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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To train to be a counsellor in my 50s?

44 replies

Vlunken · 02/03/2023 08:36

Has anyone else? I'm mid 50s. Already have a degree in an unrelated field. Have my own counselling already.

OP posts:
ConkerGame · 02/03/2023 08:38

Go for it! I think a slightly older person with lots of life experience would have a lot to offer in this field

PacificallyRequested · 02/03/2023 08:41

If you don't need to earn a living from it, go for it. If you do, think again.

Original poster
Vlunken · 02/03/2023 08:43

I do need to earn money from it eventually but not much. A part time salary is fine.

OP posts:
derelicte · 02/03/2023 08:46

Agree with PP. There were several 50+ students on my counselling course, including someone who was 65+ and now has a very successful practice.

I would add that it can be quite a challenging job though. I see about 14 clients a week, and that's me maxed out (I'd imagined I'd be seeing about 20 clients a week when I was a trainee). The course cost a lot of money (about £20k), and my earnings aren't great after room rental, supervision, CPD, insurance, advertising etc. It's fascinating and highly rewarding work, but I'm now retaining for a full-time but less intense job.

derelicte · 02/03/2023 08:46

Retraining!

Original poster
Vlunken · 02/03/2023 08:48

derelicte · 02/03/2023 08:46

Agree with PP. There were several 50+ students on my counselling course, including someone who was 65+ and now has a very successful practice.

I would add that it can be quite a challenging job though. I see about 14 clients a week, and that's me maxed out (I'd imagined I'd be seeing about 20 clients a week when I was a trainee). The course cost a lot of money (about £20k), and my earnings aren't great after room rental, supervision, CPD, insurance, advertising etc. It's fascinating and highly rewarding work, but I'm now retaining for a full-time but less intense job.

Thank you. What are you retraining as if you don't mind me asking? I know it will be expensive and difficult, the academic side I am less worried about than the placements etc as I don't live near a big city and am worried I won't find anything.

OP posts:
28January · 02/03/2023 08:49

Lots of people do but it’s hard to make a living from it. Reputable providers will ensure your suitability though, counselling training courses are full of totally screwed up people who think they will be good at it because they have been in therapy themselves. It is one of those rare areas where life experience is definitely a plus if it turns out it is for you.

Original poster
Vlunken · 02/03/2023 08:56

28January · 02/03/2023 08:49

Lots of people do but it’s hard to make a living from it. Reputable providers will ensure your suitability though, counselling training courses are full of totally screwed up people who think they will be good at it because they have been in therapy themselves. It is one of those rare areas where life experience is definitely a plus if it turns out it is for you.

Thanks. I've had an absolute bucketload of life experience 😁 but am calm and resilient. It's actually quite hard to find a reputable training provider as they seem to vary so much in cost and what they offer.

OP posts:
yaaarrrp · 02/03/2023 08:56

Hi OP.

Im currently in my first year of training for a counselling certificate I am 30 by the way and they have a huge range of ages from early 20s right up to a lady in her 60s. The majority actually are in thier 40s/50s so just go for it!

Maisy37 · 02/03/2023 08:59

I’d say similar to derelicte who I suspect I’m in the same boat.
it is challenging and rewarding work and a great privilege to be alongside so many amazing people.
it is however tough going and you have to really watch for burnout , emotional fatigue etc .
good supervisors make all the difference . Best of luck to you whatever you decide

Original poster
Vlunken · 02/03/2023 09:02

Yes it's the emotional fatigue and burnout that has put me off doing it before. Last year I supported a few different family members through severe illness and death and discovered that I could cope well. Ironically through their trauma I found something positive about myself.

OP posts:
MrsOrange · 02/03/2023 09:04

Sadly I think it's becoming a new 'retrain as a teacher' for people looking for a second career.

I have one friend who has managed to transition it to a well paying position but she lives in a major city and specialised early on so has built a strong reputation. I know a couple of others who gave up due to not being able to earn enough and now use the skills elsewhere - off my head one became a life coach which charges less but got more traction, one went to work at a school. And I know at least 2 others who've just started training.

If you're rural and concerned about placements where will your clients come from?

Sorry for being drearily pessimistic but tends to be an expensive course so you should consider all angles.

Original poster
Vlunken · 02/03/2023 09:09

MrsOrange · 02/03/2023 09:04

Sadly I think it's becoming a new 'retrain as a teacher' for people looking for a second career.

I have one friend who has managed to transition it to a well paying position but she lives in a major city and specialised early on so has built a strong reputation. I know a couple of others who gave up due to not being able to earn enough and now use the skills elsewhere - off my head one became a life coach which charges less but got more traction, one went to work at a school. And I know at least 2 others who've just started training.

If you're rural and concerned about placements where will your clients come from?

Sorry for being drearily pessimistic but tends to be an expensive course so you should consider all angles.

I don't think your post is at all pessimistic, just realistic. I don't mind that it's fashionable or popular or whatever - I might be terrible at it anyway 😁

OP posts:
Question10 · 02/03/2023 09:10

Hi! Trainee counsellor here. I’m 3 years into a 4 year study programme and loving it! It’s expensive, time consuming and hard work. BUT so worth it!
I recommend you do a course accredited by the BACP or UKCP. The training varies out there but these are going to be the best training providers.
You would work in placement as a therapist (for free) during your qualification and will have personal therapy for the duration of the course. It really is life changing. Good luck on your journey!

BookWorm45 · 02/03/2023 09:13

I suggest start small - e.g. www.cpcab.co.uk/qualifications/the-cpcab-model
This means you could start by doing some training once a week and achieve some CPCAB qualifications. It gives you a chance to see more if this is for you.

Then you can decide if you want to take it further, e.g. BACP www.bacp.co.uk/

It will be expensive, and a long drawn out journey - could easily be 6 years plus depending on how much you can do full time v part time.

crimsonpeak · 02/03/2023 09:24

Go for it! I have a degree in an unrelated field and am about to embark on the first steps of training. Whatever you do, make sure your course is accredited with a reputable body before spending £ on it.

Original poster
Vlunken · 02/03/2023 14:52

Thanks all. Just about to check if the place I want to do the diploma will accept a certificate from another (cheaper!) place and if so I'm booking it.

OP posts:
Question10 · 02/03/2023 15:00

Exciting!!

derelicte · 04/03/2023 12:18

In answer to your question, in retraining as a user researcher in the tech industry. There's a significant skill crossover 😊

derelicte · 04/03/2023 12:19

Also, when looking at training courses I'd definitely go for one that has personal therapy for the duration of the course as a requirement (even if you've already had therapy).

StaceyMeloni · 04/03/2023 12:26

I think there are so many who do this in their 50s now the market must get saturated.

Cosyblankets · 04/03/2023 12:27

If I was paying a counsellor I would prefer them to have life experience
Go for it

ShinyMe · 04/03/2023 12:36

I'm 50 and currently part way through my level 4. I'm enjoying it and I don't see why it couldn't be a way of supporting myself once I've qualified.

Mellymoon · 04/03/2023 12:45

PacificallyRequested · 02/03/2023 08:41

If you don't need to earn a living from it, go for it. If you do, think again.

Huh? What does this even mean??

OP go for it! I personally wouldn’t want a counsellor straight out of uni who hasn’t lived yet.. I’d expect to have someone who’s experienced the highs and lows of life, suffered bereavement, raised a family..

Original poster
Vlunken · 04/03/2023 15:29

ShinyMe · 04/03/2023 12:36

I'm 50 and currently part way through my level 4. I'm enjoying it and I don't see why it couldn't be a way of supporting myself once I've qualified.

Are you at a college or online?

OP posts: