Counselling & Pyschotherapy Job Prospects

street

Hi, I'm hoping to begin studying for a degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy this year. Just wondering what the job prospects are like for counsellors/psychotherapists in Ireland at the moment, and what they might be when I'm qualified in a few years time? I'm really interested in becoming a psychotherapist but am wondering if it'll be worth the investment..

kimberworth

There are very few full time jobs in the public or private sector.
At present the HSE require counsellors/psychotherapists to have a primary qualification in Nursing, Social work or Psychology.

street

kimberworth wrote: »

There are very few full time jobs in the public or private sector.

: (

kimberworth wrote: »

At present the HSE require counsellors/psychotherapists to have a primary qualification in Nursing, Social work or Psychology.

Really? So a degree in counselling & psychotherapy isn't enough to get a job as a counsellor/pychotherapist with the HSE?

Odysseus

kimberworth wrote: »

There are very few full time jobs in the public or private sector.
At present the HSE require counsellors/psychotherapists to have a primary qualification in Nursing, Social work or Psychology.

No they do not, may be some services may require that, but I work for the HSE and look at some adverts for counsellors in the HSE last week which did not require that. They required qualified therapists, and that was the same qualification for my clinical position.

However, apart from the averts I looked at last week, iot has been quite a while since the HSE has had any positions open.

kimberworth

Thanks Odesseus,that's very interesting. My recent correspondence with the HSE is different ... In 2012 they advertised counselling & psychotherapy posts with the National Counselliing service, which stated that primary qualifications in nursing, social work or psychology were required. I queried this on behalf of a colleague and I was informed that this is a HSE stipluation and one that will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

kimberworth

I hope my posts haven't caused any confusion!! just in case here's a link to the job specification for a recently advertised post with the National Counselling Agency ...

http://iahip.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Job-Specification-Counsellor-Therapist-NRS0690-_1_.pdf

Under qualifications it states the requirement for primary qualification and the additional training in counselling/psychotherapy.

'Street' don't be put off by this, I'm a firm believer that doors will open up for you it you want something badly enough. Go for it!

JuliusCaesar

street wrote: »

Hi, I'm hoping to begin studying for a degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy this year. Just wondering what the job prospects are like for counsellors/psychotherapists in Ireland at the moment, and what they might be when I'm qualified in a few years time? I'm really interested in becoming a psychotherapist but am wondering if it'll be worth the investment..

There was a thread on this a couple of months ago - do a search - which stated that the field is well oversupplied, and so not many graduates are able to make a living at it.

Odysseus

kimberworth wrote: »

Thanks Odesseus,that's very interesting. My recent correspondence with the HSE is different ... In 2012 they advertised counselling & psychotherapy posts with the National Counselliing service, which stated that primary qualifications in nursing, social work or psychology were required. I queried this on behalf of a colleague and I was informed that this is a HSE stipluation and one that will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Cheers, no it is not one that applies to all psychotherapeutic positions, I'm in the HSE since 96 my current position since 2002. It depends on the actual service involved the my add stipluations like that, but they do not apply throughout the HSE. Say for example I work in the Addiction Services, there is no such rule there.

I have seen it in some positions over the years, but I have additionally seen a lot where this did not apply.

street

Odysseus wrote: »

No they do not, may be some services may require that, but I work for the HSE and look at some adverts for counsellors in the HSE last week which did not require that. They required qualified therapists, and that was the same qualification for my clinical position.

Thanks for clearing that up Odysseus. I actually contacted the HSE's HR department yesterday to see what they require, but no word back from them yet.

Odysseus wrote: »

However, apart from the averts I looked at last week, iot has been quite a while since the HSE has had any positions open.

I heard today that they're planning 4,000 voluntary layoffs..

street

kimberworth wrote: »

I'm a firm believer that doors will open up for you it you want something badly enough. Go for it!

I believe that too : )

riskybusiness

Where are you thinking of doing it? there are plenty of jobs in the sector, alot of people open up private practice now. That is if you have the space.

street

riskybusiness wrote: »

Where are you thinking of doing it?

PCI College.

riskybusiness wrote: »

there are plenty of jobs in the sector, alot of people open up private practice now. That is if you have the space.

Are you talking about the public and private sector or just the private sector?

I read that a lot of counsellors/psychotherapists have a portfolio career where they combine part-time, voluntary and private work. Interesting.