Five great reasons to change career to train to become a therapist/counsellor
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
- I wanted to explain some important reasons why I think being a therapist/counsellor is such a great career. Please do like the video if you found it helpful and I’m really happy to respond to any comments or questions you might have.
I now work with people on a one-to-one coaching basis who want to make a career change and then set up and grow a private therapy practice.
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Thank you John-Paul. I'm changing from a physiotherapist (physical-therapist) degree after working just almost 1.5 years. Greatly appreciate you putting out your channel and video. I will be in my 30s when I graduate but I think so worth it!
Hi Beverley, that’s great to hear, I think it’s going to be very much worth it too! Thanks for what you say about the channel, I appreciate it and do let me know how it goes if you like
This is really lovely to listen to with so many thoughtful points. I’m from the US looking to get my Masters in Counseling (at almost 40 years old).
Thanks so much for saying Jennifer, I appreciate it and glad you liked it. I’m excited for you that you’re on this journey and really hope it all goes well for you, am sure it will
Wow.. I am debating myself if I’m “too late” to go to college to get my masters in psychology.. (I’m 24) and here you are making me look dumb. Haha
@unclejaws1999 I'm 28 going back to school. I tried when I was 24 and ended up putting it off. Don't wait brother, you'll be 6 years older one day no matter what. Will you have your masters at the end of that 6 years is the question.
Your videos are phenomenal! Thank you so much for them. I hope you’re enjoying your career ❤❤❤❤
Thanks Michelle, really appreciate what you say, yes generally loving it and so glad I made the change 😊
Thanks John - some wonderful points, appreciate you sharing :)
You’re really welcome Jacob and thank you for saying, I’m grateful 😊
Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey x
You’re more than welcome and I’m very grateful to you for saying, thank you
Thank you that was very helpful and illuminating. If I may say, you seem like a very kind and caring person
Thanks so much, that's a kind thing to say, I appreciate it
Thanks for sharing this content, I am currently looking for a way to transition into the field of mental health full time and your videos are proving very useful in helping to guide this decision
Thanks for saying that Jonathan, I’m really glad you’re finding them helpful. Hoping the transition goes well for you and do let me know if there’s anything else you might like me to record a video about
Thank you for your video. Its informative. I am a Counselling Psychologist and I love what I do.
You’re really welcome, thanks for saying, I appreciate it. And so glad to hear you love what you do, one of the keys to a happy life I think
Thank you John-Paul! I’m a mental health worker and needed motivation to pursue counselling. Your honest video was just perfect! 🙏
You’re welcome and thanks for so much for saying, I really appreciate it. Hope it all goes well and let me know how it goes if you feel like it 😊
Thank you for your inspirational review of your change of career; working in a corporate environment for a number of years and not being authentic is the reason I am studying with CPCAB although until this moment had not really realised the thought that it is not being able to be real and true that has frustrated me.
You're really welcome and thank you for saying. Yes, I think it's a career where we're sort of professionally obliged to be authentic, which is one of the main reasons I like it so much. I really wish you all the best with the rest of your course and your journey generally : )
Thank you, John - really helpful. I have also chosen to steer away from the corporate world having been offered a graduate accounting role. I'm now studying my true passion - Psychology - and look forward to what the future holds...
You’re more than welcome. Amazing and great to hear you’re staying true to your passion, it’s definitely the best way forward in life in my experience. I really wish you all the best with it and do let me know how it’s all going if you’d like
Thank you! I’m halfway through my Bachelors of Fine Arts and am thinking about switching majors. Your video really helped a lot!
That’s great to hear and thank you for saying, I’m always really grateful when someone takes the time to comment like this. I hope it all goes well for you
Thanks for the information. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Also appreciate you touching on the financial side of the job. A video idea might be how to incorporate deliberate practice to improve as a therapist. If you haven’t don’t it already.
Hi there, thanks for what you say, I appreciate it, always great to hear feedback. I think that’s an interesting idea about deliberate practice, I hadn’t heard of the term before, but now I’ve had a look at what it is, I shall definitely give it some thought.
thank you for making this video , every night I cry because of confusion I m facing in my Psychology degree and should I continue but this video gave me so much strength .
Hi there, I’m so glad to hear it gave you strength, thanks for saying. Just my experience, but I found it much better when I actually qualified and was able to do more of what I wanted day to day. I really wish you all the best with it
thanks for the video. i'm in a different country but also thinking about making the change from corporate retail to becoming a therapist. i think it would be great to have a job where you help people everyday.
