Adult Psychotherapist

Adult Psychotherapists work with adults to assess and treat a range of emotional, social or mental health issues.

You will help adults tackle problems such as behavioural issues, common challenges such as anxiety and depression or more complex or severe issues, such as psychosis or a personality disorder diagnosis. As an Adult Psychotherapist you will work either one to one or with other patients in a group setting, supporting people to overcome their issues and challenges.

Adult Psychotherapist is also known as Talk Therapist, Counsellor, Therapist .

Role Characteristics

Develop and implement counselling and intervention programmes to support people in determining goals and means of attaining them
Provide counselling, therapy and mediation services, and facilitate individual and group sessions
Liaise with community agencies and partners, and identify additional or alternative services and provide referrals
Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and interventions, and peoples progress in resolving identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
Identify ways to help people cope with stress and develop problem-solving strategies
Teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises

Skills

Active listening
Advice giving
Communication
Empathy
Goal-setting
Observation

Day in the life

What the video to learn about Adult Psychotherapist.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

T-Level

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Postgraduate degree

How to become

To practise as an Adult Psychotherapist, you will need to undertake appropriate recognised training. You will usually need an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject and/or be a qualified and experienced healthcare practitioner, such as a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Mental Health Nurse or Social Worker. To secure a place on a Psychotherapy training course, you will also need to be able to demonstrate that you have relevant experience.

Training usually takes four years, combining study with clinical training under supervision and provided by a number of organisations, which are usually accredited by the UK Council for Psychotherapy, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or the British Psychoanalytic Council.

Clinical training consists of intensive treatment of patients carried out under supervision. Clinical discussions combining theory and practice are held throughout the period of training. Alongside your training, you will be expected to undertake your own personal therapy to build your self-awareness and expand on your ability to relate to others.

It is a requirement for you to be registered with a professional body, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

As your professional knowledge and experience grows, you can move into more senior roles within the psychotherapist sector and beyond. There are opportunities to train others and become involved in research.