Cognitive Behavioural Therapist

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practitioners use talking therapy to help patients change negative patterns of thinking or behaviour.

Typical Salary

£31,365 To £44,503

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week
between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university degree
  • applying directly

College / University

You'll usually need an accredited postgraduate qualification in cognitive behavioural therapy and experience of working in mental health.

  • mental health nursing
  • social work
  • counselling
  • art therapy
  • psychology
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • Apprenticeship

    Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

    Routes into this Career

    Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

    If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, you may be able to do cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) training with the NHS. This could be through applying for roles like trainee psychological wellbeing practitioner or high intensity therapist.

    Other Routes

    Other Routes are not listed for this job.

    Skills And Knowledge

    You'll need:

    • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
    • knowledge of psychology
    • the ability to understand people’s reactions
    • active listening skills
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • sensitivity and understanding
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • excellent verbal communication skills
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Day To Day Tasks

    You might work on a one-to one basis or in groups to:

    • assess clients to see if they'll benefit from CBT
    • build trust, discuss therapy plans and focus on what clients want to change
    • encourage clients to talk about feelings and behaviour
    • teach skills and techniques that build positive ways to think and act
    • help clients practise the changes you've discussed
    • check clients' progress
    • provide advice to other health professionals
    • talk to family members
    • keep accurate records
    • follow data protection and confidentiality rules

    Working Environment

    You could work at a health centre, in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, in a prison or in a therapy clinic.

    Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

    Career Path & Progression

    With experience, you could supervise other CBT practitioners.

    You could set up your own practice, working as an independent practitioner and seeing patients privately.

    You could also specialise in teaching or research for a healthcare trust, college or university.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    You'll find it useful to get experience of working in mental health, for example with charities like Mind, Rethink and Turning Point.

    Do-it also has information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

    You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

    Tips & Information

    Professional and industry bodies

    You could join the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies for professional accreditation and training opportunities.

    Further information

    You'll find more details about routes to qualifying through the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies and Health Careers.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    You'll need to:

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