How to Become a Family Therapist in the UK
Family therapists, also called family and systemic psychotherapists, work with families, couples and wider networks to understand the patterns between people and change the ones that cause distress. You might see a family supporting a teenager with an eating disorder, a couple after a crisis, or carers looking after someone with psychosis, in NHS CAMHS, adult mental health, social care, charities or private practice.
Training is staged and takes about four years. Most people already work in a related field, such as social work, nursing, psychology or counselling, before starting AFT-accredited family therapy training.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £35,000 - £42,000
- Mid-career salary
- £45,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £85,000+
- Work environment
- NHS, charity, private practice
- Time to entry
- 4 - 6 years
- Degree required
- Not legally required - AFT-accredited training expected
- Category
- Mental Health and Therapy
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What a Family Therapist does
Work with families and couples to understand patterns and improve relationships.
How to become a family therapist in the UK
The recognised route is training accredited by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT). It usually runs in stages: a one-year foundation course in systemic practice, a one-year intermediate course, then a two-year qualifying master's in family and systemic psychotherapy. Qualifying courses usually expect a relevant degree or professional qualification and experience of working with people in a therapeutic or caring role. Once qualified, you register with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) as a family and systemic psychotherapist. The title is not protected by law, but NHS posts usually require UKCP registration.
- Build experience in a relevant job, such as social work, mental health nursing, psychology, counselling or family support, as qualifying courses expect professional experience.
- Take an AFT-accredited foundation course in systemic practice, usually one year part-time, to learn the core ideas and test whether the approach suits you.
- Complete an AFT-accredited intermediate course, which deepens your systemic skills and is normally required before you apply for qualifying training.
- Apply for a two-year qualifying master's in family and systemic psychotherapy, which combines teaching with supervised clinical work with families.
- Ask your NHS or local authority employer about funding or study leave, since many trainees keep working while they study part-time.
- Register with the UKCP as a family and systemic psychotherapist when you qualify, then apply for NHS, social care or charity posts.
- Keep up continuing professional development and supervision, and consider AFT-accredited supervisor training later to move into senior roles.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation, intermediate, then qualifying master's | About 4 years part-time | Course fees; sometimes employer-funded | Social workers, nurses and psychologists |
| Employer-supported NHS or council training | About 4 years | Often part-funded by the employer | Staff already in CAMHS or social care |
| Systemic practice courses only | 1-2 years | Course fees vary | Using systemic skills in your current role |
How long it takes
Expect about four years of part-time training, from foundation course to qualifying master's, usually alongside a job in a related field. Gaining the relevant work experience first can add a few years.
Family Therapist salary in the UK
Qualified family therapists usually start on around £35,000 to £42,000. With experience, senior and specialist family therapists earn about £45,000 to £55,000, and consultant family therapists, service leads and established private practitioners can reach £60,000 to £85,000 or more. Most NHS posts follow Agenda for Change pay scales, which rise most years, while private income depends on how many clients you see and the fees you set.
Key skills
- Systemic theory
- Reflective practice
- Facilitation
- Cultural sensitivity
Family Therapist FAQs
How do I become a family therapist in the UK?
Get experience in a related role such as social work, nursing or psychology, then complete AFT-accredited training: a foundation course, an intermediate course and a two-year qualifying master's. After qualifying, register with the UKCP as a family and systemic psychotherapist.
Do I need a degree to be a family therapist?
In practice, yes. Qualifying family therapy training is at master's level, and courses usually expect a relevant degree or professional qualification plus experience. Some courses consider equivalent experience, so check each provider's entry requirements.
How much does a family therapist earn in the UK?
Qualified family therapists usually start on around £35,000 to £42,000. Experienced therapists earn about £45,000 to £55,000, and consultant family therapists or established private practitioners reach £60,000 to £85,000 or more.
Is family therapy regulated in the UK?
Family therapy is not regulated by law, and the title is not protected. In practice, the NHS and most reputable employers require UKCP registration as a family and systemic psychotherapist, which you gain by completing an AFT-accredited qualifying course.
Is Family Therapist right for you?
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