Is becoming a counsellor something you’ve been considering? I know, for me, it swam in the back of my mind for years, before I eventually took the plunge and began training in 2015.
And Interestingly, it will occasionally cross the mind of my clients too, as they come towards the completion of their time in counselling with me. Some will express an interest in becoming a therapist themselves. Usually it’s motivated by being able to provide others with the same empathic and non judgemental space which they benefitted from.
But where to start if you’re thinking about retraining as a therapist? The cost of living in 2023 is sky high, student loans are through the roof and interest rates are stratospheric. None of this makes for an easy career transition.
So, I’ve provided this video in a bid to answer any questions you may have about becoming a counsellor. It’s everything I wish I knew before I started.
Of course, the advice in this video isn’t exhaustive, and it is only one person’s perspective. I’m sure there are numerous others counsellors who’ve done it a different way, and are happy they did. But hopefully it will stand you in good stead, and make the overwhelming task of retraining, feel a little more manageable and attainable.
Within the video, I mention some books which provide insight into a day in the life of a counsellor. I garble the titles slightly, so to clarify, they are:
Love’s Executioner and other Tale of Psychotherapy by Irvin Yalom
Maybe you should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottileb
The Examined Life by Stephen Grosz
As ever, if you have any questions or comments, please do leave them below and I’ll get back to you.