I’m looking to retrain in a new career path. I’m 36 and would like more out of life than what I’m doing. Through personal family experiences, I’ve recently become interested in Counselling and CBT.
I am more interested in CBT but I’m aware this requires a 3yr undergrad degree (it would be in Psychology for me, most likely). I’m also aware it would then require a couple of years in practice before qualifying for the postgrad CBT. So really 6-7yrs of training.
In order to become a BACP accredited Counsellor I could take the CPCAB fast track L2-4 in 2.5yrs and then potentially a L5 in CBT (I’m aware I wouldn’t be BABCP accredited with this though). Although I’m unsure if I would need the L5 or whether I could practice with the L4? Also would the L2-4 counselling potentially enable me to train as a BABCP registered CBT, instead of attending uni?
My intention would be to work privately, possibly with a mix of employed work too. My question is whether it is worth taking the longer university route and becoming a BABCP registered CBT, or whether the shorter route to becoming a BACP registered counsellor would be better? I’ve seen private counsellors charge £60-80ph and have also seen private CBT charge the same. Also does anyone know the demand for either? I wouldn’t want to spend so much time training, only to end up struggling to find work.
I have 3 children to juggle, so if I am committing to this, I would like it to be worthwhile. I’m also aware that I don’t have age on my side! If you got this far… thank you!