Anyone retrained as a counsellor?

[Careerchange1]

I’m so stressed and unhappy in my job that I’m almost at the point of resigning. I’m mid forties and have no debts or mortgage and enough in savings for a few years whilst I sort out something new. I’d really like to do something like counselling, mental health therapy, well being etc. I’ve looked online at how to train for these things and how much it will cost and how long it will take but I’m finding the information out there is very contradictory and confusing. Has anyone here trained as a counsellor or therapist and can give me some advice? Thanks!

The title "counsellor" isn't legally protected in the UK, meaning anyone can use it, regardless of their training or experience.
I know a few who " counsel" on various things.. one is a fitness instructor and offers counselling on body dysmorphia.
Another sells them lighter life juice thingies and also calls herself a counsellor and people pay for it .. for her to tell them they will be better off on the juices..
Another bought a Reki masters certificate on the Internet and calls herself a Reki counsellor .. and says she counsels people on getting their life on track .
Why don't people who these..ask to see credentials 🤷‍♀️.
Good luck with it all.
If it's something you want to do ..go for it.

You also have to think about your client market once you qualify.

There are loads of counsellors out there and people would rather choose someone experienced who's been doing it 10+ years than someone brand new.

Could you volunteer at some mental health charities or look into care type work for adults or kids with mh problems and look at that side of things? Many places do on the job training so you get qualified while earning.

Take a look on the BCAP Find a therapist search and see how many psychotherapists/counsellors there are in your local area. They'd be your competition and will give you an idea of the local market/supply and demand etc

OP I work for a maternal mental health platform and we're always looking for more therapists. We accept trainees too for the 100 hours experience placements.

If anyone is looking at similar, I’ve seen adverts in a couple of local authorities for trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner’s (this is Bristol ad for example https://careers.otrbristol.org.uk/vacancies/1271/), salary isn’t amazing but it’s a very rewarding role, training is paid for. I know someone who retrained that later in life and is really enjoying it. I think there’s the adult equivalent PWP? But don’t know anyone who has done that. Lots of people do the EMHP course and get experience then use it to step up into something else in the field. Some areas are charity roles but some are NHS.