Jordan sat at his kitchen table, laptop open, and a hot cup of tea steaming beside them. He was on the cusp of making a major career change. After years in a high-stress corporate job, he felt a calling to something more meaningful and personal—counselling. But was it the right path? The latest news from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) might hold the answer.
As they read the report, a wave of reassurance washed over Jordan. According to BACP’s 2024 Public Perceptions Survey, nearly a third of UK adults had sought counselling in the past year, with an astounding 75% of those finding it helpful. This statistic alone was comforting. It indicated a strong demand for mental health services and a recognition of their value.
Jordan delved deeper into the survey results. A significant point was that three-quarters of respondents believed talking to a counsellor could lead to greater happiness. Even more compelling was that eight out of ten who had undergone therapy endorsed its benefits. This suggested that counselling was not just a temporary fix but a genuine tool for improving mental wellbeing.
Another aspect that struck Jordan was the reduced stigma around seeking help. Compared to five years ago, a growing number of people felt it was socially acceptable to discuss mental health and seek therapy. This shift in public perception was crucial.
It meant that as a counsellor, Jordan wouldn’t just be helping individuals but contributing to a broader societal change.
The diversity in reasons for seeking counselling—stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, grief—highlighted the breadth of issues counsellors addressed. Jordan felt a spark of excitement thinking about the various ways they could make a difference in people's lives. The idea of offering support during someone’s darkest times and guiding them towards a better mental space was profoundly appealing.
The rise of online therapy was another trend Jordan found interesting. The survey noted that over 13% of sessions were now conducted online, a significant increase from 1% in 2020. This shift offered flexibility in how counselling services could be provided and received, aligning perfectly with Jordan's vision of offering accessible and varied therapy options.
As Jordan continued to read, the harsh realities of the nation’s mental health became apparent. Economic concerns, debt, climate change, and political instability were significantly impacting people's mental health. More than half of the population felt their mental health was suffering due to these external pressures. This highlighted the urgent need for qualified counsellors who could provide support and strategies to cope with these widespread issues.
The words of BACP therapists Nicole Green and Simon Coombs resonated deeply. They spoke about the life-changing impact of counselling, the empowerment it brought, and the importance of feeling in control. Jordan could see themselves in this role, offering a safe space for clients to express themselves and find empowerment through their struggles.
Just as Jordan was about to close their laptop, an email notification caught their eye. It was from the NEW LOCAL COUNSELLING ACADEMY, in Billingham, announcing a brand-new Level 2 counselling course. Intrigued, Jordan clicked on it.
The course description was exactly what Jordan needed. It was designed for individuals beginning their training as professional counsellors, those seeking to apply counselling skills in other professional roles, and anyone aiming to enhance their personal and professional relationships. The flexibility of the course made it ideal for Jordan’s current situation.
The opportunities listed were particularly appealing. The qualification could lead to employment in various fields such as health and social care, teaching, advocacy, and support work. For those already employed, like Jordan, it offered the potential for career advancement and promotion by enhancing their skill set.
As Jordan scrolled further, another announcement caught their eye: “Learning to counsel is different here. Neurodivergent and Atypical Counselling! Are you neurodivergent and passionate about helping others? Our counselling training program is designed for you too.”
Jordan, who identified as neurodivergent, felt a surge of excitement. The course promised tailored techniques for unique cognitive styles, flexible learning for sensory-friendly and adaptable education, and a strengths-based approach to leverage individual abilities. This was more than just a course—it was a community and a support system that understood and valued their unique perspective.
By the time Jordan finished reading, their decision felt clearer than ever. The data, trends, and expert opinions from the BACP report painted a picture of a society increasingly recognising and valuing mental health support. The announcement of the Level 2 course, combined with the emphasis on neurodivergent-friendly training, was a serendipitous sign. The path to becoming a counsellor wasn’t just a viable career option; it was a necessary one, filled with opportunities to make a profound impact.
With a newfound determination, Jordan signed up for the course. He felt ready to embark on this journey, confident that counselling was not just the right career path but a calling that could help transform lives, including their own. Embracing their neurodivergence, Jordan felt empowered to support others and make a difference in a world increasingly open to mental health conversations.
Jordan finished by visiting the link provided in the email, [Jonaxton Psychotherapies](https://www.jonaxtonpsychotherapies.co.uk/about-1), eager to learn more about the courses available and to begin this transformative journey.
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