You’re more than welcome, thanks for saying. Yes in my experience that’s definitely the case, it makes for a much more fulfilling life, although it can be challenging at times as with anything. I really wish you all the best with your journey and hope it goes well for you.
I really found this helpful infact i pen down some key words 🎉
Excellent, so glad you found it helpful and thanks for saying, I really appreciate it
Hi John-Paul this was a great video, really informative I’m starting on my training journey in psychotherapy(career changer similarly like you) really inspiring watching this!😀👍
Thanks for saying Aman, I really appreciate it. I hope it all goes well for you and do let me know how it’s going if you’d like 😊
John-Paul Davies Will do! There is so much information out there about courses, training paths and providers etc! It’s quite overwhelming…not to mention the various psychotherapeutic modalities! Will be in touch for sure!😀
@@amanr6346 hi, yes I can really see how all the choices can be overwhelming. I think if you go with what feels right for you it’ll work out. Any ways I can help, do just let me know, John-Paul
Thank you! I'm excited to pursue my MSW degree to become a therapist September '23
You’re welcome, thanks for saying, really excited for you. Hope it all goes well and do let me know how it goes if you feel like it
I am training to be a therapist
Listening to you boosted my confidence
Thanks for letting me know, that’s great to hear. I really hope it all goes well for you
Awww I love this
Thanks, kind of you to say, I appreciate it 😊
Thanks for making this video. I’m currently considering how to go about approaching this journey.
I’m currently working in the finance sector and one of my ‘hang ups’ was that I might not be able to have the same standard of living. It’s encouraging to know that’s not necessarily the case.
Hi James, thanks for the comment and glad it was helpful. Yes definitely not the case in my experience that there has to be a significant drop in standard of living. There are therapists who charge hundreds of pounds an hour and many increasing income through passive income streams too with online courses, books, referral networks etc.
With attention on mental health growing hugely in the way that it is, I think the opportunities will only increase and the sky’s the limit really. I’m going to put up a video with some ideas about it on the website in the next week or so.
Good luck with it and let me know if you want to have a chat about anything else.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP I love this response!!!!! I love the voice you are giving to the opportunity in this field.
I come from a different background as well, speech language pathology, which is still a helping profession, but not very congruent with me authentically. I picked speech over psych because I thought I’d be more financially stable, but I’ve found to to be the opposite. The % of the population who can benefit from counseling is sooo much higher
Thank you for saying, it sounds like you’re really being drawn to counselling/therapy as a profession and, based on my personal experience of the journey, I’m so pleased for you
Hey John, very cool and informative video!
I've been thinking about changing my career into counseling. What is the best way to make this career change a possibility? Would getting a degree be the main starting point and if not how would you recommend you start changing careers? Once again, thanks for the amazing and insightful video!
Hi there, thanks for your comments on the video, I really appreciate them so great to hear you enjoyed it.
I think actually you're on the journey anyway by looking at videos like these. If you're in the UK and looking to become a psychotherapist, rather than a degree it's usually a foundation course and then some kind of diploma, part-time, the course of maybe 5 years. I know that sounds like a long time and I guess it is, but the time does go fast in my experience.
Once you're doing some kind of foundation course, you can see what you think and how you feel at that point as to whether you'd like to carry on or not. You could also maybe do some voluntary work for someone like the Samaritans or SHOUT or THT to see how you find being in a support/mental health and emotional wellbeing world. I guess being in therapy yourself is also a good idea too.
This website is one of the main UK accrediting bodies, so I'd suggest you take a look at what they say about training (you'll also see me there on link page : )) - www.psychotherapy.org.uk/psychotherapy-training/train-as-a-psychotherapist/
Hope this is helpful and let me know how it goes, John-Paul
Alright mate, great video. I'm thinking of becoming a counsellor soon after leaving the military, any tips on where/how to start and any advice to take along the way? Would be greatly appreciated 👍
Hi Ian, thanks for saying about the video, it's always good to hear and I appreciate it. Sounds exciting about the career change, I really hope you go ahead with it.
As far as tips, I'd suggest starting off with doing an accredited course by one of the main regulating bodies. Perhaps having some therapy yourself would be a good idea just to see what it's like if you haven't done so already. Generally, I'd say be doing what you can, in whatever ways you can, to get to know yourself well at this stage. Also perhaps get in contact with others in the industry or wanting to train so you have people to go through and share it all with.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of other things I could say and I'd be really happy to have a chat with you about it on the phone if you think that would be helpful. Just email on jpdttp@gmail.com if so and we can arrange it.
