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Membership

The Institute of Counselling is a charitable Institute, whose mission is to provide high quality training and promote the development of counselling education.

One of our specific aims at the Institute of Counselling is the provision of counselling services for individuals and groups. Another important aim is to provide opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD). Our membership department is responsible for ensuring that members are supplied with the latest information in counselling or CBT practices.

The Institute of Counselling understands and incorporates the needs, values and perspectives of each individual. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture in which all individuals are encouraged to participate fully. We support growth, when necessary, through developing individual's knowledge and skills within their role and the wider profession.

The Institute of Counselling provides five grades of membership

  • Student Member
  • Member
  • Associate Professional Member
  • Full Member
  • Senior Member


Please visit our Membership Grades page for detailed information and guidance on our membership grades, and the application process for each grade of membership.

Please contact one of our membership advisors by telephone on 0141 204 2230 or by email at admin@instituteofcounselling.ac.uk with any questions or to request a membership application form.

Qualifications

When applying for membership of the Institute of Counselling we recognise the skills, qualifications and experience that each individual has acquired within their roles, our membership application process reflects our inclusive culture and understanding of what each individual brings to their role and their profession.

We accept qualifications at certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate level that have a defined level and number of credits, some of which include regulated qualifications frameworks such as Ofqual qualifications, SCQF credit rated qualifications, CQFW qualifications, among others. We also accept awards recognised by professional bodies within relevant professions. Please contact one of our membership advisors if you require further guidance and information.

Within your application you should also include continual professional development (CPD) events and seminars that you have attended, which demonstrates that you are undertaking continual professional development within a particular field or industry.

Experience

We recognise different backgrounds, knowledge and skills of each individual from the experience you have acquired within a work context to the knowledge and understanding you may have acquired within an academic context.

We have members from a wide range of backgrounds some of these include teaching, healthcare, social work, nursing, chaplaincy, counselling and psychotherapy, coaching or mentoring, management or one of the other caring and/or helping professions.

When applying for a grade of membership with the Institute of Counselling, we will take into account the experience you have gained within your role and within a particular profession.

Application Process

We avoid unnecessary complexities in our application process, and we provide candidates for membership the opportunity to communicate their experience, practice, CPD undertaken and qualifications. If you are looking to become a Full Member, we can provide guidance and requirements to become a Full Member of the Institute of Counselling. 

Whether you are just beginning your studies or have been a practitioner in the caring fields and helping fields for many years, we can assist you in finding a membership grade that suits you.

If you have any unspent convictions, any offences or restrictions that prevent you working with adults and children then you are required to notify the Institute of Counselling of this.


Guidance and Support

Find out what professional membership with the Institute of Counselling can do for you.

If you are not sure which membership grade to apply for, please contact one of our membership advisors by telephone on 0141 204 2230, or you can contact our Membership Secretary directly by email at: Urska@instituteofcounselling.ac.uk One of our advisors will be happy to provide you with further information and guidance.

The Institute of Counselling's membership team will provide you with guidance and updates throughout your membership with the Institute of Counselling.

To view further information on Membership of the Institute of Counselling, please visit our Membership FAQ's
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Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Credit rated at SCQF level 8)
I really appreciate the support and guidance Dr Marie Murphy has given me during my studies. I really appreciated her patience and kindness since English is not my first language. She was always there to help me with assignments and gave clear and thoughtful feedback, which made the learning process so much easier and more enjoyable. Her quick responses and support kept me focused and feeling confident during the course. I’m super grateful for her help and would definitely recommend her to anyone in need of a friendly and supportive tutor!
Gabriele G, 1 day ago
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Certificate in CBT 2 (Credit rated at SCQF level 8)
I really enjoyed this course even though I became very ill half way through but I was very kindly given a extra 3 months to finished the course which I’m very grateful for ,I’m really enjoying the courses and really looking forward to moving on to the next one
Rebecca R, 1 day ago
Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars
Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Credit rated at SCQF level 8)
The course has been challenging and very rewarding. The tutor has been excellent! Patient, very supportive and professional in knowledge. Course content and materials very clear and concise, providing information relevant to tasks. Well worth the journey! Overall, I would rate the course excellent!
Mark H, 10 days ago
Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars
Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Credit rated at SCQF level 8)
The course material is presented in a great and easy to understand way. The colourful pictures and diagrams enhance the course material. The content of the material was interessting and keeps one engaged without it being overwhelming, it is a great mix. It is great to have a tutor assigned to a student where one can get help and support and ask questions. I appreciated my tutor`s feedback on my assignments. And I particularly appreciated the clarifications regarding the TMA and the word count for each different section, and help to clarify the referencing system.
Caroline T, 23 days ago
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Certificate in CBT 2 (Credit rated at SCQF level 8)
Great Support from my Tutor . Not only helped me personally , and hopefully in time i will be able to help others.
David P, 48 days ago
Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars Rated 5 stars
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Credit rated at SCQF level 8)
The course provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Through its structured materials, I was able to develop essential CBT skills that are crucial for effective practice in the field of mental health support. The knowledge I got has significantly enhanced my confidence as a mental health support counselor, enabling me to apply these techniques in real-world situations with greater assurance. I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Marie Murphy for her exceptional support throughout the course. Her insightful feedback was invaluable in helping me refine my skills and deepen my understanding of the material. I am confident that I will revisit the course materials in the future, as they are well-organized and serve as a valuable resource for ongoing learning and professional development.
Liliia K, 100 days ago
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Certificate in CBT 2 (Credit rated at SCQF level 8)
i found this course and the material very informative, lots of personal tasks which helped to develop my knowledge and understanding of CBT. My tutor was helpful and would give direction if I was unsure of something. I feel able to begin to introduce CBT into my own work with more confidence.
beverley R, 105 days ago
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Diploma in Youth Counselling
Given that the course is entirely distance-learning and not in-person, the quality of tutoring including communication, advice and feedback is excellent. The course materials are excellent and provide links to all the essential texts for the subject. I feel as though I have learned a great deal over the course of my studies and it has enhanced my practice and enabled me to move forward in my professional aims.
Dave S, 106 days ago
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Certificate in Christian Counselling
The course material is in-depth, allowing me to reflect on and consider the role of a Christian Counsellor at the basic /Introductory level. I received detailed and positive feedback from the Tutor, Marie Murphy, which demonstrated my ability and skills to pursue the role of a Christian Counsellor. Marie's feedback has helped to guide me in this role. Thank you.
Marcia T, 144 days ago
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Certificate in Couple and Family Counselling Skills
Dr Murphy made my study for diploma in Couple and Family Counselling really interesting, she is very honest and approachable. I really looked forward for all her comments and do take them on board and will implement them in my ministerial role. I just want to say thank you for helping me to see my hidden potentials and to see situations and individuals from a different point of view to which I formerly held. Mobrae
Mobrae M, 153 days ago