Why are so many people retraining as psychotherapists?
Sep 26, 2023
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Why so many people are retraining as psychotherapists? FT journalist Bethan Staton explores the reasons, including fulfillment and flexibility. Michael Skapinker shares his experience as a former FT reporter who became a counselor, regretting not considering it sooner. They discuss the value of counseling training, the challenges and joys of being a psychotherapist, and the booming demand for therapists.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in demand for therapy and mental health services, with many individuals retraining as psychotherapists due to positive experiences in therapy and the desire to make a meaningful career change.
Transitioning into a therapy career provides individuals with the opportunity to help others directly, explore life's big questions, and have greater flexibility in their work, attracting people from diverse backgrounds and age groups.
Deep dives
Increased demand for therapy and mental health services
The podcast explores the significant shift in how mental health and therapy are perceived, leading to a rise in demand for therapy and mental health services. The UK has witnessed a notable increase in uptake during lockdowns, with charity services and private therapy becoming more accessible. The increased demand is driven by people who have had positive experiences in therapy themselves and now see it as a potential career. This trend is not limited to the UK; the US and Europe are also experiencing a surge in demand for mental health services.
Career change towards therapy for more meaning and flexibility
The podcast discusses the growing trend of individuals transitioning into therapy careers to find more meaning and fulfillment. Many people from diverse backgrounds and jobs have realized that their current careers do not provide the sense of fulfillment they desire. Therapy offers the opportunity to help others directly and make meaningful connections. Additionally, therapy allows individuals to explore life's big questions, while also offering the flexibility of being their own boss. People of various age groups are making this career change, seeking more flexibility, or considering their options for work in their later years.
Workplace as a grand theatre for drama and self-reflection
The podcast highlights the workplace as a stage for great drama, conflict, cooperation, and personal growth. Work occupies a significant portion of our lives, making it crucial to examine what truly happens in the workplace. The transition to therapy careers has brought about a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of workplace dynamics. As a therapist, Michael Scapinka discovered the importance of listening to the feelings behind words and understanding the personal backgrounds that individuals bring to work. This realization has led him to reflect on the significance of the workplace and the need for greater understanding of its complexities.
Since the start of the pandemic, tens of thousands of people in the UK have retrained as psychotherapists or counsellors. What is it about the field that has attracted so many, and what does this phenomenon tell us about work? Host Isabel Berwick speaks to the FT’s Bethan Staton, who wrote a brilliant piece on this topic, to find out more. Later, she speaks to Michael Skapinker, who worked as an FT reporter, senior editor and award-winning columnist before training as a counsellor. Michael tells us what his new line of work has taught him and why he wishes he’d thought about it sooner.
Got a workplace dilemma you’d like Isabel and Jonathan to help you with? Submit it here: https://telbee.io/channel/ygf7_gly04xgtckcb0g56a/
Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.