Best qualification to work in counselling/psychotherapy?

[orangesoda36]

I'm thinking of retraining in the next few years and I'm very interested in potentially becoming a psychologist/psychotherapist.

I have a Bsc in a healthcare related field and I'm not adverse to doing a Msc/Graduate diploma but I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction of the best type of qualification for these kind of roles.

I have the ability to work flexible hours around study so placements etc wouldn't be an issue.

It depends if you want to be a psychologist or a psychotherapist they are different things and different roles.

UKCP has information on Psychotherapy training

https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/psychotherapy-training/

And BPS has information on different types of Psychologists.

Worth having a think about:

What kind of role do you want? What types of people do you want to work with and in what setting?

What is your BSc in?

If you go for counselling/psychotherapy make sure that you do a Level 7 (post grad) qualification because the SCOPeD framework that is going to be introduced will limit options for those who have not studies to Level 7.

You'll make better money as a psychologist but long road to get there! You need to do a bps accredited conversion then a msc or a doctorate in your chosen field, to get onto that you need relevant experience
Do some counselling or psychotherapy yourself if you haven't already to learn more about it!

Hi I’m considering retraining to be a counsellor. I am currently a SEMH teacher. I have completed some level 1 counselling courses. I was going to do level 2/3 then a level 4 diploma that is BACP approved. I have an education degree and PGCE. Would I be better looking at post graduate options? Do you know where I can find out more information? Thanks in advance

Hi, I’m a trained MH nurse and I just got onto the training to become a clinical associate in applied psychology (in Scotland). I will be paid a normal wage while completing the training. I know that in England there are similar schemes for people with core professions, such as mental health nursing and social work. I know of a colleague who is completing high intensity therapy training having previously been a mh nurse. After training you’d be paid band 7 pay. Also for people with a psychology degree there is an option to train as a Clinical Associate in Psychology. If you’re interested in CBT and similar modes of therapy, I think it’s worth a try.