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Life and Art from FT Weekend

Working It: why are so many people retraining as psychotherapists?

Jan 1, 2024
"Working It" explores the growing trend of people retraining as psychotherapists in the UK during the pandemic. Isabel Berwick speaks to Bethan Staton, FT writer, who delves into the motivations behind this phenomenon. Michael Skapinker, a former FT reporter turned counsellor, shares his insights and regrets for not pursuing it sooner. The podcast examines the changing attitudes towards therapy, access to counseling, and the challenges and appeal of being a psychotherapist.
14:55

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The growing interest in therapy as a career option is driven by the positive effects individuals have experienced from therapy and the reassessment of work-life balance during the pandemic.
  • Therapy offers individuals the opportunity to help others, build meaningful relationships, and explore deeper questions about life, while also providing the autonomy to be their own boss and dictate their work.

Deep dives

Increasing demand for therapy and mental health services

The podcast explores the shift in how people perceive mental health and therapy, with a significant increase in demand for therapy services in the UK. This demand has led to more people considering a career in therapy after experiencing positive effects from therapy themselves. The pandemic and the reassessment of work-life balance have also contributed to the growing interest in therapy as a fulfilling and meaningful career option.

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