FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Training to become a competent, safe and effective counsellor requires good quality training with a high level of direct human interaction due to its experiential and relational nature. CPCAB’s position is that It is not ethical to train as a counsellor through only distance learning, whether this is done via an online system or workbooks. If your training does not include live interaction with a tutor or peers, then it will not teach you to work effectively with clients. Professional associations, recognised by the PSA (Professional Standards Authority) do not consider distance learning counselling training as acceptable for membership and registration.

Since the 2020 pandemic the inclusion of live taught online training has become accepted practice in the training of counsellors. This is where the class of peers and tutors interact online in real time with each other and the tutor as they would in a physical classroom, for example through sessions taught via Zoom. This is considered an effective equivalent to classroom based learning for most levels of training. However, reputable professional associations do require that practitioner level training (level 4) is mostly classroom based, with a maximum of 30% through live online teaching.

We highly recommend looking for good quality training ether through classroom based learning, or live synchronous online learning where you, the tutor (or tutors) and peers are interacting together, and you are able to engage with the essential elements of counselling training, e.g. live skills practice sessions with immediate feedback, self-development activities, and at higher levels, group training supervision.

It is possible to learn about theories asynchronously online, and there are some excellent online asynchronous courses that make for great continuing professional development (CPD). But qualifying as a counsellor is something that needs to be done face-to-face with live human interaction.