Therapy Courses

The path to becoming a therapist will vary depending on where you live and the field you want to study. To become a counsellor or therapist, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a master’s degree in counselling or therapy. Once you’ve completed the educational requirements, you’ll need to register with your local board in order to work as a qualified professional. If you’re considering a career in therapy, taking an online course is a great way to gain an introduction to the topic and gain some insight into what a career in the field could look like.

Or if you need more information, read our full guide on how to become a therapist.

Therapy and counselling courses will equip you with valuable skills that can support you across a variety of career paths. Some of the most common careers that involve therapy and counselling include:

• Therapist
• Counsellor
• Psychologist
• Physiatrist
• Teacher
• Social worker
• Healthcare worker

There is no official difference between a counsellor and a therapist, but there are nuances in the background and field of focus that can differentiate the two terms. For example, a mental health counsellor is different from a school guidance counsellor, and a clinical therapist is different from a physical therapist.

When comparing therapists and counsellors, you may find that counsellors focus on short-term solutions or solving specific problems, whereas therapists may bring a psychotherapy approach dedicated to more complex or long-term mental health issues.

However, there is no protected definition for either term and so it’s important to do your research on the specific context when comparing therapist or counsellor roles.