I was at a pivotal point in my life and career when I enrolled on the Introduction to Counselling Concepts course, followed immediately by the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. As an adult learner, I had been nervous about going back into education after so many years away from it, but I did not need to worry, because the tutors made the learning experience comfortable for all of us, enabling the group to bond well. Where at school I had often been afraid to ask questions, now I began to hear my voice, getting involved in discussions and joining in with all the practical aspects of the course.
The tutors were really encouraging, giving guidance and detailed feedback, but helping us to become independent and reflective learners, which is so important if you decide to go on to train to become a counsellor. Wanting this to be my next step, I enrolled on the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. I loved the course, but it required a big time commitment. As well as attending the classes and completing the assignments, there was also a requirement to obtain placements within counselling organisations. This is necessary and valuable in order to gain the practice you need to become a counsellor, but it means that you have to be prepared to give up time to do it.
I have been qualified for approximately 18 months and continue to work as a volunteer at the organisations where I had placements. I do this because they give me very different experiences of working as a counsellor; one is with an NHS staff support and counselling service and the other with a charity. However, I believe my biggest achievement since finishing the Diploma is that I have established a new private counselling service and therapy centre in Burton upon Trent: “Room to…” (www.room-to.org.uk). It is based on the High Street in the town, which was intentional to raise awareness of and access to the helping professions. From here I run my own private practice, but I also offer rooms to hire by other professionals working in the fields of health, well-being and learning. It is a fledgling business, but other professionals are already using it and I am hoping that it will continue to grow.
