Training to be a counsellor is about way more than discovering psychological theories and applying therapeutic skills – though these aspects are a critical part of your learning. It’s your own journey of personal development that is very much at the heart of the transformative process of becoming a qualified therapist.
Personal awareness
Most therapy training courses will include a combination of theory, skills and personal development. Theory can help to explain and illuminate why we are the way we are, and how our upbringing may affect behaviours in the here and now. Skills practice equips you with the ability to be an empathic, reflective and effective practitioner. And the focus on personal development can open up blind spots, enhance self-awareness, and support you to think, feel and act with more consciousness in your everyday life.
Relationships
In our experience of delivering counselling training courses, this self-development can have an impact on interpersonal relationships in two key ways. One is to become more compassionate in our communications. The other is to become less tolerant of other people’s… shall we say… nonsense.
Compassion
More compassion comes from learning to be authentic and empathic as a person, being a really good listener, and having a little more understanding of people’s drives and motivations. This compassion can manifest in being more patient and genuine in how we communicate with others, which may involve articulating how we really feel and what we really need. In turn, this can often free up those around us to become more honest and open with themselves, and with you.
Tolerance
Less tolerance, however, comes from learning to set and keep boundaries (psychological, emotional and practical) and from starting to recognise unhealthy patterns of behaviour in yourself and others. You may find yourself not wanting to be dragged into people’s dramas, to play the rescuer, or to collude with whatever story someone keeps telling themselves. While it may not be easy to distance yourself from a difficult interpersonal dynamic, the process of becoming a therapist may involve rethinking those relationships that no longer serve you – so you are freed up to live a life that’s more real and meaningful.
Thinking of taking the first step towards becoming a counsellor? Check out our one-year Foundation Certificate and two-year Diploma course in counselling. To chat to our team about options, email [email protected] or call 020 3051 8235.
