After beginning with a ten‑week introductory course that “was an amazing experience and became the catalyst for me to keep learning,” Alex found himself on a transformative four‑year journey into counselling. Along the way, he discovered profound personal growth - “I grew exponentially during this time, and it set me up to move forward into the industry with genuine confidence.” Despite the challenges, Alex’s commitment never wavered, and today he is stepping into the profession with purpose, passion and a deep appreciation for the mentors who supported him.
“Twenty years ago, I would not have pointed at counselling as a possible career change or even something I would study alongside any particular job. While I was working at the Houses of Parliament, I became a Mental Health First Aider and was happy to carry that on. However, I decided to deepen my knowledge and signed up for the Level 2 Introduction to Counselling Skills. That ten-week course was an amazing experience and became the catalyst for me to keep learning, so I signed up for the Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills and Theory.
"It was during this course that I was made redundant, leaving me with a major decision to make. Having met some amazing people on my first two courses - and with their encouragement alongside advice from my tutors - I decided to take the leap and sign up for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Through my studies, I discovered that I really enjoyed the subject and seemingly had an aptitude for it, making the risk and effort the course required entirely worth it in my eyes.
"In the two years it took to complete my Level 4, I not only learned a lot of theory and skills, but I also learned an immense amount about myself. It sounds clichéd, but I grew exponentially during this time, and it set me up to move forward into the industry with genuine confidence. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately signed up for the Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, which I have just completed at Kingston.
"My four years of learning at Kingston College have been amazing and have inspired me in so many ways moving forward. In fact, during my Level 5, I also signed up for a Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Part of my journey has been realising just how much I enjoy education; this new qualification allows me to not only practice as a counsellor but also start a parallel journey of teaching the subject at some point. I am also considering future courses within counselling to continue feeding my thirst for knowledge and widening my career prospects. I have started a private practice and still volunteer with charities and continue to enjoy all the work I do.
"None of this would have been possible without my tutors. I had some truly great mentors whom I trust implicitly. Whether it was Roxainne Lazzaris, Sophie Papageorgis or Kim Smith, I knew I could go to them with anything - whether personal, academic or placement-related - and I would always receive a considered, measured response. Alongside those tutors, I studied with some wonderful people who inspire me in their own ways. It is not hyperbole to say I have made friends for life whom I continue to see and speak to regularly, despite no longer learning together.
"It is worth saying that this is not an easy journey. You have to face some difficult subjects, admit to tough home truths and manage a demanding time commitment. Those were just the difficulties I saw coming, and they do not include the unseen speed bumps along the way. Yet, despite these challenges, I do not regret my choice for a single second.
"If you are tempted by this subject, I highly encourage you to sign up. That doesn't mean you have to jump straight into a Level 4, but the Level 2 course is a fantastic first step on this journey and will genuinely help you, no matter what industry you work in."
