Disabled With Ptsd, But Want To Be A Counseling Psychologist

[Lionheart]

I have been disabled with PTSD for approximately 17 years. I am now 54 years old and still, I want to further my education, the twist is that I want to work towards a career in Counseling Psychology.

This is what I am interested in and where my heart lies. I want to use my time, money, energy, and life experience to help others heal. I have been in therapy since becoming disabled and I am doing really well.

While I still do have some issues to work on, I am always going to be a "wounded-healer" and I would like to continue as a certified psychologist.

I know that I will have to pursue both a Master's degree and a Doctorate if I want to do this and that there is a lot of time and energy involved in pursuing my educational goals.

I suppose I am looking for some support with my decision as I am about to fill out my application to return to college for a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

I am a little anxious as to the types of feedback I will receive, but I would like to know if you think I am being totally crazy or not.

It will not be possible for me to return to work until I have finished school, which is years away at this point, but I would like to do something positive with my time and energy.

 

[Ed Norton]

I don't think that it's a 'crazy' thing that you're doing. When I was on the faculty of a college. I met one student in his late 60s who was recovering from a stroke and he graduated with a 4.0

I'm 35 and I wish to pursue a degree in medicine, so I would say go for it!

That being said psychology is a very intense major and becoming a clinical psychologist is years of study, but don't let that deter you. Also, make use of the disability services at your college.

Best Regards and good luck,
NET

 

[Toranoko]

Crazy, no; difficult, yes. In the US it will take more than 10 years before you will graduate and be able to "work in the field", putting you at retirement age. You can do related work before hand; and overseas it's more like 4 years (I believe the first-professional degree in counselling psychology is a three year degree in most countries, but I could be mistaken) in many/most places.

That said, are you specific about Counseling Psychology? Or is it more of a "something in counselling" thing? For example, would you consider becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor? The Doctorate is not required required for that, though it is often obtained anyway. If you open it up a bit wider, you may find something you like that takes less time to train for.

If you are in California, there are all sorts of similar titles/licenses and schools that you can look for, though many of them won't transfer out of state. There are some amazing unaccredited, but state licensed, schools in CA.

Hope this helps,

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Find lots of financing. Student loans are a bitch. I was lucky to get mine discharged, but that's not an option for most.

Find a mastters and PhD in one program ie go from your ba directly to the PhD (which is extended of course). My undergraduate school had such a program. It saved time overall.

Will your state help you with the ug portion?

I get free tuition at all community colleges in my state. Just north of me, their program is a bit different but I've heard of people getting their ba and higher financed by the government.

I'm just glad I can get an awesome 2 year degree in a field that pays well.....for only a few thousand out of pocket for books and fees.

 

[Lionheart]

, ...would you consider becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor? The Doctorate is not required required for that, though it is often obtained anyway.

Yes I would definitely consider that. I am open to the many options available to me.

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Thank you everyone for the information and encouragement!!

 

[Suzetig]

I think it's a fine idea, I'm currently studying to become a therapist in the UK. The main thing is knowing yourself well enough to know when you need to back off, take a break, not see clients and being aware of your own "stuff" to make sure it doesn't adversely impact the therapeutic relationship. Wounded healers are very common but you need some level of healing yourself before you start helping others. Good luck on your journey.

 

[Born to Run]

Definitely go for it. Follow your heart, as that is the most important.

 

[Jane.l]

I'm training to be a therapist too, just at the start of the journey, so I figure I have three years to get 'well enough'.

I work with survivors now within an agency and find it very rewarding.

 

[mamachick]

You can do it. I was a licensed counselor, still am as I renew but have not been working. I worked prior to developing ptsd. I know that if I ever get better, I will be better than ever at my job. However, right now I dont manage stress well, my cup runeth over.

One thing I will say, if you are in the US, you do not need your doc unless you want to teach at university or you want to perform testing, such as MMPI and other personality tests. If you want to do therapy, you can get your masters in counseling or social work. Social work is actually better because it gives better jobs opportunities, some require SW license. My friend-classmate-collegue went on to get her doc, she does not get to do much therapy anymore. She spends more time testing and interpreting. The SWorker or Counselor refer client to her for further testing for accurate diagnosis. You may already know all of this, but just thought in the event you did not, I would share

 

[scout86]

I want to use my time, money, energy, and life experience to help others heal

I think that's a great goal and that your own experiences will give you special insight. Go for it!

 

[Seasounds]

I'm on your side. You have a wonderful goal, with deep interest and experience in the field! You will bring a depth and compassion to the psychology field. Congratulations:hug:

 

[Rumors]

Very cool! It gives me hope that maybe one day I can go back and do my dream job.. Until then, I will live vicariously. Best wishes. You will be great.