Jess Thorp | My time at the Training Academy Ethics and the therapeutic relationship | Why the BACP Ethical Framework matters
I entered the counselling journey at Level 2, a bag of nerves, but pretty sure I had a good grasp on myself as a person and happy with the life I lead.
Fast forward to the second year of my Level 4 and I know myself far beyond the scope I started with.
I have challenged myself to push past my fears, like public speaking, holding a presentation for the class, etc. You will achieve so much that will fill you with pride.
The Training Academy is not just a college, it’s a family. You will form a bond with fellow students and tutors that is unlike any other course. They will see your lows, your highs and all the in-between along the way.
Jess | Level 4 – Year 2 student
“The tutors are beyond the expected benchmark of ‘supportive’, not just for studies and assignments but also for personal support if it’s needed.”
Why counselling
I decided to embark on a Level 2 in counselling concepts with The Training Academy because in the past I have had counselling, and it changed my life; it helped me through some very challenging times. I have always been a non-judgmental listener for my friends and family, being a person who has been stigmatized I have a natural drive to be non-judgmental and open to other people’s perspectives. I was ready for a change in my personal life. I wanted something for me, having four children (my youngest was 6 months old when I began) I decided I had nothing to lose by trying.
“I was petrified of entering back into a learning space; I was the student that sat the door ready to leave if my nerves didn’t settle, my heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking.”
I decided I owed it to myself to try the Level 2. What’s the worst that can happen? I leave the class, or I don’t like counselling, the upsides would be that I have met some great people, gained personal development and some incredible listening skills.
By trying, what I mean is, I was petrified of entering back into a learning space; I was the student that sat the door ready to leave if my nerves didn’t settle, my heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking. I was unsure how I would juggle work, four children, one of which was a baby, that I was still expressing for and the workload of a course. My cognitive functioning was not at it optimum by any means, and my experience at school taught me I was ‘not academic’.
It turns out I love it, counselling is unique, in a world of fast-paced competition, comparison and the suffocation of not being enough, counselling is a vital part of our world. It gives people the space to be authentic, supported, and accepted in a non-judgemental, confidential and nurturing space to explore their problems.
Why the Training Academy
Small class sizes
The Training Academy has small class sizes to ensure each person is achieving their potential and the support they need.
Not death by PowerPoint
The teaching is varied; it is not just PowerPoint after PowerPoint. The teaching is interactive. Some weeks we could be up and presenting group ideas in a gallery walk, we have done group presentations, individual research and presentations. In the class space, we have used different calming techniques to ground the class, which is a great practice for clients. Each week, we check in and have real time practice of being congruent with other students about how we are feeling.
Stand out placement applications
Level 4 offers different methods of counselling in class: telephone, zoom and face-to-face. No other training provider that I came across offered these.
Why is this crucial? Finding a placement can be tough, it’s competitive. I found the knowledge and preparation at the Training Academy enabled me to be a cut above the rest, and I stood out from the crowd.
Support, like no-other
Teaching support is unlike anything I have ever come across; I studied elsewhere for my Level 3 because of how the classes fell, it gave me the comparison. I also attended other Level 4 Open Days to see what they offered. To summarise, I had no doubt in my mind that the teaching quality, knowledge, skills and personal development that The Training Academy offers is beyond comparison to other colleges.
Consistent tutorship
The tutors are beyond the expected benchmark of ‘supportive’, not just for studies and assignments but also for personal support if it’s needed. Throughout Level 4, I had the same tutor throughout, many colleges have multiple tutors, therefore, the teaching can be impacted and lack a personal depth with their students.
“The Training Academy is not just a college, it’s a family. You will form a bond with fellow students and tutors that is unlike any other course. They will see your lows, your highs and all the in-between along the way.”
And last but not least…
The M & S biscuits- a kitchen that’s accessible throughout your time at the academy, tea, coffee, herbal tea, milk, sugar and juices… There are always biscuits, a comfort and continuity that all the students appreciate. A key element to counselling is continuity to form a health Therapeutic relationship. Ironic!