The Process of Becoming a Counsellor
Navigating the Transformation
1st Edition
Published on 1. October 2025
Book
Hardback
172 pages
978-1-032-52248-7 (ISBN)
Description
This book aims to help the reader understand what is involved in becoming a counsellor, and what to expect of the experience of counsellor training.
Covering everything from interviewing for practitioner training, doing personal and professional development, to seeing your very first client, this book gives a thorough, step-by-step examination of the process of becoming a counsellor. It draws upon the authors' diverse experience of working within the counselling field, academic research and personal testimonies from a wide range of counselling students. Readers will gain valuable insight into the personal demands/responsibilities and the transformation that training and qualifying involves. Included throughout the book are pedagogical features such as reflection points, vignettes, case studies, and activities which will help prepare readers for the experiential process they will go through.
The Process of Becoming a Counsellor is an important resource for anyone planning to start or just beginning counselling training. It is a must-read for anyone contemplating a counselling qualification or who may be wondering if training to be a counsellor is the right pathway for them.
Covering everything from interviewing for practitioner training, doing personal and professional development, to seeing your very first client, this book gives a thorough, step-by-step examination of the process of becoming a counsellor. It draws upon the authors' diverse experience of working within the counselling field, academic research and personal testimonies from a wide range of counselling students. Readers will gain valuable insight into the personal demands/responsibilities and the transformation that training and qualifying involves. Included throughout the book are pedagogical features such as reflection points, vignettes, case studies, and activities which will help prepare readers for the experiential process they will go through.
The Process of Becoming a Counsellor is an important resource for anyone planning to start or just beginning counselling training. It is a must-read for anyone contemplating a counselling qualification or who may be wondering if training to be a counsellor is the right pathway for them.
Reviews / Votes
"This book is a must-read for anyone considering or currently in counselling training. Comprehensive and accessible, it offers a clear guide to selecting the right course, navigating the application process, and understanding key aspects of training such as supervision, personal therapy, and experiential groups. The book offers valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of self-awareness, the role of personal reflection, and the unconscious motivations for pursuing therapy. It thoughtfully addresses important topics such as diversity and the challenges of working in a rapidly changing global environment. This is an indispensable resource for aspiring therapists."-Clare Camm, Senior Lecturer in Integrative Psychotherapy, Metanoia Institute, BACP Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist, UK
"This is a must have book for potential counselling course trainees. Jayne and Tara have put together an excellent book exploring the personal impact and professional learning on counselling training courses. They have generously shared some of their own personal stories and new professional struggles when they completed counselling training. I highly recommend this book and I wish that I had a copy of it at the beginning of my training."
-John Bradley, Counsellor, Supervisor and Trainer in Private Practice (Hull and York) Former trainer at the Ellesmere Centre in Hull.
BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor and Supervisor, UK
"This book provides a comprehensive and yet highly accessible companion to those considering therapeutic training. This book captures the challenges and learning curves on the personal and professional journey undertaken by trainees from consideration of the range of different therapeutic approaches and selection of a programme of study to securing a practice placement. This book examines and highlights the developmental stages experienced by the trainee therapist and covers the wide range of questions and answers that any would-be therapist might need to consider before embarking on a programme of study. In conclusion, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone considering therapy training."
-Bo Bloomfield, relational therapist and EMDR practitioner working in schools, colleges and university as well as in private practice, College Counselling Placement Manager, MBACP (Senior Accredited) Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-I and CCTPII), UK
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate, Professional Practice & Development, and Professional Training
Illustrations
3 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 12 s/w Zeichnungen, 15 s/w Abbildungen, 9 s/w Tabellen
9 Tables, black and white; 12 Line drawings, black and white; 3 Halftones, black and white; 15 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
476 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-52248-7 (9781032522487)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€37.99
Available for download
E-Book
10/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€37.99
Available for download
Book
10/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€43.80
Shipment within 10-20 days
Persons
Tara Fox is a BACP accredited relational psychotherapist and clinical supervisor . She is a senior lecturer in integrative counselling and mental health at Leeds Beckett University. She has worked in education since 1999 delivering counselling training and personal development courses in community, FE and HE environments from introduction to Masters level.
Jayne Godward is a Person-Centered counsellor and supervisor who has been teaching counselling skills and counselling since 1993 and has taught on counselling practitioner courses in FE colleges and Universities since 2006. Jayne is the director of Yorkshire Counselling Training working with students on the introductory courses, CPCAB L3 Certificate, L4 Diploma and L6 Certificate in Supervision.
Jayne Godward is a Person-Centered counsellor and supervisor who has been teaching counselling skills and counselling since 1993 and has taught on counselling practitioner courses in FE colleges and Universities since 2006. Jayne is the director of Yorkshire Counselling Training working with students on the introductory courses, CPCAB L3 Certificate, L4 Diploma and L6 Certificate in Supervision.
Content
1. The Training Process 2. Motivations: Why counselling training and why now? 3. The Selection Process: To choose and be chosen 4. The Personal Challenges of Counsellor Training 5. The Joys and Challenges of Diversity 6. The Impact of training on self and others 7. What kind of counsellor do you want to be? 8. The importance of the experiential group 9. The Shift: Becoming a counsellor 10. Barriers to development 11. First Client Experience 12. The World in the Counselling room 13. Self Care: Boundaries not Bubble Bath! 14. Super Vision: Embracing the Opportunity 15. The Role of Personal Therapy in Becoming a Counsellor