counselling career

[Avpixie27]

I have been thinking of this for a few years now. I went to counselling myself and found it so helpful. I wanted to be a psychiatrist and help by listening and not judging as my counsellor was always so calm with me. I have been through many things and so feel i can understand some aspects of what others refer to. I have looked into becoming a counsellor myself but there doesnt seem to be a clear step by step as it were. The usa have a website that literally say "do this course, then this" but am finding it a bit difficult to pin point where to start. Anyone else thinking of the same or already is a counsellor? Thanks

[monsterouscarbunkle]

Hello OP,

Your post has been on my watchlist and I've been waiting on a reply.

I am in a similar position and so cannot advise, but I'm giving the thread a hopeful bump! Maybe 'Other Subjects' hasn't got very much traffic?

Also wanted to discuss the emotional aspect of counselling - I am guessing you have to be made of hard stuff to be able to listen to such sad stories every day? It worries me that I would be very much effected by hearing such things day in, day out. But I would love to be able to help people with their mental health and have often been told I would make an excellent counsellor (my counsellor also told me this!)

[Wilhamenawonka]

The best approach is to find a local college that does an introduction course (about 12weeks)
This will give you an idea of whether you fancy taking it further.
Good luck for both of you if you go for it, the training is very hard but it's incredibly rewarding

[Duckdeamon]

There's a thread somewhere on Mn and numerous counsellors (sadly) saying it's not been a good career for them (pay and conditions vs training requirements etc)

[monsterouscarbunkle]

I started a new thread in chat and I am afraid so far the replies have echoed Duckdeamon...

I will take a look at my local colleges for an induction course, but I don't feel very hopeful anymore!!

[Avpixie27]

Well my friends cousin has started her training to be a counsellor but had to postpone as she had a baby aswell. They say start from scratch and then keep going up the levels. At one stage you are required to go counselling yourself which obviously helps you work through your own issues in life aswell as dealing with others. I know it can be draining to here sad stuff day in day out especially if youve once been there, but i look at the end result because i started counselling when i was very low and through talking i became me again. So to give that experience to someone else and seeing that over time the smile grow i feel is worth it. I have seen that its a bit difficult to find paid positions but once you get a foot in the door volunteering you may get the option. Also you have to do 100+ hours from what i read briefly at the level 4 stage (i believe) so you may find that they may hire you afterwards

[DioneTheDiabolist]

It's not quite that simple OP. Even after training there is the Proficiency exam for BACP membership, and again, many agencies expect you to work for free for a while before they will pay. In the meantime you must pay your BACP fees, supervision and insurance costs and CPD courses.

I am qualified, employed and still poor. But I have the best job in the world. I just have to find a way of making it pay better.

[Avpixie27]

Yea i was just simplifying the initial steps as thats as far as my research on it got. So you are fully qualified?

[DioneTheDiabolist]

Yes OP.

[Fourormore]

If you really want to do it, go for it. It is hard and it is expensive but it's also extremely rewarding.
I would have a look on the BACP website for accredited courses and I'd do at least a bachelors degree. If your course is BACP accredited then you don't have to do the proficiency exams but yes, the outlay is high.

[Avpixie27]

Can you link me to the proper course or let me know what you had to do as im seriously interested :)

[Fourormore]

www.bacp.co.uk/accreditation/Accredited%20Course%20Directory/

[Avpixie27]

Thank you :) this has been a dream of mine for years and i think its time to start doing things