So you want to become a counselor or therapist in Nigeria and you don’t know how to go about it, or you don’t want to violate any legal procedure in the process? You are in the right place.
In this article, I have outlined the step-by-step process you need to take to become a practicing legal counselor or therapist in Nigeria.
Before we continue, let’s get things straightened…
Who is a Counselor or Therapist in Nigeria?
A counselor is a trained, objective professional with whom you can build a healing and trusting relationship. They are trained to offer different types of assistance; mostly talk-based styles of therapy.
Therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body).
Now, here’s the answer to the big question on your mind…
What professional qualifications do I need to become a counselor or therapist in Nigeria?
You do not need any professional qualifications to become a counselor in Nigeria. There is no law stating that you need any specific qualification to practice as a counselor or therapist in Nigeria.
Yes! You can just decide any day to call yourself a counselor or therapist and if you can get people to believe you, that’s it, you are a counselor already.
What is really needed is that you have the skills to match up to what you call yourself. But to get the skills and expertise to practice, and to position yourself as a person of repute, it is ideal that you get some form of organized training and certification.
There is a term for people who practice as counselors but aren’t trained or certified. They are called quasi-counselors. While no legal laws are stopping you, it is morally wrong to call yourself a counselor without training or certification.
To get the skills and certification to practice as a counselor or therapist in Nigeria, there are two routes you can take. The first is to get a degree in Guidance and counseling, psychology, or psychiatry from any higher institution; and the second is to take professional courses physically or online.
I have explained how to go about the two routes below:
How To Apply for A Counseling Degree in Nigeria
In some Nigerian universities, Guidance and Counseling is called Counselor Education or Educational Guidance and Counseling so you should check any of these names to know if the institution offers the course or not.
O’Level Requirements
Even if the prerequisites for studying guidance and counseling in Nigerian institutions vary, there are some standards that you must meet. Passing at least 5 WAEC subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, is one of the most important requirements for studying guidance and counseling.
JAMB Requirements
You must also enroll for the JAMB examination and pass any three subjects from the art or science departments. It is important to remember that English Language is the fourth subject and is a required course for the JAMB examination.
Most universities will admit you with 180 and above because guidance and counseling is not a competitive course. Only a few people apply for it.
Requirements for Direct Entry Candidates
To apply for Guidance and Counseling as a Direct Entry candidate, you require: ‘A’ level passes or NCE in two subjects plus UTME requirements.
How To Apply for A Psychology Degree in Nigeria
O’Level Requirements
5 ‘O’ Level Credits including English Language, Biology, and Mathematics and at least two other Social Science subjects from any of the following: Government, Economics, Geography, Civic Education, and Social Studies.
JAMB Requirements
UTME Subjects: English Language and at least two subjects from Government, Economics, Geography, and any other subject from Arts/Social Science/Science subject. Psychology is more competitive than guidance and counseling so the higher your JAMB score, the better your chance.
Requirements for Direct Entry Candidates
At least two ‘A’ Level passes to include not less than two Social Science subjects such as Economics, Geography, Sociology, Business Management, and Government in GCE/IJMBE or equivalent except NABTEB A-Level and NCE.
PS: If you want to take the psychiatry route to become a therapist, you need to apply for Medicine. Psychiatry is a branch of medicine. Being a psychiatrist gives you the added benefits of prescribing drugs while you give therapy. It is the combination of a doctor and a therapist.
How long does it take to become a counselor or therapist in Nigeria?
Typically it takes four years to become a certified counselor or therapist in Nigeria. This is if you choose to study guidance and counseling or psychology at the university. But it can take as long as 7 years if you choose the psychiatry route. It can also take as short as one month if you decide to take online courses and certifications.
Which association can I join to become a counselor or therapist in Nigeria?
The two major associations for counselors in Nigeria are the Counseling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and the Association of Professional Counselors in Nigeria (APROCON). They are supposed to be in charge of the registration, licensing, and regulation of counselors in Nigeria but they are not functional. While you can still visit their website and register, they have very skeletal structural activities.
Do I need any license to practice as a counselor or therapist in Nigeria?
No, you do not need any license to practice as a counselor or therapist in Nigeria. Although CASSON and APROCON are associations that give licenses to counselors, there is no law to sanction any person who practices as a counselor or therapist in Nigeria without a license.
How To Become A Counselor or Therapist in Nigeria Without A University Degree
Like I’ve said right from the beginning of this article, you can become a practicing counselor in Nigeria, one who will even be respected by graduates of counseling, without getting a university degree in counseling.
All you need is the necessary skills to actually help clients overcome their problems.
Truth be told, you can get these skills by reading books on counseling and therapy, watching YouTube videos, and listening to podcasts that teach about therapy.
But if you still want to get an organized form of training, which I advise you to do, there is only one institution in Nigeria I have found that offers counselor training and certification and that is the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria.
Institute of Counseling in Nigeria
They offer certification and diploma courses in a wide range of counseling fields including Sex Therapy, Family, Couple & Relationship Counseling, Child & Adolescent Counseling, Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling, Crisis Counseling, and several others.
They also give you a certification that is recognized by the Counseling Association of Nigeria (CASSON). If you want to experience a school environment where you interact with fellow students and lecturers, this is the option you should choose.
I have not witnessed any of their lectures but the fact that they have the backing of the professional body of counselors in Nigeria is a kind of assurance that you will get a great return for your investment.
Online Course for Counselors and Therapists in Nigeria
On the other hand, if you only care about getting the skills and being effective, the best option to choose is to go for an online course. Online courses are quick, cheaper, and more intensive in their teaching.
I have examined several online courses and I have found these three to be the best. They are focused on actually drilling you with the skills and not theories:
- Counseling Skills Certificate Course (Beginner to Advanced)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner Course
- Specialized Certificate Course in Psychological Counseling
In fact, even if you study guidance and counseling at the university or take any course from the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria, you should still take these courses to increase your effectiveness. Only a few of the subjects covered in these courses are taught at the university.
You will get certification after completing the course and the bigger news is that you can get all the courses for less than ₦20,000. The most expensive of the courses is ₦7,500.
Conclusion
There you have it! How to become a practicing counselor or therapist in Nigeria.
If you are passionate about helping people navigate their life challenges and live happy and satisfying lives, choosing to become a counselor or therapist is a great choice, especially in Nigeria where counseling is just gaining acceptance. You will become one of the early adopters.
No matter your age, economic status, or location, you can still start since you don’t necessarily have to go to the university to practice as a counselor in Nigeria.