I’m so glad I found your channel I have my interview this week for training to become a councillor/therapist I always thought about it but after an amazing counsellor who has helped me change my attitude & thinking over the past year just in general bought so much positivity to my life has strongly inspired me to want to become one. I have always felt naturally drawn to this career but not had the confidence or belief in myself to embark on it until now. Your videos have been so helpful thank you 😊
I’m so glad you found the channel too and thanks for saying, what a lovely post, it was really touching. Really pleased for you at hopefully beginning your training, do let me know how it all goes if you feel like it. Also of course happy to record any videos about topics that might come up for you along the way 😊 Thanks again!
Hi sir, I’m also an engineer and I’m trying to switch careers to be a counselor because I want to make a positive impact in the world and not just work for someone else’s dream ,thank you for sharing your story.
Really grateful for this content. Finally made the switch to this career, it feels right in a deep way, but it took me years to move through my fears and follow this path. I noticed when I started pursuing it, many things came into alignment, because I was more in alignment with myself. I met an amazing partner. My health improved. The day to day quality of my life revolutionized. Just a real peace, even though it’s the first step on a long journey.
So glad you commented, thank you. Can totally relate to what you describe, sounds amazing and I’m really pleased for you. In terms of alignment, I’ve been writing my next video over the last few days about why I moved from law to mental health and the word that kept coming up is alignment! When I saw your message I was actually thinking about what alignment meant. Some real synchronicity happening 😊
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP I love this!! Aww this comment has made my day:) happy to be connected and sharing related life experiences even as strangers ❤️ sending you many blessings and wavelengths of love and good fortune:) you’re amazing!
I know this is an old comment but can you elaborate on some of the fears you had to overcome to pursue this path? Did it relate to financial commitments and dipping into savings, or fears of not making enough money etc. im asking because i am in a similar boat now and I am not sure how to move past it. Thank you!
Thank you this is very inspiring for me. I’m a law student who went into consulting so on certain level I can relate to what you said. I’m finally taking a course in counselling this year - it’s really never too late to change your career!
Thanks for saying and I really appreciate it. So glad to hear you’re taking a course in counselling and I really hope it goes well for you. If you ever want to ask any questions about my experience of it all, do just let me know.
Hi! I just wanted to thank you for sharing this! I watched your video in September last year in the middle of a challenging time, wanting a change in career and I couldn't keep denying my desire for meaningful work. I'm now halfway through my Foundation year at CCPE and I truly love it, working to do the Diploma and set up my own practice. I knew I wanted to become a therapist but hadn't heard of the Transpersonal before coming across your video. The spiritual element integrated with the other theories are a perfect balance for me so again, thank you for sharing your experiences and helping me find this new avenue :)
What a lovely message and thanks for writing it. I enjoy talking about the topics, but it’s messages like these that motivate me carry on with the channel, so thanks for sending, I really appreciate it. So pleased for you that you’ve found your path, it’s an amazing feeling, and excited for you in the future with setting up your own practice. Would be great to hear how it all goes, so feel free to let me know again if you ever feel like it. Thanks again, John-Paul
Thank you very much for your video. I was trying to make a career change from Medicine to Psychology. But was put off by the length of time to become a clinical psychologist and the shortage of training posts. Psychotherapy seems a much more comprisable alternative. Thank you for sharing your information and ideas.
You’re very welcome about the content, thanks for saying, I’m grateful. Re full-time courses, to my knowledge, accredited psychotherapy courses are 4 years part-time. There are, I think, counselling courses though that are more intensive and possibly over significantly shorter periods of time. I don’t know much about them though. Maybe if anyone reading this does, they can provide some more information in these comments?
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Thanks JP! Yes it makes sense most of part time - I have managed to find one full time / intensives that are based in London. How did you arrive at which modality you wanted to train in without prior/limited knowledge before committing?
Great, I'm glad to hear you've found a course that works for you. In terms of modality, I went for an integrative course, which is what seems to be around most now, so you get a range of approaches. One thing I've seen since qualifying is that you can go and learn about lots of other techniques and modalities too, so the type of therapist that you are will probably be developing all the time.
Hi John-Paul, thanks for this video. Very insightful. I became a counsellor naturally through being a carer for both of my parents for many years. Sadly I lost them both during the pandemic but am enrolling on to the cosca course in counselling here in Scotland shortly partly because I feel I have a lot to give others but also because of what I can learn for myself. I think as we get older we learn what is truly real and valuable in our lives and also who we really are as individuals.
Hi there, you’re welcome about the video and thanks for saying. So pleased for you that you’ve found that place of knowing what’s truly valuable for you and who you are, it makes a huge difference to life I think. I’m sorry to hear about your parents by the way, I imagine that really was difficult. I really wish you all the best with the course and do let me know how it all goes if you feel like it, John-Paul
Really helpful video as I'm considering this career change, thank you! I feel like my investigation skills can be transferred, to investigating people's minds and emotions to help them.
You’re really welcome and thanks for saying, I appreciate it. You’re an investigator? I think there’s definitely something very helpful with clients about being able to draw links, see patterns and think about the detail of people’s stories, yes.
@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Yes currently an investigator and trying to decide between training to become a therapist or a life coach. I have signed up to do the level 2 counselling course later this year, I think it will help me to decide 🙂 Do you know anyone that has re-trained from one to the other?
