How honest would you be on course application?

[cremeeggs]

I'm thinking of doing a 3/4-year course to become a counsellor - on the application form you have to disclose any "history of depression". When I was a student - 17 years ago - I was referred by my GP for counselling due to something not very pleasant I'd experienced, and because I took too may herbal sleeping pills to try to get some sleep! I only went to a couple of sessions and that seemed to do the trick. I'm not sure if this counts as depression! I'm also not sure whether to mention this or not, as I don't feel it's at all relevant now and it might stopme from getting a place. What would you do?

oh god, no. i wouldn't count that (were you officially diagnosed with depression?) and even if you did i doubt that it would count against you. don't counsellors have to have counselling? i think they would assess you somehow to find out if you are a suitable person. i did a short counselling course a few years ago. it was quite upsetting as it brought up a lot of old feelings about some unpleasant stuff i went through, but it also made me a lot stronger and more able to help others. i did not go on to be a counsellor, but might consider going back to it once the kids are in school.

thanks nally - I would have thought honesty would be the best policy, just wanted to be sure it wouldn't disqualify me! Did you enjoy your course?

is there such thing out there as a counsellor for parents of kids with special needs? does anyone know!!

I should think you can have general counselling. Some places like the Autistic Scoiety also run counselling for SN parents but it depends what type of Sn you are talking about. I think Parentline offer counselling for parents too.

was thinking of doing counselling think it would be good for parents who first find out their kids have special needs to be offered counselling