Is it worth a career change into Therapy/Counselling in UK (Midlands)?

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Tobias_Carvery@reddit

You can become a private practice therapist in around 3 years and it can cost as little as £11k.

I did a short 9 week weekly intro course. Then Level 3 which is Sept-July and cost £2k. Then I’m starting a part time 2 year Diploma - otherwise known as Level 4 - (you can do them 1 day a week or weekend blocks) which will cost around £9k. I’m doing all of this around my full time job.

Im letting you know this to show you don’t need to have any prior psychology experience to do private practice. I didn’t.

Be aware that setting up a full time private practice on your own is tricky, especially in this economy. I’m keeping my other job (reduced hours slightly) and doing some PP in addition to it with the plan to do half the other job and half PP eventually.

I can’t speak to what else you can do with this level 4 qualification, I dont think you can work with illnesses like schizophrenia and the like but I don’t know exactly what you’d need for that. Maybe a masters degree. Or working for a organisation. Not sure.

I’d suggest doing a short intro course to see if you like it. Google Intro to counselling skills course, in your local area.

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amiiwu@reddit

Search CBT trainee jobs and you can get paid to train.

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Golden-Pheasant@reddit

Just throwing it out there, but have you considered adult mental health social work? Would cover a lot of areas you are interested in, very person-centred care approaches, loads of scope for progression and more opportunities for employment.

Im a social worker with experience in both adults and childrens. I got my social work training paid for and got a bursary which paid some expenses. You could apply for fast track programmes such as frontline or step up, which allow you to work in any area of social work doesn't have to limit you to childrens, as you get an adult and childrens placement.

Its not an easy job and its emotionally draining and demanding, but there is a huge sense of job satisfaction when you see a family's situation improve. A massive caveat, I dont work in frontline child protection, I couldn't do it and I take my hat off to my colleagues who do, but there are some elements of child protection in my role as disability social worker. As a mental health SW you could become an AMHP (Advanced mental health professonal) supporting people in immediate crisis, or there is scope to complete things like best interests assessments which would earn you additional pay.

Social work is a tough stressful profession but it offers a huge range of specialisms and if you find your niche there is huge scope for progression.

Not what you were asking but something to consider?

My friend is completing his counselling qualifications at the moment and the hardest part is getting the training hours. There is no shortage of trainees in our area so all the local organisations are already at capacity. He had a placement and it fell through, luckily because of his prior career he had connections and managed a different placement, but his whole qualification was at risk due to the hours issue. He is planning to set up his own practice when he qualifies and slowly transition by moving to part time employed, part time self employed with the aim of all his income coming from self employment eventually.

Another option could be specialist mentoring at university? Need autism specific training to do the role but its easily obtained and this would allow you to work at universities supporting neurodivergent students with things like time management, social support, meal planning, etc. Again not specifically therapy but role adjacent to build some skills in this area?

Sorry for the long reply, felt you might appreciate some alternative suggestions.

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SqueakySquirrel117@reddit

Same in my area, so many counselling courses that there is so much competition for placements as organisations are already at capacity.

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He_ofshadowsandtouch@reddit

The woman in last weeks Question Time audience said Chat GPT is her best therapist, available 24/7

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Plane_Artist20@reddit (OP)

I have seen a lot of people talking about using AI as therapy and I think it's great, i've even used it myself from time to time BUT the other side of that coin is it's still a tech company collecting data, at least with therapy, not to track or sell you stuff. I also see betterhelp is awful for therapists, too, yet I know people who use that.

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Jturnster89@reddit

I did my levels 2 and 3 part time, government funded. Literally 2 hours a week at my local college. They were useful both in cementing the basics and confirming it was the route I wanted take. Also got some good advice from tutors about paths available, and a handy group chat with other people on the course where we could share ideas and tips for further courses, where to get hours in etc. Could be an idea for you too if you can wrangle it.

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Fraggle_ninja@reddit

Have a look at the cpcab pathways on their website. Takes around 3-4 years to get to L4 which currently the qualified level. You need that as a min to be insured and join one of the professional bodies (NCPS, BACP etc). There’s changes on the horizon with something called scoped (scope-Ed) you might want to read about. You could also do a counselling degree route or a counselling masters route.