Sounds good, yes, do the courses and see how it all feels. I know people combine the two as well, so it’s possible to have a practice doing both coaching and therapy. I did actually recently speak to someone planning to change from being a detective sergeant to a therapist 😊
Hi John Paul, what is the quickest route to upgrade from a counsellor to a Psychotherapist? Can a master's in counselling and psychotherapy be done part-time concurrently with the Level 4 Diploma in therapeutic counselling (BACP)?
Hi Adam, that's a really good question, I'm just not sure of the answer unfortunately. I have a feeling that they may say it can't be concurrent, but I think the best thing to do would be to call UKCP and ask them. I always find them helpful and I think someone there would be able to give an answer. Their website is www.psychotherapy.org.uk and telephone number is 020 7014 9955. Also, if there's a training organisation you like the look for for your masters, I guess you can see what they say. Also, if anyone else reading this has any knowledge or experience in the area, please do comment. Thanks!
Hi John-Paul! I hope you are doing very well! I am also a History/Law student and although I have had huge passion for this degree initially, I am finding myself inclined to work in a career where I can make a tangible difference to someone's life via therapy and counselling, seeing as it has also made a huge difference to my own life and experience. It's great to see you put a video out like this and it is super encouraging for future therapists! I was wondering if I would be able to get into contact with you via social media or email to ask you a little bit more about your insight into this career, having already spent a considerable amount in a different career😄
Hi there, thanks for your message and your comments, really glad you find the videos helpful. Of course, yes, just send me an email via my website and we can arrange to have a chat about it all, John-Paul
Thanks for your feedback, kind of you, I really appreciate it. My clients are mostly privately funded, just a few insurance. Drawbacks with insurance companies are a lower hourly rate for me and some extra admin, but there are of course some benefits too
Hi John Paul, thank you for sharing your experience. I'm curious on how many hours did you have to dedicate per week (on average) to the foundation course in year 1 and then for the diploma? Would it be possible working at the same time you reckon? Interested also in knowing if the total esitmated budget for the 4 years is closer to £50k or £100k. Many thanks!
Hi there, great question in terms of time and financial commitment, thanks for asking it. From what I can remember, time in the foundation was one evening a week during ‘term times’ and maybe 4 weekends a year. There was an essay or two to write too, which would have taken some time with required reading. I guess the time spent on that depends on the person. You could have been in therapy too for an hour a week. Then time in the diploma, again an evening a week and six weekends a year. Also mandatory roughly hour a week (40 hours a year), plus a placement (from the third year I think) of 3 hours a week. On top of that of course essays and reading, with a dissertation in the fourth year too and a placement of maybe 30 hours in the final year in a psychiatric ward. Difficult to say exactly how much weekly commitment it is as some will reads loads and some (like me : )) not a huge amount. Re being able to do the above with a full time job, yes there were people managing big full time jobs with the course requirements. Re the financial commitment, unless I’m missing something, even £50k sounds like a lot in terms of spend. Fees are now around £5k a year maybe? So £20k for the four years, then there’s therapy (maybe £70? x 40 x 4 years), so 11,200. Then I guess travel to the training place, plus books, can’t be a huge amount more. To me, it seems £50k would be on the high side. Wondered where you got that figure from? Maybe fees significantly higher now?
Hi, such a comprehensive video, the whole series on this is amazing! I'm just wondering, if I were to open my own practice at my home in a garden office, would I need some sort of building permission for this?
Thanks so much for what you say about the videos, I really appreciate it. It’s this kind of feedback that makes me carry on 😊 A garden office is a great idea and works well. I think there are two aspects to planning permission here, the size of the office itself and also the use of it. In terms of the size of the office, I’d just check the requirements locally to you and make sure it’s within them if you don’t want to have to get planning permission. In terms of the use of the office, I know lots of therapists who work in home offices and haven’t had any problems in terms of needing to get planning permission for use as a business. I wonder though if there are lots of clients coming and going and people parking in a way that affects others, that someone might get into problems with the local authority, who might insist on planning permission for change of use. It’s probably worth therefore checking with your local authority, but, in terms of the answer, whatever the theory, I don’t actually know anyone who’s got or had to get planning permission for change of use to run a therapy business from home. Maybe if anyone else reading this has any information or ideas, it would be great if they could add them too. Hope that’s helpful and thanks again for your comments.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Amazing, thank you so much for all this info, exactly what I was trying to find out! I know you've got a few, but will you be making any more videos on setting up/running a private practice? I know a few people who'd be interested as well!
@@bunmum yes I’ve recorded videos on setting up a practice and growing it and a separate one on finding clients. I’d be really happy to record one on anything you might want to hear some more about though, just let me know what you’d be interested in and I’ll have a think about what I could say. Please do also share the videos with anyone else you think would find them helpful too, thanks again, John-Paul
Hi John! Thank you for your video. I am curious, as this is something that I am struggling with right now - how did you reconcile the fact that you will be taking a major pay cut by switching careers? Thank you!
Hi there, you’re welcome about the video and thanks for saying. Yes it was definitely a significant factor for me the pay cut, but I think I always trusted that it would turn out ok financially (which it did), I also prepared financially for the transition and started my private practice as soon as I could, so I established an income. Over time as well, because I love what I do so much now, money has just become a less important factor in my life generally…
@@anamikasudheesh7427 thanks for your message, I haven’t heard of a nurse psychotherapist role specifically in the UK. I’m sure there are probably nurses who are also psychotherapists. In terms of what’s possible as far as doing a psychotherapy diploma at a UK college, as I say, I think the best idea is to contact the college or organisation you want to study with and they’ll be able to let you know what their requirements are. I really wish you all the best with it.
