Published 2026-07-31 • Category: Personal Therapy • Author: CounsellingPlacements.co.uk
Personal therapy hour requirements depend on your course level and awarding body, so your course handbook is always the authority. As a guide: Level 4 diplomas commonly ask for 20 to 40 hours across the course, while degree and postgraduate courses often expect weekly therapy for a year or more.
BACP, CPCAB and NCPS-accredited courses frame the requirement differently — some specify a fixed number of hours, others require therapy for the duration of training. Check whether your hours must run concurrently with the course, whether therapy started before the course counts, and whether your therapist must hold specific accreditation.
What usually counts: one-to-one therapy with a qualified practitioner, often with a recognised professional body. Group therapy, counselling skills practice with peers, and supervision do not normally count. Some courses accept online sessions, others require some in-person work — confirm before you start.
When you are ready to begin, the CounsellingPlacements.co.uk therapist directory lists student-friendly therapists who understand course requirements and can confirm your hours in writing if needed.