Integrative child and adolescent counsellor — Cindy Banjoko

Cindy studied a Masters in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents, and Families at the University of Roehampton. Currently self-employed, she provides counselling services in schools, while running a part-time private counselling practice for children and adolescents

Why did you decide on a career in counselling?

I've always been passionate about the human mind and body. After completing my first degree in psychology, I knew that I wanted a career that involved supporting the emotional and mental wellbeing of individuals, from childhood to adulthood. I discovered that I could train to be professional counsellor and family therapist so I did some research to find out what I had to do to become a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist.  

How did you get your job?

Shortly after qualifying I was keen on securing a position within an organisation before starting my own independent practice.

Prior to training to be a counsellor, I worked in primary schools in pastoral and support roles. I applied directly to schools in need of counsellors. I came across a therapist consultancy organisation, which supports schools with finding qualified therapists. In my first-year post-qualifying I worked in four different schools (one day a week in different schools).

What's a typical working day like for you?

I start by organising my schedule for the day.

Usually I see five to six students per day, in sessions that last 40-45 minutes. I use a range of assessment and screening tools to monitor risk and change such as YP-CORE, CORS and SDQs. After each session, I take time to process and type brief notes.

On days where I have concluded therapeutic work with a student, I see students who are on the waiting list or take on a new referral.

When I've had an emotionally heavy session, I like to get out of the building and go for a walk, which I find really helps with my self-regulation and helps me prepare for the next session.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Facilitating a space where children/young people can feel seen, heard and comfortable enough to share and explore their inner world and experiences.

I also enjoy that I can be flexible in my approach depending on the individual needs of my client.

What are the challenges? 

The counselling profession can be isolating. Especially in school settings, due to ethical principles around confidentiality, it is important to maintain firm boundaries with teachers and support staff, particularly if they are aware of children you might be seeing.

Another challenge is working with risk and having to break confidentiality, which can impact the therapeutic work. When working within an organisation it is important to follow the safeguarding protocols.  

Listening to distressing and traumatic lived experiences may also lead to compassion fatigue, second hand trauma or burnout.

What type of person would suit a career in counselling?

• Someone who is:
•  patient, friendly, kind and good at listening to others
• willing to be authentic with their own feelings and with others
• not quick to judge
• curious about themselves and others.

Your work is emotionally challenging. How do you balance your work and personal life?

Being a therapist can be difficult because of the emotional and mental impact it can have on you. I attend regular supervision, which ensures I am working in a professional and ethical way with my clients. Supervision is a useful tool I use to balance my work and my personal development.

One rule I've developed over the years is to ensure I make an effort with self-care (no matter how small). Having a routine where I care for myself, like making a nice meal, creating time to relax and engage with things which bring me comfort, joy, and laughter.

I have a personal saying which is 'counselling is what I do and not who I am.' I am happy to talk about what I do, but in my personal life, I remind myself that it is not my job to be everyone's therapist. This helps to maintain clear boundaries between work and my personal life.

What are your career ambitions?

To expand my work and expertise beyond individual/one-to-one counselling. I've recently embarked on new training towards becoming a systemic family psychotherapist.

Are you a member of a professional body? If so, what are the benefits of this?

Yes, I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). The benefits of being a registered member are:

• access to high quality journals and articles to help inform your work and challenge your thinking
• access to a plethora of online continuous professional development resources and courses to enhance your competence
• individual support and advice around ethics and good practice
• opportunities to attend conferences and events to network and develop.

Can you talk us through an issue currently affecting your area of work?

There aren't enough counsellors in schools. As a result, counsellors can easily experience burnout due to trying to support as many students as possible. This isn't sustainable and can rush the process of counselling. In England, there are campaigns petitioning for every school, academy, and sixth form to have a trained mental health counsellor. A step further would be to have multiple school counsellors in educational settings to ensure the burden is not on one professional.

What advice can you give to aspiring counsellors?

It's good to do your research before applying and committing to any course. Attend open evenings, ask questions, and speak with other qualified professionals.

Training on a course that is accredited by a professional body like BACP, UKCP or any other recognised professional body could help when looking for a job shortly after graduating/qualifying.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a counsellor.
• Gain an insight into the social care sector.
• Discover how to become self-employed.