Book - How to Become a Counselling Psychologist, Elaine Kasket (2017)
Image from Routledge
How to become a counselling psychologist - Elaine Kasket (2017)
The book is part of the series ‘How to Become a Practitioner Psychologist’, aimed at people thinking of a career as a counselling psychologist. The book is suitable for school students up to those who have already started their doctorate training. From beginning to end, the book illustrates a clear pathway from thinking about studying psychology at undergraduate level, preparing for and getting through postgraduate training, and first steps as a newly qualified practitioner.
The book outlines the diversity of undergraduate courses on offer to study psychology with the importance of checking it’s a BPS accredited course to be able to progress further through postgraduate study. The explanation of what counselling psychology is reflects the variety of work that can be done on completion of training and the values that someone holds or is willing to develop if they wish to enter this profession. Kasket follows this by outlining the range of programmes on offer to train as a counselling psychologist including the BPS Qualification in Counselling Psychology [although this is undergoing some changes right now]. It is also the first I’ve seen discussion of the QCoP since it feels there isn’t a lot of attention given to this route. The coverage of the QCoP means that those who are unable to do a taught course, or who would prefer doing an independent route, are aware of an alternative to taught doctorate courses.
Kasket highlights the considerations needed when deciding on a course such as the content, structure and location, but also importantly the financial implications, and additional time needed. Counselling psychology courses are self-funded (in Scotland there are no loans available), and placements are usually unpaid. There is also mandatory personal therapy and supervision on top of course requirements to consider both financially and for time. This is on top of any personal commitments you have, and trainees are usually working to bring in income on top of the course requirements. The book gives prospective trainees a realistic account of the stresses, the demands and the personal sacrifices given when doing counselling psychology training, but also the positives of doing training and being committed to this is evident from the personal accounts. It’s good that the full picture is given to show a genuine portrayal of what training is like and if it’s something a person would be prepared for now or later.
Useful tips are given on things to do on top of the basic training and importantly keeping a record of these (CPD!). Becoming involved with the Division of Counselling Psychology and attending conferences can help professional and personal development especially if able to present a topic but also to network with others. Finally, perspectives from qualified counselling psychologists on the work they do now, and how they hope their careers progress showcases the variety of work that can be done in this profession and emphasises the relational way of working and creativity of use of approaches in counselling psychology. Throughout the book, personal accounts from trainees and qualified counselling psychologists in addition to Kasket’s personal experiences of her work adds richness and authenticity to the ‘trainee to qualified practitioner psychologist’ experience.
Recommended for:
Trainee and qualified counselling psychologists, psychology students considering next steps after undergraduate.
I read this book after starting training but think this would be helpful for someone considering doing counselling psychology training. As someone newly qualified, it has been nice to see similarities with my own experience. I’d fully recommend reading this book if you’re considering a career as a counselling psychologist, and if you have already started training it can help you reflect on your progress to date and feel inspired for what’s to come once you qualify.