Hi John, amazing video. I came here through the ukcp website. I have a quick question - I work in the UK part time (and might have more time) and was wondering if there are full time courses that are perhaps quicker in duration?
Hi Sahil, thanks for your message, I’m glad you found it helpful and thanks for saying. As far as I know, with courses accredited by UKCP, they need to be 4 years part-time. I think it’s probably because of the personal development that goes on over that period too. There will be quicker ways to qualify, but I don’t think they’ll be accredited, so it’s up to you how important that is I guess. I really do wish you all the best with it whatever you choose to do.
Thank you so much for the quick reply, John. I also looked at the ccpe website and unfortunately, they are full for this year. I love the idea of doing the integrative course as you suggested. Are there other organisations that you would suggest or do you think it doesn’t really matter in the bigger scheme of things i.e. it’s more individual driven?
Hi Sahil, I’m really sorry, I realise I didn’t reply to this. I was using a filter to check messages and it didn’t pick up those that were in a message chain, only new ones! As I say, apologies for not coming back before now. Re a choice of training, yes I’d probably go for integrative and accredited (usually UKCP or BACP) courses, choosing the one that feels right, is most convenient and is of most interest to you. I hear very little in terms of institutions being ‘better’ than others, or any kind of hierarchy like that.
Hi John-Paul! Thank you for this helpful video. I’m currently an accountant in the US looking into this career change as I will be moving to the UK. How does one go about qualifying for your school since it is not a masters and do they accept international students? Thanks!
Hi there, I’m glad you found the video helpful and thanks for saying, I appreciate it. When you say my school, do you mean CCPE where I studied? If so, it’s over 10 years since I’ve been there, but if you email them on info@ccpe.org.uk with your questions, they will come back to you. Just let me know if you have any other questions and, if not, I really wish you all the best with your journey into the career, JP
Hey, I will finish my Law degree soon. Can I do postgraduate degree to be clinical psychologist. I can not do a second undergraduate degree as Student Finance England does not fund a second degree.
Hi there, wish I could be more helpful, but I’m not sure unfortunately, I know about psychotherapy rather than the world of psychology. I would have thought there’s no reason why not though. There is something called the British Psychological Society and I wonder if you could give them a call and ask them? Really hope it all goes well for you and thanks for asking the question anyway.
Great video! Thank you for inspiring the next generation of counsellors. We offer part-time CPCAB (BACP-approved) courses from Levels 2-5. If anyone is watching this video and wants to become a counsellor, achieving your level 2-4 is enough to become a part of the BACP membership and become a fully qualified counsellor. This usually takes 3-4 years to be fully qualified if you want to achieve your qualifications while still working.
Hi, just to say, I’m happy to leave this comment here, but I want to be clear I have no connection with your course and can’t therefore comment on it in any way, John-Paul
Hi John Thank you very much for this. Could you please advise on what the starting Salary for a counsellor is? Also, how easy is it to find employment as a counsellor? Thank you so much.
As I’m in private practice, I don’t have too much knowledge of this, but a search I did says around £17,000 (around £20,000 in the NHS) and, with experience, up to around £60,000 a year, and up to £95,000 in the NHS in senior positions. Re employment, again, as I’m in private practice I don’t have any experience of the job market unfortunately. I don’t know of any ‘employed’ counsellors who are out of work though. I wonder if anyone else who has more experience of this and who is reading can comment? Sounds like you prefer the idea of being employed rather than setting up your own practice?
Hi John Thank you very much for your response. I would certainly like to have my own practice. What would the salary be for one in private practice or rather what is the pricing an hour for one in private practice? Also, I am in Australia, would a diploma be sufficient for me to start my own practice in the UK? Thank you John.
Hi there, I'm sorry I only just saw this response now! The system here doesn't notify me if I've had a reply to something I've already replied to. In terms of your question, the income from private practice will depend on how many clients you see and how much you can charge, or want to charge, in your area. It therefore really depends and income can therefore differ greatly between different practitioners. As far as starting your own practice in the UK, actually counsellor and psychotherapist are not protected titles in the UK, which means anyone can call themselves one and start a private practice unfortunately! I definitely think that will change soon though. Certainly a diploma with an accredited body would be sufficient though to start your own practice.
