Letter of student regarding his experience at the LSCP

"I started to study counselling as I thought that it would be challenging and that I would learn a lot about myself. I also thought that I would have a genuine chance to help people help themselves - to create a space where they could express and find out more about themselves.

I have found that my studies at The London School of Counselling and Psychotherapy have raised my understanding of how complex counselling is - it is not just about 'helping' someone (whatever that might mean). It is also being involved in someone's life on a deeply intimate level – probably in such a way that a person has not experienced before with any other loved one, family member or friend. This is not an easy task to do, far from it. Through the theoretical training and the support of my tutors I became aware that this involves lots of self-examination and discernment. It involves me being open to myself and to others, which is at times the hardest thing of all. It is a trying and exhausting process, one that involves a sacrifice of resources – including energy. But it also provides an experience of what an immense privilege it is to be involved with people on such a fundamental level.

I have found The London School of Counselling and Psychotherapy to be a great place where I developed the qualities I need to become a professional Counsellor. I feel that the course structure, provide students with a great many tools for facilitating exploration of theories and creating a safe space for the client. As well, the course provides a Personal Development Group where the students could examine themselves, and work out what motivates them to become counsellors.

I have found the training at the LSCP very challenging and ultimately humbling. I have worked with people with additional needs for over 8 years, and I can say honestly that this course has enabled me to look at things with a fresh perspective. It has definitely altered my way of working as well as my thinking about how to be with people.

The course is linked with the Tithe Barn Counselling Service where I am doing my placement.

I am near to the end of my training and I intend to continue attending other courses that LSCP provides."