Therapeutic Psychology and Counselling

Therapeutic psychology and counselling is a field concerned with understanding psychological distress and providing professional support to people who are experiencing mental health difficulties, emotional difficulties or challenges in their lives. It draws on psychological science, psychotherapy theory and counselling practice to develop practitioners who can work empathetically and effectively with a wide range of clients and presenting concerns. The field encompasses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including person-centred, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and creative therapies, and a training in this area demands both academic rigour and genuine personal and professional development.

This three-year full-time degree at Roehampton University includes a sandwich year with a work placement, giving you professional experience in a therapeutic or counselling setting as part of the programme. The placement is integral to developing the practical skills and supervised experience that therapeutic work requires. You will study psychological theory, counselling skills, therapeutic models, research methods and the ethical frameworks that govern therapeutic practice, alongside personal development work that is recognised as an essential part of becoming an effective practitioner.

The programme is tailored for those who wish to work as psychotherapists, counsellors or creative therapists.

Graduates are prepared for roles in mental health services, counselling services, educational settings, employee assistance programmes, community mental health organisations and private practice. Those who wish to achieve professional registration as counsellors or psychotherapists will typically need to go on to accredited postgraduate training and supervised practice hours, and the undergraduate degree provides a strong academic and practical foundation for those routes. Many graduates also work in social care, youth work, health promotion and support roles where therapeutic understanding, even without full clinical qualification, is directly relevant and valued.