Hey John-Paul, do you know of any universities in the US with a good transpersonal psychology program? I've been looking but can only seem to find Online ones. Also would you recommend studying Transpersonal psychology? I'm certainly interested in that concentration, but i'm curious of your thoughts on the pros/cons of that vs something more conventional. Best, Alexander
Hi Alexander, thanks for your message. I wish I could answer your question about transpersonal programmes in the US, but I’m afraid I don’t know of any offhand, no, sorry. Is there an accrediting body for psychotherapists in the US? I guess they might have details if there are any? Great question about doing a transpersonal course. Obviously I haven’t done any other more ‘conventional’ course to compare, but the short answer would be that I did at times struggle with what seemed to me to be the kind of abstract nature of what we were learning. I had a tendency to be more practical and left brain I suppose. Having said that, I’m glad I did it because it did expand my horizons along the way. There is of course a long answer to your question, but there’s not really room for much more on these TH-cam replies unfortunately! John-Paul
Where did you do your diploma please? Was it post grad? I have a BA Hons in English Literature and a postgraduate certificate in Education, and work in education. I have just started a level 2 counselling course and am hooked. Plan to do level 5 diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling, accredited by BACP.( takes 5 years). I don't know where to do a post-grad in psychotherapy as you did, and how to be registered with UKCP. I would have to get post grad loan and want to make sure I spend on the right thing. Was thinking of an Msc Psychology ( conversion) but just so confused. Need to be UKCP registered to work with NHS if I wanted. Thank you for your helpful videos. 🙂
Hi there, I’m really glad to hear you’re finding the videos helpful and thanks for saying. I studied at a place called the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education in Little Venice in London. It was a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and, including a one year foundation course, it took 5 years part time. I hear what you say about doing the ‘right’ course considering the time and money. I don’t know the answer to your question off-hand unfortunately because I’ve always been in private practice so I’m not sure about the specific employability of otherwise of qualifications. I do remember recently reading on UKCP’s website I think that some of their members are psychotherapeutic counsellors. It may be that you could therefore get accredited with them by applying with them directly. Can I suggest you therefore give their enquiries line a call and see if you’d be able to get accredited with them too with the qualification you’re thinking of doing? I hope it all goes well for you and really wish you all the best with the journey : )
Hey I’m in the same situation as you. Studied BA English, followed by a PGCE in Primary education. Worked in schools for 3 years. Now considering transitioning into psychotherapy. I believe we would sill be eligible for a MA in psychotherapy and counselling? Some universities allow for 1/2 year courses as full time and/ or part time.
Hi Isilda, thanks for the question. I took a year’s career break from law because it didn’t really feel fulfilling for me and I did a foundation course in counselling and psychotherapy on that year off. Therapy/therapist felt much closer to who I am, so I made the change. It doesn’t feel like work to me, whereas law most of often did.
Am planning to do a video next on loneliness because of an article I just contributed to about that, but for the video after that, I shall talk about moving from law to mental health and why etc. Thanks for your comment, it's great to hear your views.
To become a psychologist in the Uk you need a phd. Is ok to do an undergraduate and then there's many postgraduates/masters that you can do , but to be considered a *psychologist* you do need a PhD.
Thank you so much for this video. I am currently looking at transitioning from Law to Counselling. I am thinking of doing a Masters in counseling psychology. Does this qualify me to practice as a therapist?
Thanks for your question and really exciting you’re looking to make the change. I think it would certainly qualify you to be a therapist in private practice as things stand. I’m not sure whether it allows you to be employed as a therapist, but only because I don’t know much about that sector. Perhaps someone else reading this can comment?
I am currently thinking about doing a conversion course in pshycology for one full year(MSc) but I also do not understand if it is enough for setting up your own practise or not...if you found the answer could you please let me know?
Hi there, as I qualified as a psychotherapist, I know less about the area of psychology. There is though the British Psychological Society, the BPS, who I'm sure could answer your question if you give them a call.
@@merry26752 so is it the age that you’re concerned about? Maybe thinking it’s too young? As it’ll take a few years to qualify anyway I don’t think being younger is a disadvantage. Do what makes you happy whatever age you are I’d say.
Why on Earth would you do this? You must have money, bc this career is poverty-level income, especially starting out, at least here in the US. I've worked in community mental health, so I know. And you're gonna throw away what you spent on law school? Yikes 🤦♀️
Hi, thanks for your question, I thought it was one I’d get asked much more often when I started out. I answer it as fully as I can in my video ‘Why I changed career from lawyer to therapist’ on here so you’re really welcome to take a look at that if you’d like. Generally re income, I’m a therapist in private practice in a comparably pretty wealthy area in the UK. I earn more than enough to enjoy my life and also have the time to able to make sure some of my life’s best experiences are good relationships, which wasn’t really possible for me personally as a City lawyer. I know that lots of therapists in the UK do earn relatively low amounts, see also my video on here about what therapists can earn in the UK where I talk about it. I’ve tried to get people to come on the channel for a couple of years now to talk about it all and present a balanced view, but no has agreed to come on unfortunately. If you know anyone that would like to come on to talk about their different experience in terms of income etc, that would be amazing. I’d also generally love to hear what the industry is like in the US. In any event, thanks again for your comments, John-Paul
I’m so glad I found your channel I have my interview this week for training to become a councillor/therapist I always thought about it but after an amazing counsellor who has helped me change my attitude & thinking over the past year just in general bought so much positivity to my life has strongly inspired me to want to become one. I have always felt naturally drawn to this career but not had the confidence or belief in myself to embark on it until now.
Your videos have been so helpful thank you 😊
I’m so glad you found the channel too and thanks for saying, what a lovely post, it was really touching. Really pleased for you at hopefully beginning your training, do let me know how it all goes if you feel like it. Also of course happy to record any videos about topics that might come up for you along the way 😊 Thanks again!
Hi sir, I’m also an engineer and I’m trying to switch careers to be a counselor because I want to make a positive impact in the world and not just work for someone else’s dream ,thank you for sharing your story.
Hi Youssef, you’re really welcome, I wish you all the best with your possible career change and hope it all goes well for you
Lol, that's very naive. Throwing away an engineering career for this would be foolish.
Really grateful for this content. Finally made the switch to this career, it feels right in a deep way, but it took me years to move through my fears and follow this path. I noticed when I started pursuing it, many things came into alignment, because I was more in alignment with myself. I met an amazing partner. My health improved. The day to day quality of my life revolutionized. Just a real peace, even though it’s the first step on a long journey.
