What education or qualifications do you need to become an addition counselor?

1. An introductory 'taster' course to introduce them to the basic ideas and skills behind counselling; and/or

2. A certificate in counselling skills to introduce them to counselling theories and ethics, practical counselling skills and self-awareness; followed by

3. A diploma or advanced diploma in counselling to provide an in-depth study of counselling theory and ethics, and a supervised practice placement that includes at least 400 hours. To be accepted onto a diploma course, counsellors usually need a counselling skills certificate. For some courses they will also need a degree or equivalent.