One revelation about my university choice? The support is nothing short of phenomenal. I’ve heard tales from a couple of classmates who were at different universities last year. They didn’t get a smidge of the help we’ve been offered, so you bet I’m grateful.
We’re dedicating several weeks to mastering the essentials like referencing, academic writing, and research—essentially, the bread and butter of university life. For someone who hasn’t set foot in an academic setting for a few moons (okay, decades), this foundational support is a godsend. And yes, I hereby vow to never grumble about APA7 again. Seriously.
The rest of this week’s lectures peeled back the curtain on the role and demands of being a counsellor and psychotherapist. It’s quite the eye-opener, especially when you realize the weight of responsibility that comes with the job. I was genuinely floored to learn that the profession isn’t protected, meaning anyone with a 12-month online course under their belt can set up shop. And yes, like any field, there are some not-so-stellar practitioners out there—proof that not all heroes wear capes, and not all counsellors should either.
During the week, we kicked off with a lecture on the core skills every counselor needs, beginning with ‘active listening.’ It’s not just about nodding and making the right noises; active listening is where the magic happens in therapy. It’s about truly hearing what clients are saying, and just as crucially, what they’re not saying. This skill is the cornerstone of effective counselling because it allows us to understand and empathize deeply, which is essential for guiding clients through their issues. It’s like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, we’re unlocking emotions. Trust me, it’s every bit as intense as it sounds!