What Does a Therapist Do?
A therapist’s job is to support people suffering from mental health issues. You’ll have scheduled appointments where you’ll listen and reflect on any problems troubling your clients. This is done in total confidentiality and without judgement.
When it comes to fields of expertise, therapists in CBT have several options. You could choose to work in general CBT or focus on one aspect in particular. Areas of CBT include anxiety disorders, phobias, or conditions such as PTSD or anorexia. In CBT, you’ll specialise in talking therapy to support patients suffering from various mental health problems. It aims to help people by gradually changing how they think and behave.
A career as a therapist is hugely fulfilling. No appointment will be the same, and you’ll know that your work helps people overcome some of the most significant issues in their lives. Therapists are excellent listeners who genuinely care about helping people.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Therapist?
To work in CBT, you’ll need to take courses and complete your education to degree level. It’s a great idea to begin with an introductory course to counselling. This will teach you the basics and give you time to explore how a career in therapy might look. Afterwards, you’ll go on to a Level 3 diploma in cognitive behavioural therapy.
With these under your belt, you’ll have an excellent foundation for achieving therapist status. It’s essential that any courses are accredited by a professional body – our counselling courses are endorsed by the ACCPH (Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists or Hypnotherapists).
Eventually, you’ll study for an undergraduate degree in psychology or psychotherapy. You’ll need a minimum number of GCSEs and A-levels to get onto a course – relevant courses will help your application, such as an A-Level in Psychology. Finally, you’ll specialise in CBT with industry training and certification at the post-graduate level.
What Kind of Person Would Suit Being a Therapist?
A therapist needs a deep understanding of the human mind. This comes through education – from courses, undergraduate degrees and professional training. You’ll also need a range of soft skills to give your clients the best possible treatment.
The first soft skill you’ll need is to be a great listener. Therapists help clients improve their mental well-being by asking questions and listening intently. Talk therapy allows clients to explore their emotions and past experiences under the guidance of their qualified therapist.
Piecing a client’s story together makes therapy challenging and rewarding. It helps to have an analytical mindset, a great eye for detail and a fascination for human behaviour.
Above all, a therapist should want to help people. No matter what kind of patients you choose to work with, your desire to help them should shine through in a caring and sensitive manner.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Therapist?
Life as a therapist is stimulating and fulfilling. It can also come with a great deal of independence – many therapists end up running their own practices and specialising in specific aspects of CBT.
The learning never stops. As a therapist, you’ll keep up to date with industry research, and every new patient will be a unique challenge. You’ll also be in demand – with mental health issues increasing and more people willing to talk about their feelings, therapy is a growing industry.
Above all, you’ll be impacting patients’ lives. People undergoing CBT have severe issues that require expert treatment. Using CBT techniques, you’ll help them significantly improve their mental health and wellbeing – what could be more rewarding?
How Much Does a Therapist Earn?
Therapists working in CBT often begin working for large bodies, such as the National Health Service. You’ll work up pay grades and take on more responsibility as you gain experience, resulting in more specialised and supervisory roles.
A therapist working in CBT for the National Health Service can earn between £32,000 and £45,000, depending on experience.
How much does a CBT Therapist earn?
£45,000
experienced
£35,000
established
£32,000
beginner/apprentice
What Career Progression Is There as a Therapist?
Therapists often find themselves drawn to a particular aspect of CBT or type of patient, allowing them to become an expert in a niche. You can work your way up to senior ranking therapists within your organisation. Many also go on to run their own practice.
You could also choose to specialise in research or teaching. You could find yourself using cutting-edge therapy techniques to make advances in the field, perhaps working for a research trust or a university.
Start Your Career as a Therapist With Courses From Oxbridge
Working as a therapist in CBT allows you to influence patients’ mental health. If you love the idea of helping people through some of their most challenging times, a career in therapy would be ideal. Begin your career as a therapist with Oxbridge. Contact us today.