Cognitive behavioural therapist

You'll usually study for an accredited postgraduate qualification in cognitive behavioural therapy.

You'll need a first degree related to health and social care to apply for a postgraduate course and experience of working in mental health.

Relevant degree subjects include:

• mental health nursing
• social work
• counselling
• art therapy
• psychology

You may be able to get onto a postgraduate course without a degree, if you can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSAs) required by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

You'll need at least 4 years' experience of working in mental health or a similar field to apply for the KSA route.

You'll find it helpful to get experience of working in mental health.

You could:

• volunteer with a mental health charity like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness or Turning Point
• find opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do it
• volunteer in the NHS

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, like a psychological wellbeing practitioner or high intensity therapist, you may be able to apply for cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) training with the NHS.

Check NHS Jobs for trainee vacancies.

To become a psychotherapist, you'll need to:

• study for a degree such as psychology, nursing, medicine or social work
• do an accredited postgraduate qualification
• complete 450 hours of practice

Your postgraduate course should be recognised by one of the following:

• UK Council for Psychotherapy
• British Psychoanalytic Council
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Association of Child Psychotherapists (APC)
• National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

Training can take between 3 and 4 years to complete.

To become a child psychotherapist, you will need to complete 4 years of training with the APC.

You'll also need experience of working with children or vulnerable adults.

Some courses may expect you to go into therapy yourself during your training. This is to help you deal with any issues that may affect you as a therapist, as well as to experience therapy from a client's point of view.

You could start by doing a Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Counselling before moving onto further training at degree and postgraduate level.

You'll be encouraged to take an introductory course to start, to make sure that this is a career for you.

Some colleges have a minimum age limit to start this type of course. They may also expect you to have had experience of working with vulnerable people.