Absolutely go for it!!!!

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I think knowing what it is like to be the client will help you to be a better counselor.

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Very true! Like you said, a therapist who has been through stuff will be a much better therapist because the academic PLUS experiential is there. That is one reason I sought and received my grad degree in Mental Health Counseling and was told many times by clients that I was the first person who "understood" them.

And as another poster said, there are so many branches within the field that one can go in the area of psychology. For example, I worked with Hospice. There are myriads of opportunities for social work and has been mentioned, addictions. State agencies, specialized work with children, etc.

Please keep us updated how things are going!!