The Challenges of Becoming a Counsellor and How to Overcome Them

Becoming a counsellor is a meaningful and life-changing career path. However, it’s also emotionally, academically, and practically demanding. Whether you're just starting your Level 3 course or deep into your clinical placement hours, you may find yourself wondering, "how hard is it to become a counsellor?"

The reality is it’s hard, but manageable. Many trainee counsellors encounter the same barriers, including balancing studies with everyday life, finding counselling placements, and struggling with counselling student self-doubt. The good news? These challenges of becoming a counsellor are shared, expected, and most importantly, possible to overcome.

This article looks at the most common counselling student struggles and offers practical, experience-based advice to help you build confidence and stay on track.

1. Balancing Your Counselling Course with Work and Life

One of the biggest concerns for trainees is how to juggle studies, paid work, family responsibilities, and personal life. Counselling courses are often part-time, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. Students are typically expected to commit to regular lessons, complete reading and assignments, attend personal therapy, and eventually undertake a placement.

It’s no wonder that balancing a counselling course and work can feel overwhelming.

Practical Strategies:

• Create a weekly routine that blocks out time for each commitment. Include buffer time to avoid spillover stress.

• Identify your peak energy times and schedule your most demanding study tasks then. Whether that’s early morning or late at night.

• Use micro-learning if your time is limited. Ten focused minutes of reading or journaling can be powerful.

• Communicate with your employer. Some workplaces are willing to offer flexibility if they understand your educational goals.

• Protect personal time. Burnout can arise if every moment is “productive.” Build in space for connection, fun, and rest.
  
  

Time management for counselling students isn't about being perfect — it’s about creating a rhythm that sustains you.

2. Why Finding a Counselling Placement Can Be Difficult

Undertaking a work placement is an integral element of your 3rd year of study. It is experience that will hold you in firm stead for future employment and of course enhances your CV .Almost all students eventually face the issue of how to find a counselling placement. These placements are a core part of your qualification, allowing you to apply theory to real-life sessions. However, they’re also one of the most competitive and emotionally taxing aspects of training.

Many ask, “why are counselling placements so hard to find?” There are a few reasons:

• Some geographical areas have limited services or high demand.

• Charities and organisations often require a minimum commitment (e.g., 12 months).

• Students may feel underprepared or unsure how to approach potential placement providers.
  

Practical Steps:

• Start your search early — ideally, 6–12 months before you need a placement.

• Tailor your applications: Show that you understand the organisation’s ethos and what you can offer.

• Follow up: A polite check-in email or phone call after applying can set you apart.

• Be flexible about settings: Schools, community organisations, and hospices all offer meaningful experience.

• Ask your tutors if they know of partner organisations or alumni who may help.
  

If counselling placements are hard to find, that doesn’t mean they’re impossible. Tenacity, professionalism, and openness go a long way. At Chrysalis, we work with a number of organisations that accept Chrysalis Students and we can guide you towards opportunities.

3. Coping with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

Many students secretly wonder, “What if I’m not good enough to be a counsellor?” This kind of self-doubt is especially common during role plays, skills assessments, and early placement sessions. You may compare yourself to classmates who seem more confident or eloquent and feel like an impostor.

Counselling student self-doubt is part of the learning curve. The very traits that make you question yourself, self-reflection, sensitivity, and humility are often what make a great therapist.

Ways to Build Confidence:

• Keep a reflective journal: Track your progress. Revisit earlier entries to see how far you’ve come.

• Normalise mistakes: Nobody gets it right all the time. Every error is a learning opportunity.

• Share openly with peers: When you admit your doubts, you give others permission to share theirs.

• Set small goals: Confidence builds incrementally. Focus on improving one skill or habit at a time.

• Remember the bigger picture: Your goal is not to be perfect but to be present, attuned, and ethical.
  
  

Overcoming imposter syndrome in counselling training is a process, not a switch. Be patient with yourself.

4. Managing Stress and Emotional Burnout

Counselling training isn’t just academically demanding — it’s emotionally intense. You’re not only studying mental health and relationship dynamics, you’re often reflecting on your own life experiences, family patterns, and personal wounds.

Students often find themselves asking: “is becoming a counsellor emotionally draining?” The answer is yes, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Emotional insight is a strength. However, it must be balanced with boundaries and care.

Signs of counselling course stress:

• Difficulty sleeping or switching off after sessions

• Crying more often or feeling emotionally flat

• Feeling disconnected from the course or clients

• Avoiding personal therapy or supervision

• Thinking of dropping out despite previous motivation
  
  

Ways to Protect Your Wellbeing:

• Schedule regular self-care: Not just when you’re burned out, but as prevention.

• Use supervision actively: Talk about your own emotional responses, not just client issues.

• Set emotional boundaries: Learn when to say “I need time” and practice detaching after intense work.

• Talk to your tutor or training organisation if stress is impacting your progress. They may be able to adapt deadlines or provide extra support.

• Revisit your ‘why’: Remind yourself of the reasons you chose this path and what you hope to give — and gain — from it.
  
  

Burnout is not a sign of failure. It’s a signal that you need support and that you're human.

5. Practical Advice to Stay on Track

Let’s round up with some actionable strategies for staying the course, especially during the most difficult moments of training.

Tips for Surviving Your Counselling Course:

• Connect regularly with fellow students. Peer support is vital, both emotionally and for accountability.

• Celebrate every milestone: Completing a module, passing an assessment, or simply getting through a tough week.

• Use all available resources: Online forums, counselling podcasts, recommended reading, tutor office hours, and CPD events.

• Practice self-compassion: Speak to yourself as you would a client, with patience, respect, and encouragement.

• Embrace the discomfort: Growth in this field often comes from the difficult moments. That’s what makes it transformational.
  
  

In Summary: You're Not Alone

There’s no denying that the challenges of becoming a counsellor are real. From the practical burden of finding counselling placements to the emotional toll of counselling course stress, it’s a tough but beautiful journey.

But here’s the truth: most of your peers feel the same way. You are not the only one doubting yourself, feeling overwhelmed, or questioning how hard it is to become a counsellor.

You can do this!

With community, encouragement, and support for trainee counsellors, you’ll not only finish your training, you’ll grow in ways that surprise you. If you're inspired to begin your journey, or you're looking for a training provider that truly understands the challenges of becoming a counsellor, we're here to help.

Download our free course prospectus to explore our counselling courses. Or get in touch with our team to ask questions, talk through your options, or find the right starting point for you.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s take the next step together!