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Plane_Artist20@reddit (OP)

Yes I’d seen the CPCAB route that’s what I was thinking of doing and seen theres level 4 offered in an town just over from me about an hour away 1 day a week I noticed there’s a lot of emphasis on getting face to face training as well as online so I’m happy to commute I think it was like £351 a month for the course which I’d be happy to pay (as I mentioned I’m lucky to have little outgoings atm just don’t have an job). I’ll be sure to check out Scope-Ed thanks

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Fraggle_ninja@reddit

For the professional body membership when you qualify you have to have done a course with face to face class room hours. There’s lots of dodgy courses out there’s so if you ever in doubt work back from what the NCPS and BACP want and you won’t go far wrong!

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AcanthisittaLate9630@reddit

Look at jobs listings for psychological wellbeing practitioner apprenticeships, there's a flurry every six months or so as filling uni places and it's 20% academia and the rest as a trainee therapist on the job, fully funded places with 27k wage rising to 30k-35k after your first year.

I started this last year and I'd highly recommend that over going into debt, I hope to try again but I'm chronically ill and a bit fucked 😊

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FeedingTheBadWolf@reddit

I'm chronically ill too. This sounds like a really interesting avenue. What is the vetting procedure like? Is there a "fitness to practice"-type thing? Unfortunately I have a (petty, non-violent) criminal record from my youth and i feel like this would shut a lot of doors for me. Even though I've turned things around hugely and, actually, with my own history of addiction and health issues I really feel as though I could bring more empathy and understanding to the role than most. I've got lived experience. I just don't know how to put it to good use!

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Plane_Artist20@reddit (OP)

Oh wow I’d have to check this out that’s amazing I’ll definitely keep my eyes peeled for that then. Fully funded placement sounds great. I suppose I’ll have to have some certificates under my belt to apply to show genuine interest right?

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Adorable_Click_7071@reddit

I say go for it, why not?

At 29 I decided I wanted to train as a counsellor and it took me 2-2.5 years to obtain my L4. I didn’t pursue L5 and I actually changed my mind once I’d completed my qualification, but it’s something I may come back to.

Unfortunately when I was studying, Covid hit so I didn’t have a great experience as we had to move to online sessions which I don’t recommend for something like a Counselling skills course. You do have to fund the qualification yourself, but I think it’s worth it if it’s something you’re passionate about and will build a career from.

30 is a great age to transition into a career like this because you have years of life experience behind you, which you need. It’s similar to midwifery in that sense, it’s usually a second career for people.

You don’t need a psychology degree to become a private therapist, I think you need L5 qualification though. Then you also have the option to develop your studies in a particular area of interest.

You mention having been in personal therapy for a while and that’s good, as part of your studies will require you to undertake counselling for yourself. You cannot complete your qualification without this. I had never had counselling when I began studying and I have to say I found it very challenging, but I certainly learnt a lot about myself.

I find that even though I haven’t used my qualifications in a professional sense, I’ve developed so much on a personal level through undertaking these courses.

Good luck! Xx

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little_seahorse1991@reddit

I decided late twenties to ditch my previous career and switch to mental health. Researched a bit and the only remotely financially viable option was MH nursing as I’d be eligible for a student loan. Definitely couldn’t have funded my way through therapist training. I’m still doing it and wouldn’t do anything else, but psych nursing is not for the faint hearted! The job market is currently shocking as trusts have no money to hire staff, but I’ve worked in jobs on wards, in A&E, crisis teams, and attending 999 calls. It can be a really varied job, very difficult but I can’t imagine ever doing anything else now

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Plane_Artist20@reddit (OP)

Thanks for your response, did you already have a degree in something prior? I don’t know where I stand with extra quals because I never thought I’d need another degree/masters after graduating now I’m like ok I see these level 2/3/4 certificates etc but idk if for a career change I’m going to have to do a whole new degree or if I can get by on these certificates. I was also surprised to find out a degree isnt needed for counselling only clinical psychology or psychiatry but obvs I’m not going to those levels. I understand and respect them as distinguished fields. Idk if could do ward work as I am more interested in the talking therapy and activity side of things rather than monitoring patients with symptoms or in crisis such as a mental health ward.

I’m also nervous about switching careers numerous times haha. I just wish I knew a fast track to something I’d be happy in that gives me a wage. So far, I’ve never had a job I was happy to be in. Other than being actively interested in therapies.

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FeedingTheBadWolf@reddit

Certain allied heath professions (nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, and a couple others I think) qualify for the non-repayable grant AND a further undergraduate tuition fee loan even if you have received one before.

