Counselling...is anyone a counsellor?

[fatcats]

I'm really interested in training as a counsellor, I have a BSc in Psych and I've always wanted to work in a vocational type of role.

I realise the training takes a long time, so I just wanted to do some research and see if any counsellors could share some insight into the reality of counselling, hours, pay, work life balance etc!

Thanks

I did an intensive one year certificate in counselling, having got my first degree in psychology, like you. Certainly where I live, employment, other than self-employment seems to depend on an MA in it, with no guarantee of a job as it seems to be more people qualified than available jobs. I chose not to take it further, but I have counselled for a charity as a volunteer pre child. Its worth doing for its own sake (learned a lot) but may be worth checking on employment prospects in your area.

I'd considered retraining in this field too but reading this I'm thinking maybe not realistic, as I didn't even do my initial degree in psychology (only to A level) though have always been very interested. I knew I'd probably need a specific degree, but don't think I could justify retraining to MA level when I'm already quite high up in the sphere I'm in. Do most counsellors / therapists work independently or through a company?

Honestly it's more a vocation or hobby than a career. Getting and maintaining the qualifications you need to be credible is expensive and time consuming, the vast majority are self employed and it takes years to build up a stable client base, you would probably have to work for free in the early days. You also really need to pay for your own therapy as part of your training - lots of people think they could be counsellors when what they need is to fix themselves.

You need alot of self awareness to study it Op, you will be addressing your demons/skeletons in your closet. I'm currently studying counselling skills at level two and it's highly enjoyable, I'm doing well and I will apply to study level 3. Level 4 students on my course get help to become employed when qualified.

Hi op.
I’m doing level 3 at the moment. I absolutely love the learning and hope to go on to level 4 in September. L4 is 2 years and will involve a placement.
There are people on my course who already have psychology degrees but learning counselling as a skill is different. A Psychology background will help with your theory but nothing beats classroom practicals and a very good tutor.
You will learn so much about yourself and I love that challenge although at Level 2 I was reticent to look inside myself so much.
I may never become an employed counsellor but I am loving the process.

For all those doing their levels - is it something that could be done alongside another fulltime career whilst you retrained or is it hugely time consuming? Are you all classroom based or is anyone doing it via distance learning out of interest? Those who get placements at the end, what sort of placements?

yes you can study alongside a full time job, there is hw but it's manageable. I wouldn't do it online though. You really do need to be in a classroom with other students and a very good tutor to get the most out of it.
I am paying for my course with an advanced learner loan that I pay back once I earn 25k ( that will never happen)

I keep seeing jobs advertised locally wanting qualified counsellors for 18-24 type income. Im not sure I can justify the training costs (also psych degree! Wish id qualified as a psych pre kids.)

Hi, sorry for a slight thread hijack... I've been studying on and off in various guises for the past few years - I have level 2 and 3 in counselling and am currently finishing an MSc in Psychology distance learning (took longer than expected as had a baby in the middle of it). I have decided I would like to go back to counselling studies now and qualify, but where I am (Northern Ireland) there are very limited training options. I'm considering completing a foundation degree to qualify - would that feel like a massive step down after a masters or because it's a practical and soul-searching course would it not? I have lots of experience of being self-employed and running a business so not looking at this as my only career, just part of the 'portfolio' one I have at the moment.