Too Late to Go Back to School or Not

How I Became a Psychotherapist

My undergraduate university degree was in Business Administration. I started out working as a computer programmer/analyst. Over the years, I held various positions such as IT Manager, Lecturer, Trainer, Project Manager, Consultant… Fast forward to 2017, I have worked in the Information Technology space for 35 years.

When I was around 40 years old, my marriage hit a low point. The marital conflicts caused me many sleepless nights. With our four lovely children in mind, I was motivated to fix my marriage. On the other hand, I still love my husband.

I tried many ways to resolve our relationship issues without success, seeking outside help was the last option. My husband refused to go to couple’s counselling, so I went alone. I also decided to take counselling courses at night. My hope was to become my own counsellor one day to overcome the insurmountable obstacles in my marriage.

One course after another, four years passed. In 2004, I graduated with a Masters Degree in Christian Counselling. The courses were interesting and the professors were insightful. They opened my eyes to appreciate the uniqueness of each human being and that individual differences are there to enrich our relationships rather than to stir up conflicts.

Though keeping my full-time profession as IT Project Manager, I continued to pursue part-time studies that I enjoyed the most. I had earned a few more certificates in Addictions, Marriage Counselling, Personality Theories, Communication, and Writing.

In 2007, I decided to utilize my skills and knowledge in counselling to help other people struggling with life issues. Hence the birth of Fullness of Life Counselling.

In 2013, I published a book: Reimagine Your Retirement: How to Live life to its Fullest and Leave a Lasting Legacy.

In 2015, I became a Registered Psychotherapist under the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, Canada (CRPO).

2017 marks the 10th year anniversary of my part-time counselling private practice.

Every day, Philip and I are continually blessed by our four grown children, son-in-law, and two irresistible grandchildren. Counselling has been helpful in all aspects of my life.

Are you an older adult student studying something different than your main profession? I’d like to hear about your journey. Post your comments below.