For people considering a new career in counselling, finding the right training is an important first step. Liverpool-based UK Therapy Guild Academy offers a part-time professional training programme designed to take students from the beginning of their counselling journey through to recognised practitioner qualifications.
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The Academy’s next intake begins on 1st September 2026. The Professional Practitioner Programme runs for two years part-time, with teaching taking place on Tuesday evenings from 6.00pm to 9.30pm in Liverpool. Successful students can achieve a Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling alongside a Level 5 Practitioner Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy. The curriculum takes an integrative approach, covering a broad range of therapeutic models and areas of practice including….
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Gestalt
- Psychodynamic approaches
- Transactional Analysis
- Grief and loss
- Family counselling
- Couples counselling
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
- Clinical Hypnotherapy
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Rather than focusing solely on theory, the programme incorporates observation, discussion, practical exercises, monitored practice and feedback, helping students gradually develop the skills and confidence required to work therapeutically with clients. The programme is accredited through professional organisations including the National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP) and the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC), with further professional pathways associated with the qualifications.
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A previous counselling qualification at Level 2 or Level 3 is not required to apply for the Professional Practitioner Programme. The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as people changing careers and those already working in health, care or other people-focused professions. Applications are assessed individually, with shortlisted applicants invited to an interview to discuss their background, experience and future goals.
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The Academy is led by founder and course director Nichola Doyle, whose own experiences as both a counselling client and trainee helped shape the ethos behind the organisation. The Academy says its aim is to provide a learning environment that is supportive, consistent and personal, with tutors getting to know students individually rather than treating training as simply a process of completing academic requirements.
UK Therapy Guild’s wider aim is not simply to run counselling courses, but to develop more professionally trained therapists within the region. The Academy highlights growing demand for mental health support across Merseyside and sees training new practitioners as one way of strengthening the availability of therapeutic support within local communities.
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UK Therapy Guild incorporates placement and supervised client experience into its training pathway. During the second year, students progress towards client work alongside group supervision, allowing them to put their developing counselling skills into practice with professional support around them. The Academy also operates a community counselling service, providing therapy while giving appropriately trained students opportunities to build the client hours required as part of their professional development.
The September 2026 intake begins on Tuesday 1st September and runs over two years on a part-time basis, with the main weekly teaching session scheduled for 6.00pm–9.30pm on Tuesday evenings. This structure can make professional counselling training more achievable for adults who need to combine studying with employment, family responsibilities or other commitments. The investment to become trained is just £3,750 — with payment plans available.
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Prospective students interested in counselling training in Liverpool can now explore the programme, request a prospectus or submit an application. For someone who has been considering becoming a counsellor, changing direction professionally or adding therapeutic skills to an existing career, UK Therapy Guild’s Professional Practitioner Programme offers the opportunity to study locally in Liverpool while working towards two Level 5 professional therapy qualifications.
Nichola Doyle / UK Therapy Guild
