Hi all

For some time now I've been thinking of doing a part time training course which would gain me a qualification as a counsellor/therapist.

Obviously the area in which I would want to specialise is gender/sexuality/relationship counselling. Does anyone, particularly anyone from the UK, have any insights, advice, encouragement discouragement or other observations that the could make which would help me decide whether or not I have taken leave of my senses in conisdering this.

Obviously I still intend to pursue my writing career, but now that I have finished my MA I am discovering that it can be a rather isolated occupation... and as I'm an extrovert I find that rather unsatisfactory. So this was my thought for something that I could do on a part time basis, which is useful, will help others, and would ensure that I don't become a writer sitting in an ivory tower.

Thoughts anyone? 

PS - If I've put this in the wrong place could some kind mod move it for me to where-ever is more appropriate.

I'm from Ireland and have looked into this myself, but to get a really good solid qualification youd need to do a degree probably and train on from there. A course I was looking at is: http://www.dbs.ie/Counselling-Psychotherapy/BA-Hons-Evening-Degree.htm

Main thing, well second other than that its 5000 a year, is that it's another degree and I've recently finished six years of college. If you could find a course in the UK with the same structure as the one I posted, you'd be well sorted!

My gender therapist actually used to teach the course mentioned above. He said it is intensive, but that I'd be a good candidate. Maybe in a few years, for now I gotta get money together for the essentials

Jenny.

This is a great idea and a wonderful opportunity to put soemthing back.

May I suggest you begin by approaching a counciling group about volunteering?

I realise that you would like to work, specifically with transgendered people, but realistically, it would be better if you began in general counciling.

The Samaritans are a good start.

If you would like more information on the industry, may I suggest you approach your local Further Education College and speak to someone who teaches counciling?

I would suggest you begin by saying you want to help people. They will probably ask you something of your background. From what I know of you, I doubt you will have any real problems discussing this and you certainly have a lot of varied experiences.

I will also add that, from what I know of you, I think you will have a real contribution to make.

Good luck.

Hi Jenny,.

I might be wrong, but a good starting point could be a suitable "Diploma in Counselling" part time.

I think you would then be able to practice basic counselling and see if you liked it..... but would need to progress to a more intensive physotherapy qualification if you wanted to do letters etc.. 

For example, my therapist has an excellent reputation, but she does not qualify for "gatekeeping" duties as such, though that doesn't mean her views don't carry a lot of weight with her associates that do...

From your posts I have read here, I would say you are a good candidate.

Good Luck



Chrissty

Thank you all for your replies.

Chrissty - yes I was indeed intending to start with the diploma and then, once I have an income stream possibly progress on... although the woman at BACP seemed to think that for many purposes the diploma was actually sufficient.

Spacial - yes I was intending to do general counselling but have gender work as a speciallity which could be developed as I developed my skills... and yes I already have done some volunteer work with various non gender related helplines and so on.

Sarah - yes I did wonder about the viability of doing a degree - I already have a Bsc and an MA - any more letters after my name and I'll have trouble remembering them all! Besides which at 50 it really isn't feasible to do another undergraduate degree either in terms of time or money. So my aim is to get the basic qualification, hit the deck running and see where it takes me.

Hi Rejennyrated

That is an excellent idea, do a part time course whether its a diploma or a graduate degree in psychology it does not matter because your knowledge in this area will be vast. Become a general counsellor, but specialize in Transgender issues and work to get paid or even volunteer to get the experience.

What you suggest would be one way to help turn the tide against others who would put obstacles in our way to becoming who we truly are.

Kind regards
Sarah B

Good for you Jenny.  I looked in to it myself but I owe too much on school loans here.  But after I move I might see if the is some kind of volunteer service that I might be able to do.

I know the feeling, I'd rather have root canal then sit down and write.  There is a reason that so many good writers are drunks, drug addicts and in general flounder in a unique kind of wanton depraved decadence.

And screenplays?  Take the above and make it ten times worse because everyone from the producer down to the brand new stagehand thinks they can change it and make it better.

I think going into therapy/counseling is a great idea.  Just from reading your posts you seem like you already have the basics of therapeutic communication down.  Because I'm not in the UK, I don't have much advise that way.  I just wanted to wish you all the best.  Keep us updated. 

Hi Jenny,

I hope this isn't taken badly. I think you would need to be careful to not see others as being like yourself. I think you would be a good counselor but it is so easy to see the pain of people who really need and want to transition that it may be too easy to not see when it is not the best choice. It would be best for a person to come to their own conclusion. I know that is what is tried but I also believe that there is no such thing as a truly objective writer/journalist. The same feeling leads me to thing that therapists color there sessions with their own experiences. It would be non human if you didn't.


I don't mean to discourage, just give food for thought as you come to a decision.

Quote from: LordKAT on March 13, 2010, 02:19:14 AM
Hi Jenny,

I hope this isn't taken badly. I think you would need to be careful to not see others as being like yourself. I think you would be a good counselor but it is so easy to see the pain of people who really need and want to transition that it may be too easy to not see when it is not the best choice. It would be best for a person to come to their own conclusion. I know that is what is tried but I also believe that there is no such thing as a truly objective writer/journalist. The same feeling leads me to thing that therapists color there sessions with their own experiences. It would be non human if you didn't.


I don't mean to discourage, just give food for thought as you come to a decision.

A very valid point... although one which I think is countered by the fact that I genuinely don't actually think that everyone should transition. I think everyone should explore their feelings and then decide for themselves.

The one thing I can't abide is therapists or other people who seem to think that it is their duty to tell others what they should do. If I have a weakness as a potential counselor it would be that I might not be willing or able to provide enough solid guidance. I think the best therapists will merely pose questions and then let you do the answering.

It's also why I would almost certainly start with general counseling and later progress on to gender work if that seemed appropriate.

Starting with general counseling may indeed be a good way to start. I do think you would be good at seeing the different ways GID is presented compared to someone who hasn't dealt with it. I also think you are people oriented, ( at least in comparison to me). You may even find some core material to write about.