Hi mate. I’m in the uk. 23 and want to start becoming a counsellor. Obviously years of training first. But I worry how many jobs and how easy it is to get into work afterwards. Money isn’t just my own factor. Becuase I genuinely do want to help and make a change. But if I can’t do it as a full time career then I don’t see the point. It needs to be making more money than just a normal job
Hi there, thanks for your comments, yes, I hear you and it's one of the most significant factors for anyone coming into the profession. As much as we all want to do something we think we'll love and therefore enjoy more, we need to be sure it'll pay the bills and, as you say, actually provide a good standard of living.
I can honestly say that I believe it's the case, and my experience, that it can do this. The trouble is of course, that everyone is different as a therapist, works in different areas and sectors, wants to do different things within the industry and shapes their own day, so there's really no way of predicting or guaranteeing a certain income for anyone. Some therapists make a lot of money relatively, others don't make much. We also don't know the effect in the future of things like low-cost platforms such as BetterHelp, or of course Government mental health policy.
What I can say, is that I believe the potential is certainly there in my experience for a good income from being a therapist in private practice.
Thank you for your awesome video. Question: Can a therapist in private practice also offer career counseling?
Thanks for what you say about the video Kristine, I appreciate it. Yes, I don’t see why a therapist in private practice can’t offer career counselling as well, as long as morally and ethically they’re in a position to do so
Hi John,
To give you some background, I am a 27 year old living in America, who’s background is in Economics and Accounting. I’ve been in the corporate world for about two years now and am realizing accounting is not what I want to do for the rest of my life. In grad school, I realized my true passion is psychology and that I have a strong affinity for it. I wish to help others that are experiencing some of the struggles I went through. I’m looking to make a change and am willing to go back to school, but I’m not sure where to start/ am unsure about the logistics of it. Would love to talk to you to learn more.
Hi Tim, thanks for your message. I’d be really happy to have a chat with you yes of course. Re logistics, I’m not sure how it works in the US and in the UK only really know the psychotherapy route rather than the psychology. If you think I could help bearing that in mind though, just let me know and we can organise it.
Hi Tim, coincidentally I’m also based in America and 27 years old as well but with a background in International Affairs and International Development. Similar to you I’ve been in the ngo sector for little bit over a year and feeling like this is not the perfect match for my personality. I was wondering if you would be open to connect since perhaps we can help each other as we explore our options
Thank you for this video. I'm currently in school for mental health counseling and will graduate when I'm 50. I have been in my current career in HR for the last 20 years and as much as I look forward to this new chapter, I'm also apprehensive to let go my current role. My question is, is it possible to do both part-time, even as I pursue a license. I'm in the US so I'm not sure if that is something you would be able to speak to but thought I would ask in case you or someone on this thread has any insights.
Hi there, thanks for your comment and sharing some of your story, I really appreciate it. As you say, I only really know about that the UK, but certainly in principle the idea of retraining and even running a practice whilst also working in HR I’m sure would work fine if that’s what you wanted to do, either for a period while you’re building a practice or even indefinitely if you enjoy both things.
For me, one of the great things about retraining is that, subject of course to practical considerations, you can choose to set your life and tailor in a way that makes you happy now, your mix is up to you and it can change over time.
Maybe someone else reading this can comment too and in the meantime I wish you all the best with it. If you want to let me know how it’s going on here too, please feel free to do that whenever you’d like 😊
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP thank you so much for taking your time to reply!
@@kavs714 you’re very welcome
Thank you for the valuable insight! I am looking to transition from a copywriter and content manager to a counsellor. I honestly don't care about making a huge income (I do have side businesses), but I am a little hesitant to pay all that money needed to study counselling. Would you recommend shorter online courses that are not BACP-accredited or should I take the several-thousand-pounds-down-the-drain route just to say I'm nationally certified in the end? Apparently you can start a private practice without taking the pricier route. Mind you, I live in Greece, have a UK business entity, and plan to work strictly online with clients. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hi, thanks for your message and sorry for the delay in coming back to you, I was out of the country. As you say, I’m sure there are certainly people practicing who did a shorter route, although everyone I know has done one of the accredited courses as far as I’m aware. I know some people who didn’t actually qualify but still see clients, but don’t know anyone who sees clients having done one of the short courses. As I say though, I’m sure there are people and how good or otherwise someone is as a counsellor isn’t always going to be dependent on how long they’ve studied.
