Becoming a therapist UK: Guidance on career change from lawyer to psychotherapist/counsellor

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3 жыл бұрын

Becoming a therapist/counsellor later in life: tips and guidance about making a change of career to counsellor/psychotherapist. It would also be great if you could give the video a like if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe for more videos just like this: kzfaq.info... and please see my website for further information at: www.thistrustedplace.co.uk?sub_confirmation=1i
As mentioned in the video, link to the Guardian article about the various different routes in: www.theguardian.com/careers/2...
I now also work with people on a one-to-one coaching basis who want to make this career change, as well as therapists/student therapists looking to set up and then develop their private therapy practice. I've recorded videos about the latter here: www.thistrustedplace.co.uk/th...
On my website, you can also find my self-help book and online personal development course ‘Life Unlimited’. Book reviews include:
“This book is superb, full of tools and techniques… on the back of reading this, I booked some therapy time with the author and I can honestly say the time and money I invested in the process was literally life changing... I cannot recommend working with John-Paul, and this book, more highly."
Thanks, John-Paul

Пікірлер: 70

@user-nj3nz8ut4i 7 ай бұрын

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.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 7 ай бұрын

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

@our.secret1130 Жыл бұрын

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.

@our.secret1130 Жыл бұрын

So thank you for sharing out loud in a way others can relate with 💕

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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 😊

@our.secret1130 Жыл бұрын

@@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!

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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 😊

@erikchapman7167 7 ай бұрын

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.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 7 ай бұрын

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

@creative45630 2 жыл бұрын

This was so helpful, thank you

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@creative45630 2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP thanks 🙂

@user-ih4vv1qj9j 4 ай бұрын

very helpful thank you

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 4 ай бұрын

You’re really welcome and thanks for saying

@DuncanEduardo Жыл бұрын

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.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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

@shiwalikrose 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for saying, I really appreciate it. Wish you all the best with it.

@melbournedreamer8634 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome and thanks for saying, I appreciate it

@riceball1232 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@user-yk5xu8gr1e Жыл бұрын

Are u above 40?

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

Yes, am around 50

@AKMarch01 Жыл бұрын

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😄

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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

@astranti_connect 11 ай бұрын

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.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 11 ай бұрын

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

@sahilisrock 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@sahilisrock 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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.

@norma9656 8 ай бұрын

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!

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 8 ай бұрын

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

@ImFahimAhmed 8 ай бұрын

Hi John-Paul! Thank you so much for your work. I'm a Psychology graduate and I really want to go down the path of becoming a psychotherapist. I feel like it is aligned to my personality and my dreams. I'm just so stuck between going down the diploma route or doing a masters. I simply can't afford the masters since you have to fund a large part of it yourself since it is 3 years long (part time) and you only get a loan for 1 year. The diploma is more affordable and you can get an advanced learner loan. I'm just worried that if I go down the Level 2, 3, 4, 5 diploma route, will I fall short to those that have done a masters degree in integrative counselling and psychotherapy? I also feel like I worked so hard during my Psychology undergraduate degree, should I not move to Level 7 rather than go back to Level 2 and make my way from there? Thank you for your time and understanding.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 8 ай бұрын

Hi Fahim, thanks for your message and for saying thanks, I appreciate it, glad you’ve found some things helpful. As far as the Diploma or Masters, I can’t really comment on the different levels, because I don’t have any knowledge of them. I just completed a diploma in counselling and psychotherapy, not sure what level that would be… I can say though that, certainly in private practice, I’ve never heard anyone differentiate or be taken more or less seriously on the basis of whether they’ve completed a masters or not. That may of course change in the future as more emphasis is put on qualifications and education, but, as I say, it’s not something I’ve heard around private practitioners till now. As long as they are accredited courses, I think I would do whatever works best for you, John-Paul

@asatimo3770 7 ай бұрын

Hi! I am stuck between doing the diploma route or doing masters too. I do not comletely understand if a conversion course for one full year (MSc) can replace a 3 years diploma.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 6 ай бұрын

@@asatimo3770 hi there, my apologies, I’ve only just seen this, I don’t get notified about replies on replies. In terms of your question, I don’t know much about other qualifications and would suggest the best thing would be to call either BACP or UKCP who would hopefully be able to provide an answer to your specific question. Thanks for taking the time to comment generally though and I hope it goes well for you

@RockDove5212 Жыл бұрын

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. 🙂

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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 : )

@majidhussain1166 Жыл бұрын

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.

@Petuacapturesit Жыл бұрын

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.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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?

@Petuacapturesit Жыл бұрын

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.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 8 ай бұрын

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.

@alexanderterezakis4916 Жыл бұрын

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

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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 KZfaq replies unfortunately! John-Paul

@melbournedreamer8634 Жыл бұрын

Can you do this course online or does it have to be on person with the placements?

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

Hi there, when you say ‘this course’, do you mean a psychotherapy course generally?

@onomeerikewe2826 Жыл бұрын

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?

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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?

@asatimo3770 7 ай бұрын

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?

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 6 ай бұрын

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.

@lanadana7117 4 ай бұрын

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.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 4 ай бұрын

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.

@lanadana7117 3 ай бұрын

Thank you John, I'll contact them and also ask my current university. @@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 3 ай бұрын

@@lanadana7117 sounds good, I hope it goes well

@anamikasudheesh7427 3 күн бұрын

Hi can we go for psychotherapy course after a diploma in nursing

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 3 күн бұрын

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

@anamikasudheesh7427 3 күн бұрын

@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP so is possible? Is there any area called nurse psychotherapist I have heard about this area bt i am not sure about it

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 3 күн бұрын

@@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.

@nightraven333 2 жыл бұрын

Why from law to mental health?

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@our.secret1130 Жыл бұрын

@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP was going to ask the same, would love to see a video on this. !

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

Great idea to record a video on this, yes I shall definitely give it some thought about what I could say

@annaewickham Жыл бұрын

@@JohnPaulDaviesTTP would loveee a video on this story sometime! I really resonate with that.

@JohnPaulDaviesTTP Жыл бұрын

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.