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There is a 10 month counseling training being offered in a city near by me. It one weekend a month (from 8am-6pm both days)with required twice a month sessions with peers in the group. The advantage of this training is that I will be certified to do peer counseling or coaching, but I will not have a degree or anything like that. It would be a training to put on my resume, but more of a "self-enrichment" type thing. The cost is oh about $5K.

My boss has done it twice and she has encouraged me to do it this time around as she will be a leader at the training. She is a LCSW already. She raves that its a life changing experience that I will never regret. Not only do you learn to counsel others, but you do a ton of "work" on yourself in the process.

I went to an intro session yesterday and it was pretty intense, but I did like it. A few people there that are typical San Franciscans -meaning very "out there" in my view, but I'm used to that and can handle it.

What I don't know if I can handle is 1) the time commitment, 2) handling work, teens and this all at the same time; 3) what if I pay all that money and don't like it? ; 4) what if I get half way through and say no no, that's it no more. 5) I feel a little pressure from my boss and even though she said "no pressure" its still underlying pressure.

I AM interested in it as I feel I have nothing to really "lose" and I could get more counseling that I have ever wanted in my life...but I'm kind of torn.

I need to decide by this Wed. to get a $250 discount.

I should say that I work as a case manager already and part of my reason for doing this is to be a better one and to hopefully advance in my career at my job or at another place if it ever came to that.

It sound like a terrific opportunity. I was faced with a similar decision in 2004 and went for it. Good luck!

thanks purple, how did you like it?

OMG I would jump on that if I were you! Go for it!!!

thanks Ama...its just such a huge expensive commitment, which makes it hard to decide.

Do you have to pay all at once? Is there financial aid available?

No, do not have to pay all at once, I can make monthly payments, and no financial aid avaialable. Also, once paid, there are no refunds.

Is it the kind Of tuition that will get you a tax break? I got a hefty return for my taxes this year because I was in school.

hmmmm that's a good question...its not an accredited school so i'm not sure.

Well I just signed up! Its done, I'm doing it. Course I need to see if my application will be accepted first.

I bet it will!!

Ask them if you'll get a 1098 for the tuition.

Good for you! Go Clicky GO!!

Click - can you ask your boss if there is an financial assistance or scholarships available for attending. Many of the Medical systems have these things. Not necessarily "tuition reimbursement" but "Career Enrichment" programs. Sinc your boss is urging you do it, she may be aware of other funds or assistance available.

I would absolutely do this. I too am a Care/Case Manager in an outpatient setting, and having some counseling skills is very beneficial. It's also good to have a good understanding of the things that you shouldn't even attempt to help with, and hand off to the real professionals in a particular field.

Good Luck!!

thanks all.

there are scholarships available, but I don't qualify. One of them is you need to be under age 25. Ha!

If only....

As for the training, its a pretty radical form of counseling training. If you are from San Francisco, you might understand. Us San Franciscans are pretty liberal and some might think "weird"... so its a form of training that really is about transforming your life so that you can be better at helping others. It can definitely be useful in my career, but from what my boss describes, its more life changing personally. Its kind of oooey gooey out philosophical, mushy gushy, love everyone and embrace humanity sort of stuff. Now that doesn't sound "bad", but its a little scary for me. I don't know that I'll totally embrace all its concepts, but as I said I'm willing to give it a shot. I've been on a search to connect more with others, and this will be a good opportunity to do just that times 10.

Not necessarily just scholarships through the program, but if this is related to your job in any way, see whether your HR department has funds available for continuing education or professional development of employees!

thank you Ama! I did ask and my employer will contribute $600 to the fee.

Cool!