Unsure about the maintenance loan, however, but if you're living with your mum and able to commute to a nearby uni, you may find the £6000 or whatever it is is enough to keep you ticking over, especially if you have savings

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SqueakySquirrel117@reddit

I graduated with an MA in counselling a few years ago. I don’t regret my studies as they have really made me more self aware and also given me new skills. However, there are virtually no jobs for counsellors in the NHS and charity jobs pay very poorly. A large number of counsellors start their own private practices but it has become very competitive and often on the counselling forums you read about counsellors struggling because they’re not having any new enquiries. It’s fine if you have a partner who is earning and you maybe have some months where your income is less but if you’re single like I am then it’s really hard. I’ve decided to work once a week for a charity where I’m paid very little and for now continue my other non-counselling job.

On another note, if you have an undergrad degree, consider doing the level 2 and then straight onto a level 7 masters. You can get a student loan for a masters, I don’t think you can for level 3,4 and 5.

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SqueakySquirrel117@reddit

Ps I just realised you already have a masters so you can’t apply for a loan.

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MoreUnadventurous@reddit

I've considered similar, but what puts me off (aside from the cost as I've definitely used all my student funding entitlements) is that you have to do a lot of practice hours (for want of a better word) in order to qualify, and it isn't easy to find places where you can do those hours. Perhaps some courses arrange these placements for you but the ones near me don't and I imagine it's difficult and competitive.

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Plane_Artist20@reddit (OP)

I did look at the placement hours. I know it's around 150-200 placement hours, and I have found placement supervisors. I mean, it's still incredibly early days because I would be starting straight from Level 2, but I'm thinking it has to be less competitive than office jobs, which are 0 in my hometown, as it's generally a low-income area. I would be willing to try to smash out all my resources even if it meant traveling 1-2 hours outta city for it, as I'm lucky I drive and I'm not worried about the length to complete because I mean I did like 4 years for my degree and 1 year for my master's. I'm just worried if I get the quals again that there's going to be no jobs, it's disheartening putting your all in and getting nothing back, but I guess at least I have the bare bones to go private in that case. Unlike a creative agency, which would require a heavy upfront investment.

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RelativeShoulder370@reddit

Check if there are any Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner roles in your area. It's a trainee level of therapy (like an apprenticeship but better pay) and you can start with any degree. You learn on the job and get training alongside, it takes 2 years to qualify and you can then decide to train in CBT afterwards if you want. Jobs are generally on the NHS website, they often work remotely so you can look further afield if you want.

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Plane_Artist20@reddit (OP)

Heyy thank you so much for this information. I’ll be sure to check that out. I can’t lie it feels so surreal to even be looking at this field. Considering my background. Haha so cheers for that little snippet of help.

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Sea-Still5427@reddit

It takes about four years and £20K to get the right qualifications, and you'll need to pay for regular supervision, therapy and training throughout your professional career (it's a bit of a pyramid scheme).

To test the water, you could volunteer for a helpline, drop-in centre or befriending service to gain hands-on experience.

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Plane_Artist20@reddit (OP)

The time doesnt really bother me too much. I’m a single female no children no partner no pets. I’m lucky to still live at home with my mum. Atm any job I get I know isnt going to be related to my degree so I might as well scrap that. Moving to a big city that’s going to offer me work and isnt going to be competitive is off the table totally. I guess my options are continue in hospitality or try this and hopefully get into the NHS, go private or work perhaps in one of the local prisons or mental health/homeless organisations locally. I funded my own private therapy before it was around £60 a week and sometimes I saw her twice obviously it was money dependent. Icl maybe if I was working towards this it would help me if I did have to take another barista role because I’d be paying off the course. Icl, I also don’t really give a monkeys about my current uni debt as bad as that seems. I’m lucky in the sense my main outgoings at just Spotify and Netflix etc sadly though just used the last £3,000 of my savings prior to this therapy interest. I have applied for outreach work but atm my CV is bare of anything like that so I know I’d have to get my foot in somehow. I’m just afraid that in 4 years time I might be sitting in the same position with a career that didn’t help me secure income. I mean I guess once I get qualified I can always have it as a side hustle therapy sessions but I really have not many other options. :/

Hmmmm thanks for telling me the route though I didn’t know how the whole supervision thing works. It’s definitely something I’m interested in. Atm I feel im stuck in the hospitality loop I can’t get out off.

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