Case studies: Counsellor: Nick

Nick is a part-time counsellor within the student services department of a university. His role involves offering one to one and group counselling to students and staff. He completed a degree in social administration five years ago.

I was actively involved in volunteering during my time at university, so I gained a range of additional skills and experiences. I also worked as a student host during my degree, which involved helping with sixth form visitors and offering guided tours and general advice to prospective applicants.

When I graduated I decided to pursue a career in the helping professions and I was extremely fortunate to obtain a job, initially part-time, as a project worker in the widening participation team who are part of student support services. This involved visiting schools and colleges to spread the message about higher education.

I really enjoyed this work but I realised that I also wanted to be more closely involved with supporting people through emotional difficulties. I was in contact with the counselling team, as they were based in nearby offices, so I used to talk to them about their role and I found it fascinating. I therefore decided to undertake basic counselling training at a local further education college. The university paid for this course as part of my staff development as it linked to my existing job role. I was taught a person centred approach and I found it very useful and enjoyable. I therefore immediately enrolled on a postgraduate diploma course in person centred counselling, held at the university.

The course was part-time and lasted for two years. It involved theoretical as well as practical experience and I found the close supervision that I received enormously helpful. I passed the course and felt reasonably confident that, with ongoing supervision, I was proficient to offer a professional service to clients. This was confirmed by my volunteer placements which were held at the university’s counselling service and at a local college. I was very enthusiastic about obtaining a job with the counselling service but full-time vacancies are rare.

Six months ago a part-time, temporary vacancy arose and I was successful in obtaining the post. I negotiated a partial secondment from my permanent post and now work part-time with the counselling service and part-time with the widening participation team. My counselling role primarily involves individual work with students and occasionally staff. I specialise in a person centred approach and work with students who are experiencing a range of difficulties, including academic pressure, relationship issues, and bereavement and anxiety issues. I liaise closely with the mental health team as occasionally a referral is needed.

I am also involved in offering group counselling which tends to be ‘topic’ based. Recent workshops have included managing exam stress, coping with anxiety and exploring relationship issues. I am also leading a project to look at the feasibility of offering web based counselling in the future.

I receive excellent supervision from a member of the counselling team and attend ongoing professional training. I really enjoy my counselling role and hope that I am able to obtain a permanent full-time role in the future. My greatest satisfaction is helping clients to achieve the changes that they wish to make in their lives.