Any counsellors out there?

[helpineedajob]

Im thinking of retraining to be a counsellor. I currently have an unsucessful career in finance.

I did a 10 week introduction to couselling 2 years ago, and found I was a good 'active listener', paraphrasing was not so easy but I think that i would come with practice.

Im considering doing the level 3 counselling skills then on to the diploma, so I know it would be a long process but feel uneasy making this commitment to then a, struggle to get a job and b, not enjoy the job.

So if there are any cousellors out there can you tell me what the reality of the job is like? Do you get troubled by the things you here your clients have been through? Do you come home emotionally drained?

I would appriciate any insights or advice.

I've done level 1, they told me I'd need to do 2 first before 3
it's a huge financial commitment, have never had the funds in place.

My MIL was a counsellor as part of her role as a midwife, she found it very draining, she said you need a good person to talk to/ supervisor so you don't burn out.

I'd love to do it, but realistically other things are always going to come first.

there are charities you can train with more quickly and for less outlay, then you work for them in return, for example Cruse, if you wanted to go into bereavement counselling.

From what my tutor said a lot of the jobs and future jobs will be drug counselling based, there are roles with the nhs for this, a friend of mine is doing very well privately doing CBT with business types, there are lots of options if you specialise

Hi Help,

Which awarding body is your level 3 and Diploma through?

I studied for my qualifications through CPCAB (can highly recommend) 4 years ago. My previous work history was in teaching, managing children's homes, work with the homeless, managing young people's advice and guidance services... This was all very useful experience all with counselling skills as a core. I would recommend that anyone thinking of going for a level 3/dip. should get a grounding in working in support services where counselling is a natural part of operations. This can be done on a voluntary basis if need be. This may give you an idea if you can find satisfaction in the work area and can deal with it on a regular basis.

The difference between level 2 and level 3 in CPCAB is that the level 3 (whilst still using the core skills of listening, paraphrasing, congruency, immediacy, self disclosure etc) focusses more on analysing the use of them. It also encourages you to get a grounding the major theoretical areas of CBT, Psychotherapy, Rogerian theory, EBT etc. There are academic essays attached. The level 3 also encourages you to look at your own self development. This will be personally and also as a professional. This encourages you to be more open as an individual (essential for clients later).

Counselling can be a very rewarding job. I does demand a certain level of emotional strength and being able to recognise when you are being affected by clients - including taking appropriate action to keep yourself strong. All counsellors have supervisors themselves to bounce ideas off or to confide in. It is inevitable that you will have particular clients that demand some thought outside of work hours - so having support/calmness at home is nice. You are not expected to be super-human so it is o.k to go to your supervisor and admit if there is an area of your work you are struggling with. The course tutors should you take the level 3 will speak with you in some detail about 'keeping yourself safe' whilst helping others - this focusses on building techniques that keep you emotionally/mentally safe during work.

Getting work after qualifying may be a challenge as there are generally more applicants than posts wherever you are. Getting the highest grades you can and good work experience is important therefore. Most counsellors work on a part time basis (although full time posts are available). The part time week gives you space to unwind/fulfill your own life - as the job is demanding. Money for the work is not generally massive - but most therapists are in it altruistically rather than wanting to grow a money tree. Many counsellers also have second jobs. The biggest reward is seeing people moving on with their lives, feeling better in themselves and being who they want to be.

Have you tried the college for the extra info. you need? Course profiles should be able to provide you with insight of what is needed for the next stage in your particular awarding body.

Hope this helps...?

Thank you for taking your time to reply.

I would be studying with Manchester College, whos qulification are reconised by the BACP.

Idealy I would like to work with women who are suffering from birth trauma and PND as I suffered from this with DS1 and it is this that has motivated me to be a cousellor.

mmm support and calmness at home..... maybe an issue, maybe I wouldnt be emotionally strong enough.

Do you know of an organisation I could aproach to do some voluntry work with to see if it would be right for me? Although I work 4 week days and have my one year old the other day.

My plan was to do level 3 starting January, if I can get the money together and persuade DH to spend the money on the course. Then start the diploma when DS2 is 3 and I can use the 15 hours nursery place to do the voluntry work needed.

You're welcome.

Internet searches for 'volunteering opportunities for trainee counsellors' is a good start.

As is registering with your local NCVO - umbrella organisation for voluntary work in the UK.

Also any charity that offers counselling services are usually looking for volunteers - Cruse, NSPCC, Childline, Samaritans, Shelter... The bigger the company (generally) the better the training they tend to offer. Until you have taken the in-house training package you are likely to be shadowing another worker. These are also a good point of contact for your more generalised enquiries about the industry and 'how do you deal with...? questions.

Also there are a number of careers advice websites which can give you a flavour of the general character of the work/working week - nationalcareersservice.gov.uk is particularly good.

There are also careers test that ask you questions about your personality e.g Myers Briggs, Keirsey Temperament Sorter, BBC Human Mind Psychology Tests etc. These will provide a general picture of whether your personality/preferences are naturally suited to this career area.

Take Care

Thanks again for the reply.

I took a personality type test at school for the careers adviser and it came back that i should be a prison officer (lol so not for me). I have just done the BBC careers test it came back that I am a 'Conventional type' which fits with my current career, but not counselling!

I have been looking online for PND charities with the view of doing some voluteer work, but im unsure the hours would fit as i thought i could do some evenings but the help line closes at 8 (and i would have only just got the kids to bed then) but think i will call them tomorrow anyway.

I then looked at samaritans but I would have to go to the local branch which is it the city centre which I dont fancy alone at night.

But I will keep looking and hopefully will find something that would suit.