We spend our life counselling friends so why not make a career out of it?

Going to see your “shrink” used to be something only American sitcom characters did. Over the last few years though, it has become as acceptable to see a counsellor as it is to visit your GP. The pandemic has further cemented the fact that mental health is just as important as physical wellbeing.

Something else I have noticed is the increasing number of women I know who have decided to retrain as counsellors. A friend of mine has just qualified after studying part-time, to fit in with her day job and two kids. Not only has it given her new career opportunities but, because a big part of the training is about selfreflection, she has also learned a lot about herself in the process.

A number of high-profile names have chosen this path in recent years too. Back in 2019, news reader and television presenter Sian Williams told P.S. she had begun working towards a doctorate of counselling psychology. And this week former Corrie star Gaynor Faye opens up about her ambition to become a qualified counsellor. Gaynor, who returns to the stage this week in Edinburgh, tells us on pages 6&7: “I know people who really struggle with their mental health and it’s important for me to know what to do for my family and loved ones.”

I can see the appeal. Counselling is one of the few careers where age and experience is an undeniable advantage, and I do believe women are naturally blessed with the empathy needed to help others in this way. After all, most of us are used to listening to, and unpicking, our friends’ problems from a young age - so why not make a career out of it?