Advice on Counselling courses.

[MsMustDoBetter]

I'm considering a change of a career and I would like to train to become a counsellor.

I have a BAHons degree, but not in Psychology.

Does anyone have an advice on what course / path to take? Has anyone else done this later in life?

I'd start with a level 2 college course in mental health or similar, then do a counselling course. I'm considering something similar myself. Good luck.

I have just started my level 6 (It's a top up year for the full degree after completing the foundation degree).

I would start with a level 2 course to see if the subject resonates with you, its a low cost way of getting to grips with the basics of theory and some practice.

This wouldn't be strictly necessary if you already have an undergrad degree and were thinking of pursuing a masters, but imo the skills taught in the lower levels are essential for good ethical practice.

Feel free to pm me though if you'd like to have a chat :)

@pinkunicorn20

Ive enrolled on a ten week counselling skills course. I hope that that this will be enough to get a feel for which path to take.

I might PM you at some point, thank you for the kind offer.

I started with a 10 week introduction course. I didn't want to pay out if I wasn't going to enjoy it.
But the first step was level 2 in counselling skills, I went via CPCAB at my local college and stayed there until I completed my diploma.
I qualified last year and then took an additional course on working with children under 16 years.
Rewarding, very interesting but possibly the hardest thing I've done, lots of self work that was painful but worthwhile.
I've continued to volunteer at the agency I did my placement at a I'm not overly bothered by setting up a private practice yet and work in mental health the rest of the time for actual money.
I agree with pink unicorn that the lower levels offer valuable learning, it's good to get a full grasp on the profession and ethical practice.

Do you actually want to work as a counsellor when qualified? Because that seems to be the biggest hurdle, making a living from it. If you do then I would look at training in therapies that the NHS use. CBT would be much more employable than a qualification in humanistic counselling for example.
I do know people in private practice but there struggle to make a reasonable amount ( and have well earning OH’s).