So thank you for sharing out loud in a way others can relate with 💕
So glad you commented, thank you. Can totally relate to what you describe, sounds amazing and I’m really pleased for you. In terms of alignment, I’ve been writing my next video over the last few days about why I moved from law to mental health and the word that kept coming up is alignment! When I saw your message I was actually thinking about what alignment meant. Some real synchronicity happening 😊
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP I love this!! Aww this comment has made my day:) happy to be connected and sharing related life experiences even as strangers ❤️ sending you many blessings and wavelengths of love and good fortune:) you’re amazing!
Thank you, I’m really happy and grateful to be connected to you too and sending those blessings and wavelengths back your way as well 😊
I know this is an old comment but can you elaborate on some of the fears you had to overcome to pursue this path? Did it relate to financial commitments and dipping into savings, or fears of not making enough money etc. im asking because i am in a similar boat now and I am not sure how to move past it. Thank you!
Thank you this is very inspiring for me. I’m a law student who went into consulting so on certain level I can relate to what you said. I’m finally taking a course in counselling this year - it’s really never too late to change your career!
Thanks for saying and I really appreciate it. So glad to hear you’re taking a course in counselling and I really hope it goes well for you. If you ever want to ask any questions about my experience of it all, do just let me know.
Are u above 40?
Yes, am around 50
Hi! I just wanted to thank you for sharing this! I watched your video in September last year in the middle of a challenging time, wanting a change in career and I couldn't keep denying my desire for meaningful work. I'm now halfway through my Foundation year at CCPE and I truly love it, working to do the Diploma and set up my own practice.
I knew I wanted to become a therapist but hadn't heard of the Transpersonal before coming across your video. The spiritual element integrated with the other theories are a perfect balance for me so again, thank you for sharing your experiences and helping me find this new avenue :)
What a lovely message and thanks for writing it. I enjoy talking about the topics, but it’s messages like these that motivate me carry on with the channel, so thanks for sending, I really appreciate it.
So pleased for you that you’ve found your path, it’s an amazing feeling, and excited for you in the future with setting up your own practice. Would be great to hear how it all goes, so feel free to let me know again if you ever feel like it. Thanks again, John-Paul
Thank you very much for your video. I was trying to make a career change from Medicine to Psychology. But was put off by the length of time to become a clinical psychologist and the shortage of training posts. Psychotherapy seems a much more comprisable alternative. Thank you for sharing your information and ideas.
Thanks for saying, I really appreciate it. Wish you all the best with it.
Thanks for your content JP! Are there any full-time courses available in the UK/London rather than part-time?
You’re very welcome about the content, thanks for saying, I’m grateful. Re full-time courses, to my knowledge, accredited psychotherapy courses are 4 years part-time. There are, I think, counselling courses though that are more intensive and possibly over significantly shorter periods of time. I don’t know much about them though. Maybe if anyone reading this does, they can provide some more information in these comments?
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Thanks JP! Yes it makes sense most of part time - I have managed to find one full time / intensives that are based in London. How did you arrive at which modality you wanted to train in without prior/limited knowledge before committing?
Great, I'm glad to hear you've found a course that works for you. In terms of modality, I went for an integrative course, which is what seems to be around most now, so you get a range of approaches. One thing I've seen since qualifying is that you can go and learn about lots of other techniques and modalities too, so the type of therapist that you are will probably be developing all the time.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP appreciate it thank you!
Hi John-Paul, thanks for this video. Very insightful. I became a counsellor naturally through being a carer for both of my parents for many years. Sadly I lost them both during the pandemic but am enrolling on to the cosca course in counselling here in Scotland shortly partly because I feel I have a lot to give others but also because of what I can learn for myself. I think as we get older we learn what is truly real and valuable in our lives and also who we really are as individuals.
Hi there, you’re welcome about the video and thanks for saying. So pleased for you that you’ve found that place of knowing what’s truly valuable for you and who you are, it makes a huge difference to life I think. I’m sorry to hear about your parents by the way, I imagine that really was difficult.
I really wish you all the best with the course and do let me know how it all goes if you feel like it, John-Paul
Thank you for this video John-Paul. I have always wanted to go into psychology but I was worried about the time taken. This has been really useful.
Hi Erik, thanks for your message, I appreciate it and great to hear it was helpful. Really hope it goes well for you if you choose this route
Really helpful video as I'm considering this career change, thank you! I feel like my investigation skills can be transferred, to investigating people's minds and emotions to help them.
You’re really welcome and thanks for saying, I appreciate it. You’re an investigator? I think there’s definitely something very helpful with clients about being able to draw links, see patterns and think about the detail of people’s stories, yes.
@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Yes currently an investigator and trying to decide between training to become a therapist or a life coach. I have signed up to do the level 2 counselling course later this year, I think it will help me to decide 🙂
Do you know anyone that has re-trained from one to the other?
Sounds good, yes, do the courses and see how it all feels. I know people combine the two as well, so it’s possible to have a practice doing both coaching and therapy. I did actually recently speak to someone planning to change from being a detective sergeant to a therapist 😊
Hi John Paul, what is the quickest route to upgrade from a counsellor to a Psychotherapist? Can a master's in counselling and psychotherapy be done part-time concurrently with the Level 4 Diploma in therapeutic counselling (BACP)?
Hi Adam, that's a really good question, I'm just not sure of the answer unfortunately. I have a feeling that they may say it can't be concurrent, but I think the best thing to do would be to call UKCP and ask them. I always find them helpful and I think someone there would be able to give an answer. Their website is www.psychotherapy.org.uk and telephone number is 020 7014 9955. Also, if there's a training organisation you like the look for for your masters, I guess you can see what they say.
