High teaching standards are crucial in the field of counsellor training, as the work of counsellors can have a profound impact on individuals’ mental health and well-being. In the UK, counsellor training programmes that uphold rigorous teaching standards help to ensure that future counsellors are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary to provide effective counselling services. By prioritising high teaching standards, Long Valley Therapy Training can contribute to the development of a skilled and compassionate workforce that is committed to supporting the mental health needs of their clients.
Training counsellors requires a combination of specialised skills and qualifications. Typically, to become a counsellor trainer, one must have extensive experience as a practitioner in the field. In terms of skills, effective counsellor trainers should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to adapt their teaching approach to meet the needs of diverse learners.
They should also have a strong understanding of counselling theories and techniques, and be able to apply this knowledge to the training curriculum. Other important skills include the ability to provide and recieve constructive feedback, facilitate group discussions, and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
To ensure that Long Valley Therapy Training continues to deliver at a high standard, we have designed and maintain the following staffing requirements:
Core teaching staff
All teaching staff must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a qualification in counselling that is no less than level 4
- Hold an academic qualification in a relevant subject (this can be the above) that is at least one level above the course being taught
- Be a member of a SCoPEd partnered professional body
- Hold a level 5 (or above) teaching qualification (eg. DTLLS)
- Be suitably insured to deliver training
SPECIALIST TRAINER
Specialist training staff deliver on our specialist training programmes.
All specialist training staff must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a qualification in counselling that is no less than level 4
- Hold an academic qualification in their chosen specialist subject
- Be a member of a SCoPEd partnered professional body
- Has significant experience and an excellent reputation within their specialised field
- Be suitably insured to deliver training
Where the specialist trainer does not hold a teaching qualification, they will be paired with qualified members of the teaching staff.
process group lead
The process group facilitator is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of the experiential group learning programme.
This is not an academic role and does not include the delivery of learning material, assessment of learning, or personal tutor duties.
- Hold a qualification in counselling that is no less than level 4
- Be able to evidence significant experience and/or training in the delivery of therapeutic group work
- Be familiar with the core model being taught
- Be suitably insured to deliver training
- Be a member of a SCoPEd partnered professional body
teaching assistant
Where appropriate and at the course leader’s discretion, teaching assistants may be invited in to support and enhance the learning experience. Teaching assistants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a qualification in counselling that is no less than level 4
- Be familiar with the model being taught
- Be suitably insured to deliver training
- Be a member of a SCoPEd partnered professional body
Information for guest trainers
Are you passionate about teaching, sharing your expertise, and shaping the future of counselling? Long Valley Training is inviting experienced professionals to offer their training services as part of our ongoing CPD programme.
We help with the venue, marketing, and a supportive learning environment, while you deliver your own independently designed workshops.
What We Offer You:
✔️ Full control over your workshop – Design and deliver training your way.
✔️ Set your own fees and schedule – You determine how much to charge and when to deliver your sessions.
✔️ Free assistance in setting up – Need guidance on structuring your workshop? Support is available if required.
✔️ Your materials remain yours – Any slides, handouts, or resources you create remain 100% your intellectual property.
✔️ Marketing and venue support – We help promote your workshop to our audience.
What We Look For in Trainers:
To maintain high-quality training, we require trainers to:
✔️ Hold a counselling qualification at Level 4 or above.
✔️ Have an academic qualification in your chosen specialist subject.
✔️ Demonstrate significant experience in your chosen subject.
✔️ Be a member of a SCoPEd-partnered professional body (NCPS, BACP, UKCP, etc.), or hold equivalent qualifications/experience.
✔️ Have suitable professional insurance to deliver training.
✔️ If you do not hold a teaching qualification, you will need to collaborate with our teaching staff for quality assurance purposes.
Important to Note:
✔️ This is a self-employed service arrangement, NOT employment. Trainers operate as independent professionals and are responsible for their own tax, insurance, and legal obligations.
✔️ Trainers invoice Long Valley Training (or attendees) for their services. Fees and payment structures are agreed in advance.
✔️ No exclusivity requirements. You are free to deliver training elsewhere.
✔️ Minimal contribution to venue costs – A small fee covers venue rental, refreshments, and teaching support (if required), ensuring a professional learning environment.
✔️ Marketing support does not guarantee workshop delivery. While we will actively promote your workshop, we cannot guarantee enrolment numbers.
🚀 Interested? Let’s Connect!
If you have a specialist topic and want to share your expertise, we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Get in touch today by emailing nick@longvalleytherapy.uk
(We reserve the right to decline workshop proposals that do not align with our organisational values or fail to meet our teaching standards.)
