I wan to be a cousellor. Anyone knows what is the best and shortest route to become one?

Question

I only have "A" level and wan to switch to a new career. I am above 40 yo and still working. I had called a lot of agencies. Some offer 2 years some 4 years. Please help.

Answer 1

First and foremost, anyone who believes in short cuts to Counseling will make a poor counselor.The subject is quite vast and calls for great understanding of the human needs and wants, besides in depth knowledge of the speciality one is catering to. Now a days, many organisations having teaching programs have started calling their front office assistant as a counselor. Many of them are ill equpped to counsel youngsters on the vital choice of a career. All they do is do sales promotion talk for their employers. If that is what you are after, it is not so difficult. But I know at least one lady who earlier had canvassed me for a Computer course, later educated herself very well on the implications of each choice and became a first grade counselor.

Counselling has dimensions other than plain career choice also. Health counselling,religious counselling , Psychological Counselling etc. are some examples.

Since you are attempting a career shift after forty, you are displaying a lot of courage. But your netname is suggesting an unsettled mind. If this be so, please slow down on that front.

I have been a counselor for almost forty years now,dealing with career choices, family and marriage counseling and on occasions sorting out religious dilemmas also. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW VENTURE.

Answer 2

In Canada- Vancouver, you can get fantastic training in one year- Vancouver College of Counsellor Training - you can Yahoo search them. I am a graduate and attended in my late 40's. I now have a private practice as well as working in the community services sector. Hope this is helpful.
Oh and Andrew- there are two spellings- Counselor is the American version. And your advise is right on - training and study is paramount in this field. It's on going and there is no such thing as a quick route. I had 20 + years in the field prior to my schooling, and several years of professional development courses and research into my field of practice. This profession is also a lifestyle choice in many ways. Helping is as unique as the individual who we serve.

Answer 3

Spelling it right would be good. It's Counselor. Also, if you want to help people and I mean....REALLY help people. Then please do not take any shortcuts in this field. You really should have the proper training. Read the question you posted and just think about what it is you are saying.

"I would like to be a doctor, I don't really have any training, but does anyone know the quickest way I could con myself in. Because hey, I don't really care about the patients, i just want a paycheck!" hhmmm this is a little what you sound like.

Answer 4

go to the 2 year program.