I am in the second term of the Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling after completing the Certificate in Counselling Skills at HCC. So how does it feel and what is the experience of it all so far? To summarise it in a paragraph, from my personal perspective:
It is an experience like no other.
This includes having to use a dictionary when reading some of the course papers (English is not my first language), seeing fellow students feeling vulnerable during the experiential group sessions as well as opening my own emotional tap and feeling held rather than embarrassed.
What I’ve learnt during the skills practice sessions is that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of counselling. There is ‘your own style’ of counselling as long as you follow the necessary framework (ok, there is more to it, but let’s keep it simple).
This leaves me feeling both excited and appreciative about seeing my first client. And yes, there is also a personal therapy, which is very personal. As for me, it tore me apart, but the bounce back has been beautiful so far. Bumpy, as expected, but so liberating.
If I were to compare it to the Certificate studies, it is a much more fulfilling but also demanding time-wise. There is a significant commitment that one has to make socially, financially and family-wise, but it is worth it.
I remain confident that the first two terms have been just the beginning of a super exciting and fulfilling journey.