Why did you choose to embark in training in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and why did you choose IICP?   

My journey into counselling and psychotherapy began many years ago when I was sitting as a client in VCS. I remember seeing a poster about training to become a counsellor/psychotherapist and thinking what a dream profession it would be, but at the time, I didn’t have the self-belief to pursue it. 

That changed when I decided to return to education and completed a Level 5 in Psychology. That experience sparked a real curiosity for learning and marked the beginning of my personal development journey. As my confidence grew, so did my belief that this path might actually be possible for me. 

Choosing IICP felt like a natural step. Its integrative approach and emphasis on both personal and professional development really resonated with me, and in many ways, it felt like I was coming full circle, from being a client to training as a therapist. 

 What was your biggest highlight throughout your training?

One of my biggest highlights throughout the training was the depth of personal learning that took place alongside the academic and clinical work. I learned a great deal about myself and how I relate to others, and I was often surprised by what emerged through the process. 

The training challenged many of my long-held and limiting beliefs, and over time I noticed meaningful shifts in how I see myself and how I show up in relationships, both personally and professionally.  

More than anything, I experienced the training as something much deeper than just a degree. It was a profoundly transformative process that supported both my personal growth and the development of my identity as a therapist. 

 What field of work or study were you in before you started the programme? 

Before starting the programme, I worked in accounts administration. I am also a mother of three, which has been a significant part of my life experience alongside my professional roles. 

Can you tell us a bit about your research project or your chosen focus (Dissertation/Research Portfolio), and what motivated you to choose that area? 

My dissertation investigated trainee therapists’ attitudes towards psychedelic-assisted therapy. Specifically, I explored how familiarity with psychedelic-assisted therapy may be associated with more positive or informed attitudes among trainee practitioners. 

I chose this topic because its re-emerging area of research and clinical interest in mental health, and I was interested in how new and innovative therapeutic approaches are understood by those in training. As someone forming my own professional identity, I was motivated to explore how openness and exposure to alternative modalities may influence attitudes within the field of psychotherapy. 

Now that you have graduated, what are your next career or professional plans within the field? 

Now that I have graduated, my plan is to continue developing my private practice and to build on my clinical experience with clients while working towards accreditation with the IACP. 

I am also committed to ongoing professional development as I continue to shape my identity as a therapist. I have a particular interest in further developing my work in the areas of neurodivergence and addiction, and I hope to deepen my understanding and competence in these fields over time. 

What advice would you give to someone considering the field of counselling and psychotherapy? 

I would encourage anyone considering counselling and psychotherapy to trust the pull towards it, even if self-doubt is present. Beginning this journey can feel daunting, but growth often begins when we allow ourselves to step into the unknown. 

The training is about far more than gaining a qualification; it is a deeply personal and transformative experience that invites self-awareness, reflection, and connection. It can challenge you in ways you may not expect, but it also has the capacity to help you grow both personally and professionally. 

One quote that stayed with me throughout my training is from Viktor Frankl: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
For me, that captures so much of what this journey can offer.