My CoO is Singapore.

I'm 41, I have an AA in psychology and work experience in multiple fields. In addition, I have self studied psych for more than 2 decades, and the last few therapists I've worked with have agreed I am beyond the MA level. I didn't go to college because I had terrible mental illness for most of my life.

When I did make it back to school a few years ago, I realized that I already knew most of the content being taught and I felt it was largely a waste of time and money.

I genuinely enjoy psychology and counseling and have provided free "therapy" for friends and people for a long time, with the caveat that I am not licensed, see your own therapist etc. It's gone over well each time (lost count of the number of times, but more than 50 for sure)

However, I can't practice because of these things called laws...which sometimes are a little irritating as I've met many bad therapists (I've seen over 30) people who have no psych training whatsoever are are great at healing, and people like me who have skills and experience but no papers.

A life coach I worked with suggested I could do life coaching or something similar which don't have strict educational requirements. Hence why I wrote this post - could I do counselling or some other form of practice?

If I absolutely have to get the degree I'll probably do the cheapest online course I can find as cost is a factor. I've been able to get scholarships at every school I attended, not sure if they work online.

tldr; have skills no paper, how to psych