How can I become a therapist ?

[polm]

I have been working in the field of Information Technology for almost 6 years. I am currently a high ranking Network Analyst for one of the largest cell phone companys in the United States.

I am interested in pursuing a career in therapy, or something similar. I want the opportunity to help people directly through one-on-one and group therapy.

I currently have only a Hight School diploma. I have a small savings account (approx. 20K) . I am my only means of support, but my bills stay around 2K a month.

How can I prepare for a career in therapy, given my financial and self-support situation ?

 

[TitanDiddly]

How can I become the rapist?

:Q

 

[MangoTBG]

What kind of therapy? Physical therapy?

 

[polm]

Originally posted by: MangoTBG
What kind of therapy? Physical therapy?

Social ? Psychological ?

I want to help people with their emotional, social, and overall psychological problems.

Issues like drug abuse/addiction are also of interest to me.

 

[bradruth]

Start by getting a B.A. in psychology or something closely related.

 

[melly]

Originally posted by: polm
I am currently a high ranking Network Analyst for one of the largest cell phone companys in the United States...I currently have only a High School diploma.

htf did you manage that?

 

[polm]

Originally posted by: melly

Originally posted by: polm
I am currently a high ranking Network Analyst for one of the largest cell phone companys in the United States...I currently have only a High School diploma.

htf did you manage that?

I think I just got really lucky.

 

[SackOfAllTrades]

My best advice: go ask a therapist.

 

[AbsolutZero]

If you've been thinking about this for a while, maybe look into some 2 year or 4 year college programs? If you haven't thought about this very long, perhaps (after talking with the group leader) you could try sitting in on some support group sessions: AA, mental health, abuse.

My younger sister had a career in design with her art degree then decided she wanted a career change to counseling after volunteering at rape counseling. She got accepted to a graduate program at Univ NH but burned out after a semester, pretty tough courses.

 

[polm]

Originally posted by: SackOfAllTrades
My best advice: go ask a therapist.

good advice

 

[melly]

Originally posted by: polm

Originally posted by: melly

Originally posted by: polm
I am currently a high ranking Network Analyst for one of the largest cell phone companys in the United States...I currently have only a High School diploma.

htf did you manage that?

I think I just got really lucky.

Depends on how in-depth you want to in terms of being a therapist. Some community colleges offer courses if you want to offer advice to those with addictions, or social worker certificates. If you want to be a real shrink, you're looking at an honours b.a. with further specialization, probably 7 years total.

 

[polm]

Originally posted by: melly

Originally posted by: polm

Originally posted by: melly

Originally posted by: polm
I am currently a high ranking Network Analyst for one of the largest cell phone companys in the United States...I currently have only a High School diploma.

htf did you manage that?

I think I just got really lucky.

Depends on how in-depth you want to in terms of being a therapist. Some community colleges offer courses if you want to offer advice to those with addictions, or social worker certificates. If you want to be a real shrink, you're looking at an honours b.a. with further specialization, probably 7 years total.

Right now, I think I am most interested in just "talking" with people about their problems. Whatever those problems may be.

 

[Looney]

At least 6 years of school, but more than likely 8. You'll need to get a BA in psych (4 yr honors), then either a masters or doctoral in clinical psychology (or whatever field you're interested in). BA in psych will take 4 years, masters about 2-3 yrs, or a phd in 5. A masters requires less clinical and research experience, but you need to be licensed for each state. A phd requires much more clinical and research experience, but you're accredited and it's good for all states.

 

[todpod]

Here's my 2 cents. Remember first your going to probably take a big pay cut. Consider working for a company like Cornell Companies (www.cornellcompanies.com). You can sart ther without a degree and they will help pay for your college up through a phd if you choose to stick around. Around Here they always seem to be hiring. You might be able to work part time and go to school full time. Cornell has places all over the country.

I don't know were your at, if you were in PA I could give you a list of places similar to Cornell. No matter where your at though there should be lots of similar places. BTW I work for the local Children and Youth Agency, that deals with abuse and such. We place kids many kids in places like these, for one reason or anothor.

If you have any other ? ask here or pm me. Good luck todd

 

[Taggart]

Originally posted by: PhasmatisNox

How can I become the rapist?

:Q

DAMN YOU TREBEK!