School of Psychology welcomes new class of counsellors
Professional training takes a practical path
The School of Psychology has welcomed a new group of trainee counsellors who have started their journey toward becoming professionally qualified therapists.
The new cohort of students has started their studies on their MSc Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy, learning from an expert team to learn theory, skills, and practical techniques to help individuals with mental health issues. They joined the team at City Campus, taking classes from Dr George Agathokleous and Dr Abigail Taiwo on how to help people with distress and low mood. The first few weeks have been exciting, uplifting, motivating, and challenging. Teaching has included practical training on how to provide the right kind of therapeutic relationship and help those in need find personal resources to build their own resilience.
What motivates them toward a helping career?
Ann, a career changer, said: “After the experience of the past few years of the pandemic, I really wanted to do something meaningful. I made a career change from accountancy and realised I could use my time to help people. I had a lot of time to think about my own mental health and realised emotional needs are important, and we all have a responsibility to look after our physical and mental health, and sometimes we need a lift from someone who has the right skills to support. I am really enjoying my programme so far, it has really confirmed that I have made the right choice. The staff are friendly but firm, as we are learning about therapeutic boundaries and how important they are. For anyone out there thinking of a change, I would wholeheartedly recommend taking the leap and going for it! I do not regret it“
How are they finding their programme?
“I wanted to become a counsellor so that I could have a meaningful impact on how others view themselves and their relationship with the world around them. The course so far has been challenging, both theoretically and experientially, but also better than I'd hoped. I feel supported to deal with these challenges through my peer group and university staff.”
The MSc Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy is one of the new flagship programmes in the School of Psychology at the University of Wolverhampton. The team are passionate about making a positive impact on the mental health workforce around the Midlands and joins the already successful Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology in contributing to the improvement of mental health services around the West Midlands.
Learn more about the programmes on offer at www.wlv.ac.uk/psychology
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