Counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy
Moving into the world of counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy will allow you to heal minds, restore lives, and empower people to reach their full potential.
Studying counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy gives an insight into the human mind and its interaction with daily life. It focuses on mental wellbeing, developing skills in active listening, empathy, and therapeutic intervention. This combination equips you for diverse career choices.
In counselling, you become a guide through life's challenges, supporting people in navigating personal and emotional issues.
Psychotherapy unveils the deeper layers of the psyche, enabling you to facilitate transformative change through in-depth therapeutic processes.
Occupational therapy, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing daily functioning and independence, making a tangible impact on people's lives.
Graduates can find themselves working in hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, or private practices, contributing to a society that increasingly values mental health and holistic wellbeing. This subject not only promises personal and professional growth but also allows you to be a part of empowering others to lead fulfilling lives.
The impact you could make
Contribute to the improvement of mental health by giving people the tools to navigate and overcome challenges.
Create a supportive space for personal growth and self-discovery.
Reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Hi, my name is Cynthia! I studied Criminology BA at Durham and I am now currently a 4th year postgraduate studying MA Social Research Methods (sociology) at Durham (Collingwood College). I enjoy fitness and the gym, as well as self-care and time to myself for self reflections. I also love being sociable and helping others when I can. My main interest (which also happens to be academic and a future career goal) is research work within the field of race and higher education which I plan on taking further through undertaking a PhD. Feel free to message me, I’d be more than happy to talk!
Megan
University of East Anglia UEA
Language and Communication Studies
I am a third year Spanish student, who completed a Foundation year at University of East Anglia. I am currently studying in the University of Alcalá in Spain. I come from a very big family and the first to come to university, so the whole experience was very new to me. I am local to my university so have always known the area quite well. I loved my Foundation Year as it built the foundation levels for me to continue with my degree and help me understand the basics of university and understand how UEA works as an institution. My future career plans are to become a Spanish teacher in a Secondary school.
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“My favourite modules are definitely the placements. I love the practical side to the course and gaining real-life experience.”
Second year occupational therapy student, Glyndwr University, Wrexham
Example assignment
"The personal development reflexive statements. This assessment challenged my usual shy self to stand up and share personal and difficult parts of my personal development. It allowed me to bond with other students in a way that I couldn’t imagine."
Second year counselling and psychotherapy student, Edge Hill University
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
English
Maths
Science
Psychology
Hard skills you'll develop
Counselling techniques
Assessment skills
Group facilitation
Activity analysis
Occupational assessment
Soft skills you'll develop
Boundaries and professionalism
A habit of reflective practice
Active listening
Patience and persistence
Collaborative problem-solving
83% of students
studying counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy would recommend the subject to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy. The following information is based on a typical occupational therapist role.
This type of therapist guides people in developing mindfulness practices to enhance wellbeing, reduce stress, and improve mental health. They draw from mindfulness-based interventions rooted in tradition and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. They can work in many different settings, including mental health clinics, wellness centres, educational institutions, corporate environments, and private practice. They also collaborate with mental health professionals, educators, and organisations to integrate mindfulness into every day.
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy applicants.
A levels
BBC – BCC
Scottish Highers
AABB
Vocational
BTEC DMM
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our advice will help you get ahead in your counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
Make sure you highlight your capacity for empathy and compassion as that’s crucial in this subject.
Talk about instances where you’ve demonstrated resilience and the ability to cope with challenges, an essential trait in counselling and therapy.
Have you been involved or are interest in mental health advocacy and challenging stigmas?
If you’ve had experiences in building therapeutic relationships, whether through mentoring, coaching, or supporting others, share these experiences.
Highlight experiences that required keen observation and reflection, as these skills are integral to therapeutic practice.