Studying to be a Counsellor experiences

[Lisaaas1]

Looking for some similar experiences please in the hope I have posted on the correct board. I have since my early 20's wanted to train to work in the Counselling field having always worked in a support/caring organisation and really feel this is my calling.

I am fully aware of the apparent commitment and challenges the training presents but I am curious to hear whether those who have trained have managed to find work in a relevant field afterwards. I am not particularly interested in working privately but I would like to know, or have a bit of reassurance that the training and hard work will not be wasted once qualified.

It seems a lot of people are Psychology educated (Masters, degrees etc.) but I will be bringing life experience, relevant education (but not degree/masters education) and experience working in a lifelong caring organisation to the Counselling field. I feel it is sufficient having studied the initial Level 2 Introduction to Counselling skills and studied with peers from various backgrounds, however, I would like to know if others feel what I will bring is enough to warrant being able to be employed in the Counselling world once qualified?

Hey qualified counsellor here and must say nothing prepares you for the counselling training and the impact on your life!

Its great you have done an introduction skills course to give you an idea what counselling can be like and I'm sounds like you've had training in relevant areas which is great, I had worked in mental health for over 10 years when I trained which I think helped me but isn't necessary.

I'm not currently working as a Counsellor for a few reasons but most of the people I trained with now work in private practice.If you are not wanting to work privately where do you see yourself working? i.e charities? Rehab? I think you need to think really carefully about this as for some people having psychology degrees opens up opportunities that are more difficult for counsellors to access. Most counsellors after qualifying then need to apply for accreditation via the BACP or UKCP and to have a certain amount of hours to say be able to apply for IAPT jobs in the NHS

Hope that helps let me know if you have more questions 🙂

Qualified counsellor here. Also didn’t want to work privately, but ended up doing a little.
to be honest it was nigh on impossible to get a salaried post and the hourly rate non- private just wasn’t cutting it.
i now work in a related ish field using counselling skills but not counselling… it’s hugely needed but the lack of clear accreditation means it’s not as valued as it could be or as well utilised.
The training is intense but having that layer of self awareness is only beneficial. But be prepared to experience highs and lows- many of my cohort found it life changing on a significant level. Marriages ended, relationships started etc.
would I do it again? Yes. Was it worth the money invested? Not really sadly.

I’m a Counsellor and am self employed working for both a charity and in a local GP surgery. I am currently in a fortunate position to have to turn done work offered to me.

I also recently got offered a full time salaried job within the NHS and turned it down as I decided I didn’t want to lose the flexibility of being self employed right now as it suits my family life.

It took me a while to build up to making a living out of this and my work was secured by colleagues recommending me to others after volunteering with a charity for a while. I love my job it’s very rewarding.

Good morning all,

I am hoping to gain some advice regarding suitable roles/courses to develop my skills. Having worked in the children’s social services field for a number of years, I am looking to find a more suitable role which will allow me to work more directly with children in a therapeutic environment. I was looking into child counselling or play therapy, but it’s all a very confusing. I also have a BA in philosophy.

Are there any courses/roles you could recommend?

Thank you for your assistance.

Hi everyone,

I really want to become a counsellor. I’m currently working full time 5 days a week and don’t plan on leaving this current job as it is my main source of income. I am currently looking into training with Relate for the Level 4 relationship diploma. I am trying to prepare for the placement interview. It’s been a while since I have been in ‘counselling/ counselling skills/ study mode’. I’m really looking for advice and guidance on the interview placement if anyone knows or has any advice please?

I am trying to do as much research as possible for my preparation, and just feeling anxious as it’s been a while for me. I completed my Level 3 counselling certificate in 2020 and took a break from the counselling qualifying journey as I had a lot going (new job, got married, moved to new home). I feel in a good place to resume my journey. If anyone has any advice I’d appreciate it. In particular- does anyone have any experience with Relate as a trainer? I feel like I have a lot of questions but I’ll leave here for now.

I know that the course is going to cost a lot! £5k, and on top of that travel costs, counselling sessions etc.

It is my truly my calling and I’ve delayed it for too long. From what I have seen on the Relate website the Level 4 diploma is set up so most of it runs on weekends and I can take annual leave from my job if I need to cover weekdays. Has anyone trained with Relate here?

My understanding is that training with Relate is specific to their organisation ie I'm not sure how useful it is for employment elsewhere. I may be wrong on this but it could be worth checking. Have you considered a CPCAB level 4 diploma , a few people I know have done this one.