My journey towards becoming a counselling practitioner

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The decision to become a qualified counselling practitioner was largely propelled by my experiences of therapeutic relationships facilitating tremendous psychological growth. Even before the many hours of mandatory personal therapy required to complete my training, I had been the grateful recipient of therapeutic care from counselling practitioners for many years. These experiences left an indelible impression about the unsurpassed potential the counselling relationship possesses in empowering people to achieve crucial insight about themselves and reanimate constructive forward-moving tendencies at the heart of every one of us. 

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My experience of counselling is one of liberation. After many sessions of exploration with my therapist, it became apparent how entangled I had been in conflicts derived from the many expectations internalised from my environment. I realised that my self-picture comprised values that were inculcated into me as a child, and my self-worth was contingent on abiding by these values. Indeed, to be acceptable in my own eyes and the eyes of others, I needed to live up to many familial and cultural standards. Without my knowledge, I had relinquished my own ability to discern who I was or what I felt was right or wrong. The counselling relationship provided me with space to slowly disentangle my own thoughts, feelings, and attitudes from what I had introjected from my environment.   

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Through my previous experience with counselling and my role as a professional counselling practitioner, I appreciate the therapeutic relationship as a powerful force for emotional growth. As mentioned, the therapeutic relationship's power is something I can confidently attest to both personally and professionally. I'm continually amazed by how the relational ingredients that underpin the counselling dynamic stimulate psychological movement. When someone understands us and unqualifiedly accepts the essence of our personhood, tremendous growth can be achieved. I have worked with clients with a range of issues and from various backgrounds, reinforcing my passionate belief in the process.

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During my training, I gained considerable experience working as a trainee and volunteer counsellor in a primary school in Nottingham. This entailed conducting individual counselling sessions with a non-directive form of play therapy. I later volunteered as a trainee and then as a qualified counsellor with a charity that supports children and young adults in Newark and Lincolnshire. 

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These issues include some of the following:

 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Eating Disorders

• Self-harm

• Suicidal Ideation

• Bereavement

• Anger

• Relationships

• Personal Development

• Psychological Trauma

• Gender Identity

• Sexual Orientation

• Sexuality

• Childhood Abuse

 

 

 

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Qualifications in Counselling & Psychotherapy

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• 2021-2024 - PhD in Counselling Studies at the University of Edinburgh

• First-Class BA (Hons) Degree in Humanistic Counselling Practice - University of Nottingham

• Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies - West Nottinghamshire College

• Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills - West Nottinghamshire

• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Counselling Theories - Sutton Centre Community College

 

 

Other qualifications

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• MA in Criminology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional & Ethical Practice 

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I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I attained a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) after having successfully passed a CoP exam. This attests to meeting the necessary professional and ethical standards that clients have a right to expect, as well as affirming my commitment to adhering to a code of ethics to govern my counselling practice. 

 

The values enshrined in the BACP's code of ethics include such indispensable principles as beneficence, non-maleficence and respecting the client's autonomy, honouring their right to self-determination. You can view the BACP's code of ethics at your own leisure here: https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/

 

As part of my ethical and professional commitments, I attend regular supervision, personal therapy, and participate in CPD workshops to further my professional development. I'm covered by professional therapist insurance and in possession of an enhanced DBS certificate.