Also, if anyone else reading this has any knowledge or experience in the area, please do comment. Thanks!
Hi John-Paul! I hope you are doing very well! I am also a History/Law student and although I have had huge passion for this degree initially, I am finding myself inclined to work in a career where I can make a tangible difference to someone's life via therapy and counselling, seeing as it has also made a huge difference to my own life and experience. It's great to see you put a video out like this and it is super encouraging for future therapists! I was wondering if I would be able to get into contact with you via social media or email to ask you a little bit more about your insight into this career, having already spent a considerable amount in a different career😄
Hi there, thanks for your message and your comments, really glad you find the videos helpful. Of course, yes, just send me an email via my website and we can arrange to have a chat about it all, John-Paul
Great video and a bright personality. Are you paid by the health insurances or private by your clients?
Thanks for your feedback, kind of you, I really appreciate it. My clients are mostly privately funded, just a few insurance. Drawbacks with insurance companies are a lower hourly rate for me and some extra admin, but there are of course some benefits too
This was so helpful, thank you
You’re more than welcome, thanks for saying and if you do pursue the career change, I really wish you all the best with it.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP thanks 🙂
Hi John Paul, thank you for sharing your experience. I'm curious on how many hours did you have to dedicate per week (on average) to the foundation course in year 1 and then for the diploma? Would it be possible working at the same time you reckon? Interested also in knowing if the total esitmated budget for the 4 years is closer to £50k or £100k. Many thanks!
Hi there, great question in terms of time and financial commitment, thanks for asking it.
From what I can remember, time in the foundation was one evening a week during ‘term times’ and maybe 4 weekends a year. There was an essay or two to write too, which would have taken some time with required reading. I guess the time spent on that depends on the person. You could have been in therapy too for an hour a week.
Then time in the diploma, again an evening a week and six weekends a year. Also mandatory roughly hour a week (40 hours a year), plus a placement (from the third year I think) of 3 hours a week. On top of that of course essays and reading, with a dissertation in the fourth year too and a placement of maybe 30 hours in the final year in a psychiatric ward. Difficult to say exactly how much weekly commitment it is as some will reads loads and some (like me : )) not a huge amount.
Re being able to do the above with a full time job, yes there were people managing big full time jobs with the course requirements.
Re the financial commitment, unless I’m missing something, even £50k sounds like a lot in terms of spend. Fees are now around £5k a year maybe? So £20k for the four years, then there’s therapy (maybe £70? x 40 x 4 years), so 11,200. Then I guess travel to the training place, plus books, can’t be a huge amount more. To me, it seems £50k would be on the high side. Wondered where you got that figure from? Maybe fees significantly higher now?
Hi, such a comprehensive video, the whole series on this is amazing! I'm just wondering, if I were to open my own practice at my home in a garden office, would I need some sort of building permission for this?
Thanks so much for what you say about the videos, I really appreciate it. It’s this kind of feedback that makes me carry on 😊
A garden office is a great idea and works well. I think there are two aspects to planning permission here, the size of the office itself and also the use of it.
In terms of the size of the office, I’d just check the requirements locally to you and make sure it’s within them if you don’t want to have to get planning permission.
In terms of the use of the office, I know lots of therapists who work in home offices and haven’t had any problems in terms of needing to get planning permission for use as a business.
I wonder though if there are lots of clients coming and going and people parking in a way that affects others, that someone might get into problems with the local authority, who might insist on planning permission for change of use.
It’s probably worth therefore checking with your local authority, but, in terms of the answer, whatever the theory, I don’t actually know anyone who’s got or had to get planning permission for change of use to run a therapy business from home.
Maybe if anyone else reading this has any information or ideas, it would be great if they could add them too.
Hope that’s helpful and thanks again for your comments.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Amazing, thank you so much for all this info, exactly what I was trying to find out! I know you've got a few, but will you be making any more videos on setting up/running a private practice? I know a few people who'd be interested as well!
@@bunmum yes I’ve recorded videos on setting up a practice and growing it and a separate one on finding clients. I’d be really happy to record one on anything you might want to hear some more about though, just let me know what you’d be interested in and I’ll have a think about what I could say. Please do also share the videos with anyone else you think would find them helpful too, thanks again, John-Paul
Hi John! Thank you for your video. I am curious, as this is something that I am struggling with right now - how did you reconcile the fact that you will be taking a major pay cut by switching careers? Thank you!
Hi there, you’re welcome about the video and thanks for saying. Yes it was definitely a significant factor for me the pay cut, but I think I always trusted that it would turn out ok financially (which it did), I also prepared financially for the transition and started my private practice as soon as I could, so I established an income. Over time as well, because I love what I do so much now, money has just become a less important factor in my life generally…
@ thank you for your response!
@ you’re very welcome, hope all goes well
Thank you so much
You’re welcome and thanks for saying, I appreciate it
very helpful thank you
You’re really welcome and thanks for saying
Hi can we go for psychotherapy course after a diploma in nursing
Hi there, yes I would have thought so, but it’s best to check I think with the organisation you’re thinking of training at. Thanks for your question
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP so is possible? Is there any area called nurse psychotherapist I have heard about this area bt i am not sure about it
@@anamikasudheesh7427 thanks for your message, I haven’t heard of a nurse psychotherapist role specifically in the UK. I’m sure there are probably nurses who are also psychotherapists. In terms of what’s possible as far as doing a psychotherapy diploma at a UK college, as I say, I think the best idea is to contact the college or organisation you want to study with and they’ll be able to let you know what their requirements are. I really wish you all the best with it.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP tanku
Hi John, amazing video. I came here through the ukcp website. I have a quick question - I work in the UK part time (and might have more time) and was wondering if there are full time courses that are perhaps quicker in duration?
