Level 3 course in Counselling?

Question

I'm 19 and I recently applied for a course in Counselling at level 3 in order to go to university next year, but when I went for the college interview they told me that I had only had little life experience and that made me feel as though thgey couldn't put me on the course. But as they said they expected people to be older when taking the counselling course...I am just wondering if that is the case then why was I able to go onto the Introduction and the Level 2 Course. I really want to become a counsellor and I feel like I have been discriminated because of my age. Help...what do you think I should do?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I did level 1 and 2 and feel its needed rather than just hump to level 3 as there is so much your missing not doing the others 1st, its a very intense course, I don't think you've been discriminated on your age, just a very hard course, after I had done both levels I choose not to go on and do level 3

Answer 2

i think u should go 4 it

Answer 3

we have something in common.

i want to be a counselor when i grow up, but i am young so i have to wait.

i think it is a wonderful idea.

what you need to do is maybe go to your old middle school or something and ask the counselor if you can watch them at work. so you have more experience. also keep trying, God ( sorry if you don't believe in him ) will help you through over time. if this was the job you were suppose to have then he will help you. say a prayer ever night.

good luck, i will also prey for you. maybe by doing so i will get to be a counselor too. =)

Answer 4

Are you in the UK?

First when counselling you use the skills you have plus life experiences.  I have had a nervous breakdown, not severe but caused by other teachers at the school I worked at, teasing me cos I did not drink alcohol or smoke.

Point is this taught me a lot about life so I could use that experience to help others.  i did not say well this happened to me blah blah but to know of it.

I suggest you first of all get a job and study life for a year.  Shop work can teach you a lot about life.

Have a look at www.healers2006.co.uk for essy courses and where you can use the skills you have and be insured for it.

Then I think you will be able to go ahead after a year.

Have a think and if I can help you as a professional then do email me  

Answer 5

Hello,

(ANS) I REALLY really sympathize with your situation but I can also see why the course tutors might have said this too you. The problem you have is if you like a classic catch22 situation I think!!.

No.1 Please NOTE:- I sincerely believe you have VERY good motives & desires to help others and to become a good counselor.

No.2 The problem is that to become a counselor the MORE life experience & life knowledge the better. Why? because the older you become the greater the breadth & depth of emotional experience you gain. And have behind you the more deep knowledge you can draw on when working with others as a counselor.

No.3 My advise is carry on with some form of counseling. At 18years old I did many many years of Re-evalution co-counseling (i.e. Counseling based on the theory created by Harvey Jackins back in the 1970's). This gave me a solid foundation for the counseling & psychotherapy trainings I later undertook.

No.4 Please DON'T give up on your desire to become a councilor because its vital & important work. It helps heal people inside and definitely makes the world a better place in my opinion. I would be very sad if you let these people or course rejection put you off. Don't let that happen please.

**If in doubt find another course or counseling organization see BAC or BACP they run counseling & therapy trainings across the UK.

DON'T GIVE UP, PLEASE!!

Kindest regards to you from Ivan

(ex member of Energy Stream practitioners group of therapists).