What do I need to do to become a councillor/therapist?

Question

I've been working in the marketing and advertising arena for over 10 years and found it to be a hugely superficial industry. I would love to do something more rewarding with my life, however I have no qualifications in this field. Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction as to what i will need to study and where is best to do it?

Answer 1

First, I see this is your first contribution, so welcome to Answers!

You are in the UK and you need a UK-specific answer so I suggest you ignore the answer that refers to MSW etc.

There are dozens of counselling courses in the UK. That said, your chjoices are limited unless you are willing to study in a major city. A few courses, sensibly, have introductory courses that allow you to do a taster before committing the time and money to a whole first-year course. For example, I think you could do one at a college I know in London starting this April if you move fast.

There are many different "models" of how to give counselling, and you would do well to get some feel for which one resonates best with your personality. Some of them, such as Psychosynthesis, insist on you taking their structured introductory workshops during a year before you are eligible for training.

Look up my profile by clicking on my nickname at the top of this answer and click there to contact me by email if you want a lot more on this.

Answer 2

Anyone can put up a sign and be a therapist. But if you want to be a licensed therapist then you need to get a university degree first. While you are at university you need to talk to a guidance counselor about the many field options available. For example, you could be a social worker (MSW), and counseling psychologist, a clinical psychologist, or a psychiatrist. You also need to consider whether you want to get a bachelor degree, masters degree, or a PhD.

Whatever you do, make sure you get good grades so that you can qualify for the competitive counseling programs. If none of this appeals to you, then consider another career.

Good luck.

Answer 3

If you are in the UK you need to find a course that will give you a Diploma in Counselling that adheres to the BACP code of ethics. The BACP is the national body for regulating the counselling and psychotherapy industry, here is their website
http://www.bacp.co.uk/

Any course worth its salt will give you a good basis in theory and skills. You will probably need to do foundation courses before you can progress onto the Diploma. You will need to have personal therapy yourself during the Diploma, and will also need to have a supervised counselling work placement.

Answer 4

doing the change too...well worth it. Check your local college for courses and try to volunteer with an organisation such as samaritans etc. to get some practical insight..and help loads of people. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Usually you basic counselling skills first,then intermediate,skills and theory,then diploma.Most colleges do courses Good Luck

Answer 6

check out your local college for counselling courses, these are normally part time, i have just finished my hnc/d it took 3.5 years.
try voluteering you wil need a placement for your counselling skills during your 2nd year.
good luck

Answer 7

check on internet or college for a counselling course