Thinking of becoming a counsellor

**Posts:** 43 · by **joethfc** » Thu Dec 01, 2011 1:22 pm

...after finishing my degree (in Music Tech). I'm 22 at the moment and in the UK. I am studying a subject which is probably more of a passion than a sure fire career path. I want to be a music producer but I don't want to go through the route of being an engineer in a big studio, I'd rather start locally as a freelancer. Anyway, I expect I will do a job in the real world before any big plans come to fruition. I have seen counselling as a good alternative career as I am a good listener, most of my friends inadvertently treat me a bit like a counsellor. I'm better on a one to one level than I am with a big group.

So now I'm interested to know what things I should consider to do after I complete my course in 2013. Any kind of guidance would be greatly appreciated.

**Posts:** 9885 · by **Candid** » Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:51 pm

There are lots of counselling courses advertised so if you intend to work with it, make sure you do one that's officially recognised.

I started my training in the 80s and it would have been worthwhile even if I'd never worked with it. You learn the full gamut of people skills and they'll be of benefit for the rest of your life.

If you want a trial run, organisations such as Relate, the Samaritans and Victim Support use volunteers, first putting them through a short training course.

**Posts:** 14140 · by **jurplesman** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 4:02 am

From my experience most of the counselling courses available do not cover the biochemical/nutritional aspects of mood disorders and hence you may obtain qualifications according to teaching institutions, but be pretty hopeless in treating real people with mood disorders. If you intend to do a counselling course make sure you get a good grounding in the psychonutritional aspects of "mental illness", because successful counsellors in the future will use psychonutritional knowledge.

Counsellors without a background of nutritional biochemistry will become unemployable in the not-too-distant future. People with mental illness are becoming more educated about their illness! and will be looking for nutritional doctors.

**Posts:** 20 · by **datingexpert** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 11:41 am

Hello joethfc,

Have you considered and vetted the profession of becoming a Music Therapist?

With your musical background and passion, you might really support and help other people to connect with music, their truth, and their inner voice.

What do you think?

AprilBraswell
HypnoTalkToday

**Posts:** 100 · by **George Anderson** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 6:42 pm

A Masters Degree in Clinical Social will serve you well.

George Anderson

**Posts:** 14140 · by **jurplesman** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 5:52 am

George Anderson wrote:A Masters Degree in Clinical Social will serve you well.

George Anderson

But they generally lack knowledge in nutritional biochemistry which is essential if you want to help people with mood disorders.

**Posts:** 9885 · by **Candid** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:25 am

datingexpert wrote:Have you considered and vetted the profession of becoming a Music Therapist?

Brilliant, April!

**Posts:** 39 · by **Dreamlife** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:37 pm

What a statement to make Jurplesman![/b]

I completely disagree.."Counsellors without a background of nutritional biochemistry will become unemployable in the not-too-distant future"

"People with mental illness are becoming more educated about their illness! and will be looking for nutritional doctors.[/quote]True, but not absolute!

You seem to be confusing the role of a counsellor.As you know there are many types of therapy that can help people!

I agree with April, combine your passion with work..... look into music therapy,

Thinking of becoming a counsellor

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