Understanding our memberships
by Jennifer Taylor
What’s available, and which one is right for you?
We offer a few different membership options, and if you’ve found yourself unsure which one applies to you, you’re not alone. Training routes can look very different, so can people’s circumstances. This isn’t about fitting neatly into a box, it’s about helping you find the option that makes sense for where you are right now.
Student membership (pre-qualifying) – £0 per year
A student (pre-qualifying) member is someone who is currently on a course that will lead to them becoming a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist once that course has been completed. The name or level of the qualification may vary depending on where and how you are training. What matters is whether the course you are currently undertaking is your qualifying practitioner training.
For the purposes of tPCA membership, a qualifying course is the practitioner training that, when successfully completed, enables the student to qualify as a counsellor or psychotherapist.
Free Student Membership is available only while the student remains enrolled on their qualifying course. Once the qualifying course has been completed, the member will need to move to the appropriate tPCA membership category.
In England this could include:
- Level 4, 5 or 6 training routes
- A Masters (Level 7) that leads to qualification
- A qualifying course following a different career
If your current course is what makes you qualified, your membership is free. Evidence of being a on a pre-qualifying course is required.
What about students studying in Scotland?
The same principle applies to our pre-qualifying student membership: you need to be studying on the course that will qualify you to practise as a counsellor or psychotherapist. This is usually diploma level or above.
If you are studying in Scotland, ask yourself:
“If I successfully complete the course I am currently on, will this course qualify me to practise as a counsellor or psychotherapist?”
If the answer is yes, you are eligible for our free pre-qualifying student membership.
Introductory Courses
If your current course is instead a counselling skills, introductory, foundation or progression course which you need to complete before beginning your practitioner training, you would not yet be considered a pre-qualifying student for the purposes of this membership.
If this applies, you’re very welcome to join us as a Concessionary Member (£22) or an Individual Member (£40) instead.
I am completing a top up year or further study
If you have already completed a qualification that enables you to practise as a counsellor or psychotherapist, you are no longer considered a pre-qualifying student for membership purposes. This applies even if you are continuing your studies through a top-up year, degree, postgraduate qualification or other further training.
Our free pre-qualifying student membership is specifically for students who are still completing the training they need in order to qualify and practise.
Once you have completed your qualifying practitioner training and are able to practise, you will need to move to the appropriate paid membership category.
You can absolutely still be a student. You just aren't a pre-qualifying student.
Concession membership – £22 per year
We offer a concession membership for those who need a lower-cost option. This is available at £22 per year, instead of the standard fee. There’s no strict criteria for this, and we don’t ask for proof.
It’s offered on a trust basis.
You might choose this option if your income is limited, if things feel tight right now, or if paying the full fee would create additional pressure. If you need the concession rate, it’s there for you to use. And if your circumstances change, you can move to a different membership level at any time.
Individual membership – £40 per year
Our individual membership is for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who are practising, or able to practise.
This is the standard membership option. If you’ve completed your qualifying training and are working within the profession, this is likely the right category for you.
Organisational membership – £100 per year
We also offer an organisational membership for services, organisations, or groups. This might include counselling services, training providers, or organisations connected to therapeutic work who want to be part of the wider community.
If you’re still unsure
It’s not always obvious where you fit, especially if your training or career path hasn’t been straightforward. If you’re unsure which membership applies to you, you’re always welcome to get in touch and ask.
Please contact