You may be asking yourself “how do I know if I should see a trainee or qualified counsellor?”. The main difference between these two professionals is the stage of a counsellor’s training and experience. Strive Core offers £25 online sessions with supervised placement counsellors studying for a Level 4 diploma or higher. Strive Pro offers £50 sessions with qualified counsellors. Each session lasts 50 minutes, and the right choice depends on your needs and preferences.
What can a placement or trainee counsellor offer?
A Core counsellor has been deemed proficient to work with clients by their training provider and is building client experience as part of their qualification. They receive regular clinical supervision, hold professional insurance and work within an ethical framework. For some clients, Core offers a financially sustainable route to regular counselling with a carefully supported practitioner.
What can a qualified counsellor offer?
A Pro counsellor has completed at least a Level 4 counselling diploma. Experience after qualification, additional training and areas of interest vary between individuals. Pro might suit a need that calls for more experience or a particular specialism. You may also choose it because you would feel more comfortable working with someone who is already qualified.
How is a match made?
During your 30-minute assessment, a qualified counsellor considers your current wellbeing, what you hope to explore, practical availability and whether the skills required fit Core or Pro. You can express a preference for Pro from the start. We may also conclude that another service is more appropriate. No single label can tell us everything about the quality of a therapeutic relationship.
What if I am unsure if I should see a trainee or qualified counsellor?
Ask about your potential counsellor’s training, approach, supervision and experience relevant to you. Tell us what would help you feel safe enough to begin. You can also discuss the cost of attending regularly: Core is £25 and Pro is £50 per 50-minute session, following a £25 assessment.
The decision is yours to discuss
Some people prefer the affordability of Core; others value the experience of Pro. Both services should be transparent about the person you will work with and the support available around them. An assessment gives us space to consider the choice together rather than making you decide from a price list alone.
Leave a Reply