Training to be a child psychotherapist

[OneWildNightWithJBJ]

I've been looking into some kind of therapy career for a long time and think child psychotherapist might be the one. Just wondering if there are any child psychotherapists (or trainees) here who wouldn't mind sharing their experiences of the training and the job and whether you would recommend it?

I'm considering the Tavistock at the moment. What was the two-year observational course like? How did you find observing an infant every week for two years?! How many days did you allow for studying?

Also interested to know what experience you had prior to applying? I'm a primary teacher with a psychology Master's. Bit concerned I need experience with other age groups. I have found a volunteer job that I can do with older children/teens for a couple of hours a week, but not sure about under 4s...

Six years of training is somewhat overwhelming (I have kids too), so any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Any psychotherapists around this morning??

Hello,

I came across your post today and I'm wondering if you have started the course. I am considering applying for the training and I would appreciate any information regarding the preclinical course and doctorate program.

Thank you in advance!

My friend did it part time at Tavistock. Was a career change. I think she then also got experience working in a 6th form in some kind of student support role.

She didn't really talk much about the observation but I think she enjoyed it, she's a great mum herself now though I am sure always would have been. I think the part of going through therapy throughout it yourself is quite tough, takes a lot of being present. She is now in CAMHS.

Thank you for the information. I am currently working as a teacher and I am considering completing the training to change my career. However, I am 34 years old, and the training will take 6 years. I am wondering if it would be better to choose another training…

This just popped up. Completely forgot I had ever posted about this!

No, I never did the training. At the time I wrote the post, I was working in mainstream, after a bit of time in special needs. I now teach in a SEND school. I still think about changing careers all the time, but I simply can’t afford it.

@Micha3 if you can afford it and really want to, then I’d go for it. I’m a lot older than you and would still do it if I could.

@gymgoals2024 yes, you’re right, the personal therapy I can imagine might be quite difficult.