How do I become a Therapist?

Question

I'm interested in becoming a therapist but don't have a degree. I'm specifically interested in children and young peoples therapy and abuse. How do I go about this?

Answer 1

How old are you? If your younger than 28 you may face difficulty getting practical experience! Most institutions that train therapists/counsellors require you to have life experience. But if your older.
1st of all you should book yourself in for a course of therapy (10 - 12 sessions) and see how that goes. Give you a space to explore why you want to be a therapist.
Get yourself on a basic counselling skills course, so you can learn the tools of how to practice.
I dont know where you are located, but if the uk, you are very lucky as there are lots of volunteering opportunities place2be is specifically aimed at children (give them a call or email them, i would suggest you do this even if you are younger than 28).
Once you have a little training and experience approx 18months - 2 years then you could start looking at clinical diplomas and degrees. another 3 - 5 years depending on the path you take.
Its a long hard road that takes a lot of personal and emotional investment not everyone is cut out for it. the rewards of the profession are brilliant and if you choose to embark on this journey you will find the work challenging & amazing. I wish you all the best and good luck.

Answer 2

You probably are a therapist. Now all you have to do is study pertinent material in a way that will help you perfect this to a fine and effective tool for helping others. Find some central concept that satisfies this and go from there whether is be psychology or sociology or medicine or whatever. Good Luck.

Answer 3

No. Most people who become therapists have had therapy to work through their own issues. You have to know yourself and your issues in order to be any good at working with others.

Answer 4

do a combined degree in psychology and counseling. Lots pf unis are running courses for it