Having said that, I think there are good reasons for people studying for years to practice both in terms of the course content and the personal development over that period. I also don’t think someone can get on the directories to advertise, work for insurers, or be employed if they haven’t completed accredited courses. It may also be that many potential private clients look for accredited counsellors when choosing someone.
Just let me know if there’s anything else you want to ask and I really wish you all the best with it in any event.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Thank you so much for replying! I think the word "short" was wrongly used on my end. Allow me to rephrase.
There are online diploma courses that you would still need to take for at least 3 years (level 2 to 4+). However, as there is no face-to-face training involved, the BACP does not accredit them. They are usually accredited by organisations such as the ACCPH, who have their own directories and offer insurance. It's still accreditation, just not enough to get you to work beyond a private practice (not that that bothers me). All this online route also costs quite less than what the nationally accredited courses are asking for. But it seems the BACP is the "top" accreditation/qualification to have (and quite the monopoly, really). Then there is the uni route which I won't even get into.
Conclusion: It would be nice to study strictly online as I want to work strictly online. I also am quite introverted and empathic and don't do well in live group trainings. I don't mind supervision or personal counselling though. But apparently that's not enough for the BACP, UKCP, etc. What if someone disabled wants to study to be a counsellor? Physical presence in a class is not easy for everyone. So just wondering if I will be taken seriously if I go down the path of "lesser" accreditation and just study online. Do clients even ask about which body you are accredited by / registered with? Does it matter that much in private practice? (Sorry about the long message)
Ah I see, yes I can see there are quite a few barriers with the accredited courses in terms of money and time commitments and I do wonder if that will change over time. If as you say you’re only looking to see private clients, I’ve never had anyone ask about my accreditation or qualifications in all the 10 years plus I’ve been seeing clients. Having said that, if they come through my website and/or the directories they’ll have seen the information there and I’m not sure how important it will have been for them in their search… Certainly as you get word of mouth clients as time goes on, I’m suspect the particular course and qualifications get less important to them
Re studying online I’m sure it works well and of course everyone did for quite a long period of time over Covid. The only thing I would say not being face to face in groups etc though is I wonder will you get the most out of the personal development aspect of being on the course?
I’m a 37 stay at home dad where my wife is a hard working nurse who does make a decent amount of money. But I’m ready to make a career as I’m getting older. But I’ve always struggled with what I want to do. But I do have a passion to help people and this intrigues me my question is as a 37 year old do you think it’s too late for me to obtain a degree in therapy?
Hi there, thanks for your question and some of your story, I really appreciate you writing it.
No I don’t think you’re too old at all to study to be a therapist. When you say degree though are you talking about an undergraduate degree or a qualification in psychotherapy? If it’s the latter, I think everyone on my course was at least over 30 and most around your age. I was only a couple of years younger than you when I did my diploma. Life experience is very helpful in this profession.
Hi John I would really appreciate some help. I am still struggling to understand the difference between being a psychotherapist and a psychologist. So much so that I may have already taken an unnecessary step. I have a masters conversion in psychology but now realise that maybe doing a psychotherapy course would have led me to a professional opportunity sooner. Can you advise on how to find psychotherapy courses outside London? Thank you
Hi there, it’s just my understanding of it, but I think psychology is more research and scientifically based than what you’ll most of the see on a psychotherapy course. I’m sure it has probably changed now, but when I did my psychotherapy training there was, for example, no neuroscience on it all. Instead we covered areas such as alchemy and dreams, alongside more cognitively based therapies. (By the way, I think it’s a really good idea to cover neuroscience on a psychotherapy course.)
If anyone else has any other ideas on the difference between the two, please do feel free to add comments below.
Re psychotherapy courses outside of London, a Google search I just did came up with lots of interesting looking courses. Was it something in particular you were looking for?
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP not sure, but something online maybe. I will look again. Thank you for your response.
You're really welcome, I wish you all the best with it and just let me know if there's anything else.
Hello John,
My question is, can I apply for the course without a university degree or do I need one first?
Hi there, my course was a post graduate diploma, so we did have to have an undergraduate degree. I suspect that’ll be the case for many accredited training programs, but may depend on the the training organisation.
I’m sure there will be some training places that don’t require it, but you’ll want to be sure it’s a reputable organisation, so if you choose the accredited course you like you can maybe see what they say?
I have a AA and BA in psychology, but don't know if I want to get a masters for therapy
Difficulty to say without knowing the context, but generally, do you feel like you have what you need to do what you’d like to do with clients and, if you want to work for others, is what you have already enough for that do you think? I guess many also go ahead with a masters because they really enjoy being in the academic world.
