Retraining (counselling)

[Emiliemoo]

I'm in my mid 30s now. When I was 17yr and applying for uni I was considering counselling courses but someone suggested to me that most counsellors come to it later in life. As a a result I did a different degree (but in the same sort of area) and have held jobs around support since graduating. I'm currently pastoral support in a school and have ended up doing so much mental health work in my role.

I always figured I would come to counselling eventually but now I have a DH and mortgage and DC the idea of retraining feels out of reach. I still definitely have a drive to be a counsellor but I'm definitely more scared about it. Does anyone have any experience they can share of retraining as a counsellors (or just retraining in general at this point of life)

Have you asked the school if they would fund/sponsor your training. It sounds Iike there would be great benefit to the school and kids of having an in-house counselor. You could make a business case/pitch outlining the training, the costs, how it would enhance your role and the benefit to the school. They may say no but even by going through that process you’ll see how passionate you are about it.

Someone posted in AIBU about this recently - if you search in there, you will find some more responses.

@Emiliemoo Yes I retrained fairly recently as a counsellor and looking to set up soon in private practice.

I recommend this route:

www.bacp.co.uk/careers/careers-in-counselling/training/

Money-wise, you're looking at spending at least £6K on tuition fees and supervision, around £8K if you do the Level 7 core qualifying diploma instead of the Level 4 or 5 qualifying core Diploma at an FE college. The training is hard work and unforgettable, you'll make some great friends and it will possibly change your relationships with others in your life. It's emotionally shredding as well at times so if your counselling isn't mandatory for your diploma I would recommend having some.

Good luck!

Hi Op. I'm just coming to the end of the level 4 in therapeutic counselling. Luckily I've been offered a well paid position with my student placement and I absolutely adore it. It helps to think about what kind of area you want to counsel in - I've come to the decision that I want to complete the level 5 in couples and family rather than children and adolescent. It can be a struggle to start work as one once you've qualified, a lot of places now want you to be a BACP member and also have 250 minimum post qualifying hours and be working towards accreditation. It's extremely rewarding and I am so glad I chose to do but I've been incredibly lucky to be in the position I'm in upon qualifying. However I'm in Northern Ireland so the positions may be a lot less than in England!
I hope this helps. Xx