How does a mental health nurse re-train as a counsellor?

[EL8888]

I am a mental health nurse, with a degree in mental health nursing. But l want a change in direction work wise. Would l next complete a certificate in counselling skills? Years ago before my nurse training, l did introduction to counselling through the open university. What would l do after that? I’m aware of the need for supervision, placements etc. I would need to do this part time around my current job

Is there not a way to do training in psychological therapies as part of your mental health nursing role?

You would need to complete a Level 2 course, Level 3 course followed by a two year diploma which needs to include a placement of 100 hours. So in all it takes 4 years to train but you should be able to fit it mostly around work as the courses are all part time. The placement might be a bit more difficult to work around but that would usually start midway to the end of the first diploma year.

Im actually quite surprised at this. I have known several people go the other way, as there seems to be a lot more opportunities for MH nurses and quite limited work for counsellors, at least where I live.
I know 3 qualified counsellors working in completely different fields as they were unable to find any paid work at all in counselling.
I guess this could all change after covid.

I’m also curious about this. I think it’s the kind of think local colleges offer?

Some of our Band 6 nurses were put forward for further training in psychotherapies by the Health Trust who also pays for it I believe? At the end of it you can go for Band 7 posts then specifically working in psychotherapy. Speak to your team leader/line manager, hopefully they'll be able to help you!

If you already have a degree I’d look at doing a Masters. Changes are looming that may make it harder for someone with only a level 4 diploma to get paid work.