Anyone trained as a counsellor?

[Cowey]

Hello, I’m thinking about training to become a counsellor. I did the level 2 & 3 courses with my local college and it was funded.
level 4 and if I want to progress to level 5, is payable by me and costs a lot!

I’m hoping to progress in my career, currently earning band 4 nhs wage as a non medical/clinical role.

people keep telling me that it’s an over saturated market, I won’t be able to earn as much as I think.

I just wondered if any Mumsnetters can offer any experiences?
many thanks

It’s all you’ve heard in terms of being lengthy to get to a point where it earns you a living, and in terms of being quite a populated market. However, you can carry on working as you train (though may have to consider part-time to allow for client work and training). It’s expensive: add up the costs of personal therapy and supervision before committing to anything. I’d strongly recommend checking if any course of training you choose is endorsed/accredited by either UKCP or BACP before committing.

I am self-employed as a therapist and make a reasonable living but it’s taken some years to get to that point. There are lots of positives: flexible working, good for people who like to work independently, and it can be very rewarding. You might also choose to work at another job alongside counselling.

Don’t forget yearly payments for professional membership and insurance and resources and furnishing a room and rent if not working from home. I was warned it was an expensive hobby.