Hi Sahil, thanks for your message, I’m glad you found it helpful and thanks for saying. As far as I know, with courses accredited by UKCP, they need to be 4 years part-time. I think it’s probably because of the personal development that goes on over that period too. There will be quicker ways to qualify, but I don’t think they’ll be accredited, so it’s up to you how important that is I guess.
I really do wish you all the best with it whatever you choose to do.
Thank you so much for the quick reply, John. I also looked at the ccpe website and unfortunately, they are full for this year. I love the idea of doing the integrative course as you suggested. Are there other organisations that you would suggest or do you think it doesn’t really matter in the bigger scheme of things i.e. it’s more individual driven?
Hi Sahil, I’m really sorry, I realise I didn’t reply to this. I was using a filter to check messages and it didn’t pick up those that were in a message chain, only new ones! As I say, apologies for not coming back before now.
Re a choice of training, yes I’d probably go for integrative and accredited (usually UKCP or BACP) courses, choosing the one that feels right, is most convenient and is of most interest to you.
I hear very little in terms of institutions being ‘better’ than others, or any kind of hierarchy like that.
Hi John-Paul! Thank you for this helpful video. I’m currently an accountant in the US looking into this career change as I will be moving to the UK. How does one go about qualifying for your school since it is not a masters and do they accept international students?
Thanks!
Hi there, I’m glad you found the video helpful and thanks for saying, I appreciate it.
When you say my school, do you mean CCPE where I studied? If so, it’s over 10 years since I’ve been there, but if you email them on info@ccpe.org.uk with your questions, they will come back to you. Just let me know if you have any other questions and, if not, I really wish you all the best with your journey into the career, JP
Hey, I will finish my Law degree soon. Can I do postgraduate degree to be clinical psychologist. I can not do a second undergraduate degree as Student Finance England does not fund a second degree.
Hi there, wish I could be more helpful, but I’m not sure unfortunately, I know about psychotherapy rather than the world of psychology. I would have thought there’s no reason why not though. There is something called the British Psychological Society and I wonder if you could give them a call and ask them? Really hope it all goes well for you and thanks for asking the question anyway.
Thank you John, I'll contact them and also ask my current university. @@JohnPaulDaviesTTP
@@lanadana7117 sounds good, I hope it goes well
Great video! Thank you for inspiring the next generation of counsellors. We offer part-time CPCAB (BACP-approved) courses from Levels 2-5. If anyone is watching this video and wants to become a counsellor, achieving your level 2-4 is enough to become a part of the BACP membership and become a fully qualified counsellor. This usually takes 3-4 years to be fully qualified if you want to achieve your qualifications while still working.
Hi, just to say, I’m happy to leave this comment here, but I want to be clear I have no connection with your course and can’t therefore comment on it in any way, John-Paul
Hi, I am interested to know more about your courses. Could you please share your email address?
Hi John
Thank you very much for this.
Could you please advise on what the starting Salary for a counsellor is?
Also, how easy is it to find employment as a counsellor?
Thank you so much.
As I’m in private practice, I don’t have too much knowledge of this, but a search I did says around £17,000 (around £20,000 in the NHS) and, with experience, up to around £60,000 a year, and up to £95,000 in the NHS in senior positions.
Re employment, again, as I’m in private practice I don’t have any experience of the job market unfortunately. I don’t know of any ‘employed’ counsellors who are out of work though. I wonder if anyone else who has more experience of this and who is reading can comment?
Sounds like you prefer the idea of being employed rather than setting up your own practice?
Hi John
Thank you very much for your response. I would certainly like to have my own practice.
What would the salary be for one in private practice or rather what is the pricing an hour for one in private practice?
Also, I am in Australia, would a diploma be sufficient for me to start my own practice in the UK?
Thank you John.
Hi there, I'm sorry I only just saw this response now! The system here doesn't notify me if I've had a reply to something I've already replied to.
In terms of your question, the income from private practice will depend on how many clients you see and how much you can charge, or want to charge, in your area. It therefore really depends and income can therefore differ greatly between different practitioners.
As far as starting your own practice in the UK, actually counsellor and psychotherapist are not protected titles in the UK, which means anyone can call themselves one and start a private practice unfortunately! I definitely think that will change soon though. Certainly a diploma with an accredited body would be sufficient though to start your own practice.
Hey John-Paul, do you know of any universities in the US with a good transpersonal psychology program? I've been looking but can only seem to find Online ones. Also would you recommend studying Transpersonal psychology? I'm certainly interested in that concentration, but i'm curious of your thoughts on the pros/cons of that vs something more conventional. Best, Alexander
Hi Alexander, thanks for your message. I wish I could answer your question about transpersonal programmes in the US, but I’m afraid I don’t know of any offhand, no, sorry. Is there an accrediting body for psychotherapists in the US? I guess they might have details if there are any?