How do I know the type of therapy I want to go into ..what are the type of therapy to niche to ..I only know marriage and family therapy
Hi there, thanks for your message, great question, yes there are so many different types of therapy. I’m a member of Counselling Directory which lists and explains many of them here: www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counselling.html?_gl=1*itu6i4*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAmsurBhBvEiwA6e-WPAxeA-lVLa7QaTaiBY6pTHZNfiGL2zAD6yX0JbJeKJvEY6oNSHSMIRoCeSYQAvD_BwE#couplescounselling
As far as choosing which modality, you can choose to do one, a mixture, or even come up with your own way of doing things. It can also change over time. When deciding which one/ones though, I’d suggest you do what you find most helpful and interesting and what makes you come alive personally.
Are you a Debator ENTP personality type by any chance?
Very nice to listen to this btw 👍
Thanks for saying about the video, I appreciate it.
Been a while since I did one of those personality tests, maybe over 20 years, but I was actually ENTJ at the time (not sure about the Debator). Wondered if I might have changed a bit over that period, maybe more F. Really interesting that you were so close though, you’re basing that on what you saw in the video?
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP yes that’s right.
I’m thinking about becoming a therapist and found your video inspiring. I can certainly relate to a lot of the things you mention.
I’m also an ENT (Debater) personality type.
Apparently a personality type that lends itself well to being a therapist.
@@vidibites ah interesting, makes sense about the personality type. Good to hear you can relate to what’s said in the video and I hope it’s all going well for you, I definitely don’t ever regret making the career change
Hello John-Paul. Thank You for Your video. It was really helpful for me. Can You tell me please How old Were You when You become a therapist? I am 32 years old already (soon 33) And I still in point of my life where i don't know what i am going to do, and trying to find my way. Therapist looks really interesting and amazing for me, but I'm worried that maybe I am too old for this kind of step in my life? I feel little bit confused about this. But maybe it's never to late?:)
Hi, thanks for your comments, great to hear it was helpful for you and I appreciate you saying. In terms of your question, I was 34 I think when I started training, so roughly the same age. I qualified when I was 39. I definitely don’t think it’s too old, in fact in my experience I think being a bit older is a good thing. I really wish you all the best with it if you do decide to retrain.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP thank You for good word:)
@@szynsz90 you’re welcome : )
Hi @john Paul! I have just read the above comment & couldn’t stop myself from writing here. I resonate fully with @szynsz90. I am 34 years old and I planning to transition from my corporate career to being a coach. My reservation are if it’s too late to get another degree and where to start!! Paul did you do a complete degree to become a therapist? If yes then how long was your program?Also in the transition period how did you manage your finances ? We are a family of 4 & both me & my husband support the finances so I can’t just quit job & it’s a great concern form me! Please share your experience 🙏🏼🌸
@@anikatasnim984 hi there, thanks for your comments, Paul will hopefully come back to you on your question.
I often hear peoples’ concerns about funding any transition and really understand how important it is to think about it and plan it.
My only comment would be that all of my training was part-time, so I would have been able to complete it and continue working at the same time (even though I didn’t actually do that myself). Some people also go part-time after they qualify and continue with some form of paid work while they’re developing their practice. They may even want to do that indefinitely to remain part of an organisation.
If you listen to some of the conversations with therapists I’ve recorded for this channel, pretty much all of them talk about the ways they managed the transitions.
Hope it’s helpful and I really wish you also the best with whatever you decide to do 😊
Question. So is it a degree in Counseling or Psychology ?
Thanks for the question. A degree in counselling or psychology as an undergraduate degree do you mean? As far as I know, you can’t do an undergraduate degree in counselling or psychotherapy in the UK, only psychology.
You forgot the best part - the excitement of trying to figure out how to pay your bills when insurance companies DECREASE reimbursements every year. It's the only profession in which compensation goes down rather than up.
Thanks for your comment, I appreciate you taking the time. That’s so disappointing insurance companies decreasing reimbursements, really sorry to hear that’s happening.
It also raises another interesting point which is how different therapist’s experiences are from a financial point of view. I have very few insurance clients and my practice is almost entirely privately funded clients. It’s the same with most of the therapists I know locally. The insurance companies funding my few insurance clients have also never taken their hourly rate payment down over the years, so far as I’m aware.
Are you in the US by the way? I wonder if it’s a bit different to hear the UK in that way? I’ve recently thought it would be really interesting to speak to therapists around the world on the channel about the differences and similarities between countries, including finances. Anyway, thanks again for your comments.