Becoming a C.B.T. Therapist

theredletter

Hi guys,

I am doing a PhD in an unrelated field and have a huge interest in panic disorder and depression (which is fairly random!). I also have been drawn consistently to areas of care and working with people. I plan on completing my PhD and I will then be 25.

I have come to the point where I believe I'd love to become a C.B.T. Therapist having undergone a few treatments in the area myself. I also enjoy how goal-focused it is.

I was wondering what would be the best for me to do? I realize I'm a bit 'young' to become a psychotherapist, as such. I wondered if age ever is a problem? Also, would doing a PG Dip in Psych be my first step? And then continuing with further education?

I usually do very well academically, and I'd probably want the best of the best degree-wise.

Thanks,
R

hotspur

Whether you do a PG diploma in psychology (assuming you mean a 2 year conversion one which has same status as an undergraduate degree) kind of depends on whether you wish to become a psychologist who does psychotherapy or a psychotherapist is not a psychologist. Not that having a degree / PG diploma in psychology is incompatible with becoming a non-psychologist psychotherapist.

The psychologist route would be your diploma and then a 3 year full-time professional doctorate in either clinical or counselling psychology.

The psychotherapist route would be to do a 4 year part-time programme in psychotherapy. None in the Republic specialise in a purely CBT programme for adults for those without a mental health profession (which is to say that TCD's Masters in cognitive therapy is for existing professionals). UCD have a CBT Masters for children and adolescents which doesn't require a previous relevant qualification.

Generally programmes don't take people under 25 for psychotherapy training.

Career wise the 2 year psychology diploma and 3 year clinical or counselling doctorate would be more advantageous than becoming a psychotherapist. Especially if you are academic.