Any counsellors out there? May I pick your brains please?

[Shodan]

I have finally found something I really want to do; something I believe I could be really good at. After too many years of flailing around, not knowing what I want to do, I've found the answer.

Preliminary research on the BACP website, and subsequently on the website of the nearest college to offer BACP accredited courses, seems to indicate that a total initial time of three years training would be required.

I have no problem with this at all- but I'm 46. By the time I finish I'll be 49. Is it a mad thing to do, at this stage of my life? Would there be any hope of employment at the end of it?

Also- is this the best/only route into counselling? What about voluntary work? Should I look for that, too?

Sorry for all the questions- but I've never been this keen on any other area of work. I feel like I'm 'made' for it- but I do need to get real employment at the end.

I'm just going to lurk here too!
I'm a little bit younger than you (27) and am currently doing an ou psychology degree which is accredited, but I have no idea where to go after that!

I am a psychological therapist working in an iapt service which is primary care. I am an accredited member of the BACP .
I qualified by using a non accredited course route. It was a Cpcab course, accepted by the BACP. Did the level 3 which was a year followed by the level 4 (2yrs). These were evening courses. The final year of the Diploma included 100 client hours.
Lots of counsellors are more 'mature', so it's not an issue. Go for it - it's not cheap though as there are course fees and you need to pay our for personal therapy. Discounts are sometimes available for students. You will also need clinical Supervision when working with clients. Sometimes this is supplied free from the agency you are working for. If not it's another expense to consider. Good luck.