending on the circumstances of their clients.

Further information

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