Published 2026-07-31 • Category: Personal Therapy • Author: CounsellingPlacements.co.uk
Since 2020 most counselling courses accept online personal therapy towards required hours, but policies vary — some courses still want a proportion of in-person sessions. Check your course handbook or ask your tutor before committing to an online-only arrangement.
The advantages for trainees are real: no travel, easier scheduling around placement and lectures, and a wider choice of therapists — including cheaper therapists outside your area. The downsides: you need a genuinely private space, reliable tech, and some trainees find it harder to switch into "client mode" from their own bedroom.
Many trainees mix formats — online most weeks, in-person occasionally. Whatever you choose, tell the therapist your course requirements upfront and confirm they are happy to verify your hours.
The CounsellingPlacements.co.uk therapist directory lets you filter for therapists offering online sessions, so you can compare student rates and approaches across the whole UK, not just your town.