Great question about doing a transpersonal course. Obviously I haven’t done any other more ‘conventional’ course to compare, but the short answer would be that I did at times struggle with what seemed to me to be the kind of abstract nature of what we were learning. I had a tendency to be more practical and left brain I suppose. Having said that, I’m glad I did it because it did expand my horizons along the way. There is of course a long answer to your question, but there’s not really room for much more on these TH-cam replies unfortunately! John-Paul
Where did you do your diploma please? Was it post grad? I have a BA Hons in English Literature and a postgraduate certificate in Education, and work in education. I have just started a level 2 counselling course and am hooked. Plan to do level 5 diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling, accredited by BACP.( takes 5 years). I don't know where to do a post-grad in psychotherapy as you did, and how to be registered with UKCP. I would have to get post grad loan and want to make sure I spend on the right thing. Was thinking of an Msc Psychology ( conversion) but just so confused. Need to be UKCP registered to work with NHS if I wanted. Thank you for your helpful videos. 🙂
Hi there, I’m really glad to hear you’re finding the videos helpful and thanks for saying. I studied at a place called the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education in Little Venice in London. It was a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and, including a one year foundation course, it took 5 years part time.
I hear what you say about doing the ‘right’ course considering the time and money. I don’t know the answer to your question off-hand unfortunately because I’ve always been in private practice so I’m not sure about the specific employability of otherwise of qualifications. I do remember recently reading on UKCP’s website I think that some of their members are psychotherapeutic counsellors. It may be that you could therefore get accredited with them by applying with them directly. Can I suggest you therefore give their enquiries line a call and see if you’d be able to get accredited with them too with the qualification you’re thinking of doing?
I hope it all goes well for you and really wish you all the best with the journey : )
Hey I’m in the same situation as you.
Studied BA English, followed by a PGCE in Primary education. Worked in schools for 3 years. Now considering transitioning into psychotherapy.
I believe we would sill be eligible for a MA in psychotherapy and counselling? Some universities allow for 1/2 year courses as full time and/ or part time.
Thanks for your sharing. I am curious to know in what age you start to study counselling?
You’re welcome, I started when I was about 36
❤️
Can you do this course online or does it have to be on person with the placements?
Hi there, when you say ‘this course’, do you mean a psychotherapy course generally?
Why from law to mental health?
Hi Isilda, thanks for the question. I took a year’s career break from law because it didn’t really feel fulfilling for me and I did a foundation course in counselling and psychotherapy on that year off. Therapy/therapist felt much closer to who I am, so I made the change. It doesn’t feel like work to me, whereas law most of often did.
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP was going to ask the same, would love to see a video on this. !
Great idea to record a video on this, yes I shall definitely give it some thought about what I could say
@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP would loveee a video on this story sometime! I really resonate with that.
Am planning to do a video next on loneliness because of an article I just contributed to about that, but for the video after that, I shall talk about moving from law to mental health and why etc. Thanks for your comment, it's great to hear your views.
To become a psychologist in the Uk you need a phd. Is ok to do an undergraduate and then there's many postgraduates/masters that you can do , but to be considered a *psychologist* you do need a PhD.
Ah ok, thanks for clarifying, that’s helpful, I appreciate it
Thank you so much for this video. I am currently looking at transitioning from Law to Counselling. I am thinking of doing a Masters in counseling psychology. Does this qualify me to practice as a therapist?
Thanks for your question and really exciting you’re looking to make the change. I think it would certainly qualify you to be a therapist in private practice as things stand. I’m not sure whether it allows you to be employed as a therapist, but only because I don’t know much about that sector. Perhaps someone else reading this can comment?
I am currently thinking about doing a conversion course in pshycology for one full year(MSc) but I also do not understand if it is enough for setting up your own practise or not...if you found the answer could you please let me know?
Hi there, as I qualified as a psychotherapist, I know less about the area of psychology. There is though the British Psychological Society, the BPS, who I'm sure could answer your question if you give them a call.
Five years is a long time for a qualification that is not required by law >psychotherapist/counsellor not protected titles .
It is a long time yes, having done it though I think it’s definitely warranted for the role, I’m still learning even 10 years on
Is nursing to psychotherapist possible qt 24
Hi there, thanks for the question, I’m just not sure what you mean by is it possible?
Sorry but meant if I'm a bsc nursing graduate and what to switch careers to become a psychotherapist at 24 is that practical
@@merry26752 so is it the age that you’re concerned about? Maybe thinking it’s too young? As it’ll take a few years to qualify anyway I don’t think being younger is a disadvantage. Do what makes you happy whatever age you are I’d say.
Why on Earth would you do this? You must have money, bc this career is poverty-level income, especially starting out, at least here in the US. I've worked in community mental health, so I know. And you're gonna throw away what you spent on law school? Yikes 🤦♀️
Hi, thanks for your question, I thought it was one I’d get asked much more often when I started out. I answer it as fully as I can in my video ‘Why I changed career from lawyer to therapist’ on here so you’re really welcome to take a look at that if you’d like.
Generally re income, I’m a therapist in private practice in a comparably pretty wealthy area in the UK. I earn more than enough to enjoy my life and also have the time to able to make sure some of my life’s best experiences are good relationships, which wasn’t really possible for me personally as a City lawyer.
I know that lots of therapists in the UK do earn relatively low amounts, see also my video on here about what therapists can earn in the UK where I talk about it. I’ve tried to get people to come on the channel for a couple of years now to talk about it all and present a balanced view, but no has agreed to come on unfortunately.
If you know anyone that would like to come on to talk about their different experience in terms of income etc, that would be amazing. I’d also generally love to hear what the industry is like in the US. In any event, thanks again for your comments, John-Paul