What is CPD?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development, and is a term used across many different industries to describe ongoing learning that contributes to an individual’s knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing their ability to perform within their vocation.

The National Counselling Society defines CPD for our members as ‘a range of learning activities through which professional counsellors grow and develop throughout their careers to ensure that they retain their ability to practise safely, ethically and legally within their evolving scope of practice’.

What are CPD events?

Seminars, conferences, and training workshops are all different types of CPD events. These events will involve an element of demonstration or explanation of certain topics by those who are considered highly experienced within their field. Workshops have the added benefit of being able to put some of your new-found skills into practice and gain valuable feedback from your tutor and fellow students.

Why is it important to attend CPD events?

Attendance at events gives you the opportunity to engage in real-time with the material you are being presented. You can ask questions, you are exposed to the questions that others are asking, and subsequently benefit from the additional information that is provided in the answering of those questions.

Many counsellors work in private practice, which means that they often work alone or in small groups of other practitioners who may not themselves be counsellors. Attending CPD events gives counsellors the opportunity to network, and meet other likeminded practitioners with whom they can forge relationships that outlast the event itself.

The Society believes that it is important that practitioners undertake a range of different types of CPD, to include attending events as well as reading, learning online, and writing articles to name but a few examples. Each method of learning has its own unique benefits, and only through variety can practitioners ensure a balanced and comprehensive enhancement of their knowledge and skills.

Where can I find out about CPD events near me?

The National Counselling Society runs a comprehensive program of CPD events across the UK. Members of the Society can access the CPD calendar online through the Members’ Area of our website.

There are also events run on a more local scale by training providers, charities, other practitioners, and organisations set up specifically to hold conferences or seminars. You can find out about these events by, for example, subscribing to newsletters (including the National Counselling Society newsletter), using the internet to search for events in your area, or joining counselling-related social media groups or forums.