Counselling

Counselling is the professional practice of helping people work through personal difficulties, emotional distress, relationship challenges and mental health concerns through structured, confidential and therapeutic conversation. It is a discipline grounded in respect for the autonomy and experience of each person who seeks help, and it draws on psychological theory, communication skills and ethical practice to create conditions in which people can understand themselves better and find their own ways forward. Counselling is used in a wide range of settings, including healthcare, education, the workplace, the voluntary sector and private practice.

At the University of the Highlands and Islands, this part-time programme allows you to develop your counselling knowledge and skills while managing other professional or personal commitments. This is particularly well suited to the counselling field, where many students are already working with people in some capacity, or are returning to study after time in other careers. The programme develops your theoretical understanding of different counselling approaches and your personal and professional capacity to work therapeutically with clients, with attention to the ethical frameworks and professional standards that govern counselling practice.

You will engage with the major theoretical frameworks in counselling, including person-centred, cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic approaches, and you will develop your ability to work safely, effectively and reflectively with clients. Self-awareness and professional development are integral parts of counselling training, and the programme will support you in developing both alongside your academic and clinical learning.

Graduates work in counselling roles across the NHS, local authorities, schools and colleges, employee assistance programmes, charities and voluntary organisations, and private practice. Many graduates pursue professional registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or related bodies. Further study at postgraduate level is an option for those wishing to specialise or develop into clinical psychology or psychotherapy.