Training to Become a Counsellor

[Negative Creep]

Long story short - I've been stuck in a series of dead end, minimum wage jobs since leaving Uni and have been unable to progress due to a lack of experience, confidence and any sort of clear plan beyond wanting to do something that actually makes a difference to people's lives. Without bothering you with the details, I am aware what it's like to be on the other side of counselling and how difficult it can be if you don't have anyone to talk to. Having thought about it a lot of the last few months and discussed it with the place I had been attending I do feel it's something I can feasibly do. There is a course starting next month for a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills which lasts around a year, which would then be followed by a Level 3 for another year then a Level 4 which is two years and should provide all necessary qualifications. My current employers have agreed to allow me to arrange my current shifts around the course (I live by myself so cannot reduce my income or go part time) but I have to tell them one way or the other within the next few days.

Has anyone here attempted something similar or able to offer any advice?

[edc]

This isn't meant to be patronising and hopefully you have already considered this but what qualifications do you actually need to break into this line of work? Which course is going to give you the best chance of success?

[oldbanger]

My mother trained as a psychotherapist when i was in my late teens, but she already had a psychology degree from years before. She specialised in CAT. My best mate is a clinical hypnotherapist having retrained in his late 30s - he previously worked in IT. So, it can be done.

There are no minimum qualifications required to become a counsellor or psychotherapist, though there is currently a move to regulate the industry so there will be soon. So for general counselling and psychotherapy, you are going to be better off studying a course accredited by the BACP so it's worth checking whether the one you are aiming for is on the list http://www.bacp.co.uk/accreditation/Accredited%20C...

Edited by oldbanger on Friday 22 August 19:03