Counselling & Personal Development

If you’re passionate about making a difference, a career in counselling and personal development could be the perfect path. With growing demand across the UK, counsellors and wellbeing professionals are more essential than ever.

Support others, develop yourself

At Strode College, we offer a range of courses designed to support both personal growth and professional development.

From introductory workshops to industry-recognised counselling qualifications, our programmes are ideal for learners and professionals looking to upskill, retrain or take the first step toward their career.

Why Choose Counselling & Personal Development?

With over 1.6 million people employed in the UK’s counselling and care sector, there are opportunities in:

  • Mental health support
  • Youth and family services
  • Education and pastoral roles
  • NHS and local authorities
  • Charities and voluntary organisations
  • Private practice.

A growing, essential industry

The Counselling and Personal Development sector in the UK is experiencing significant growth and is more vital than ever. As national conversations increasingly focus on mental health, resilience, and personal well-being, the demand for trained professionals is consistently on the rise across multiple sectors.

More than a third () of UK adults have sought help from a counsellor or psychotherapist, with three-quarters of those who’ve had therapy finding it helpful and recommending it.

There is a clear, government-backed commitment to improving mental health support in educational settings, with a growing expectation for all schools and colleges to provide access to counselling services. This creates specific and urgent job opportunities for those qualified to work with children and young people.

Begin your journey to a career that truly changes lives

You will be taught by experienced, currently practicing counsellors who embed the latest trends, such as the integration of digital media in therapy and a focus on cultural competence, into your learning. Come to an open day and find out if this is the career for you.

University Centre Somerset

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Helpful information

Financial Support

We understand that managing money while studying can feel overwhelming, especially right now. That’s why we offer a wide range of financial support to help you succeed, whatever your circumstances.

Wellbeing

Everyone’s journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. We get that College can sometimes be challenging. That’s why we offer a wide range of support services that you can access throughout your time with us.

Term Dates

Planning ahead? Our academic calendar includes key term dates, bank holidays,
scheduled breaks, and Somerset school holiday alignment, so you can stay informed and
organised throughout the year.

Join our Open Event

Come and see what makes Strode College unique. Meet tutors, explore our college, and find the right path for you.

📆 Tuesday 20 January 2026
🕕 6pm – 8pm
📍 Strode College