Transformation Inspired by Aspire
  Every journey we embark upon begins with a solitary step, and my path into the world of counselling was no different. 

As I walked through the doors on my first day as a counselling student at aspire I was filled with a mix of excitement 

and apprehension, this may be because I was a little late too…
  The decision to pursue a career in counselling was rooted in my experience with loss and my own battles and emotional struggles, 

but the road ahead promised to be challenging and transformative. Below I will tell you how life was at Aspire whilst trying

to demonstrate in words the things we learned and their importance.

  Without Aspire I certainly would not have had as much growth as I did, my tutor knew when to push me, when to praise me,

and when to tell me to hush. You see I was someone who had a tendency to let my mouth go before my brain kicked into gear,

which is the exact opposite of what a counsellor needs to do!

  Aspire is something more than a college to me, its part of my life, my plan, my journey. I have built amazing friendships,

met colleagues who have helped shape me into the best me I can be, and somehow in that building, with those people,

I was home! Aspire is an amazing place to study! I cannot recommend it enough!

The Classroom Experience
  The classroom became a sanctuary of knowledge, growth, and stability. Our tutors were seasoned professionals with a 

wealth of experience, shared invaluable insights and theoretical frameworks that would become the foundation of our practice. 

  From the intricacies of human behaviour to the complexities of mental health disorders, each lesson was a step closer to 

understanding not only the human mind in general but also my own. After experiences at a different college where support only
came from one place and was hard to reach anyone this seemed to be my kind of place, where people were open, honest,

and approachable.  

  When it came to peer discussions they were rich with diverse perspectives. My classmates, coming
from various walks of life, contributed to a dynamic learning environment, the personalities were varied and certainly knew

their strengths and limits. We explored case studies, engaged in role-playing exercises, and debated ethical dilemmas, 

all while fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

  Quite often we would all talk about our weekend plans, things we were doing over our breaks, and mostly our clients… 

Obviously we were fully confidential… Initials only! The academic rigor was demanding, I mean this was level 4, If we

didn’t feel pressure then we should be worried right?

  With this being said Aspire instilled in us the discipline and critical thinking necessary for effective practice. We had time to be ourselves, 

to showcase our personalities, and find our own way forward, although there was always that guidance on hand, kind of like those

little ramps on the edge of a bowling lane.

Practical Training and Supervised Practice
  The first client I ever counselled is etched in my memory. Sitting across from me, they shared their vulnerabilities and fears. 

It was a humbling experience, realizing the trust they placed in me. Every session was a learning opportunity, teaching me 

the importance of empathy, active listening, and maintaining a non-judgmental stance. I still remember writing that first reflective

journal like I was a superstar! I felt so in my comfort zone I forgot we need to come out of it to grow more! Supervision
was always fun, our peers were never afraid to ask the difficult question, as were our tutors, even if you never did get to give 

that answer it always gave you something to reflect on or tweak! This is how it should be!

Challenges and Personal Growth
  During my time with Aspire One of the most significant lessons I learned was the importance of self-care. As a counsellor, 

being attuned to my well-being was crucial. Engaging in regular supervision, seeking peer support, and practicing mindfulness

became essential components of my routine. These practices not only enhanced my professional competence but also ensured

I could provide the best care for my clients.

Building Therapeutic Relationships

  Central to the role of a counsellor is the ability to build and maintain therapeutic relationships. As someone who spent a lot of 

their life priding themselves on being “an island” I didn’t really understand the power of the relationship building, one client,

one peer, and one tutor taught me the importance and benefit of this. Being my true self in all aspects and not shying behind

this façade helped me immensely in so many areas. Again I was inspired by Aspire!
  Throughout my training, I discovered the profound impact of a strong therapeutic alliance. Establishing trust and rapport with 

clients created a safe space for them to explore their thoughts and emotions.
  Every client and peer brought a unique story, and with each session, I honed my skills in tailoring my
approach to meet their individual needs. Through person-centered therapy the goal was always to
empower clients to find their own paths to healing and growth.

The Role of Ethics
  Ethics played a pivotal role in our training. The importance of confidentiality, informed consent, and maintaining professional

boundaries was emphasized repeatedly. We were taught to navigate ethical dilemmas with integrity and to always prioritize the

well-being of our clients. In one of our ethics seminars, we delved into complex scenarios that tested our moral compass.
  These discussions reinforced the significance of adhering to ethical guidelines and seeking supervision when faced with challenging

situations. Upholding ethical standards became a cornerstone of my identity as a counsellor.

Graduation and Beyond
  Graduating from the counselling program was a momentous occasion. It marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication,

and personal growth. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the journey I had undertaken.
  However, graduation was not the end but rather the beginning of a new chapter. Armed with the knowledge and skills acquired

during my training, I embarked on my career as a counsellor with a sense of purpose and determination. The transition from student to professional was both exhilarating and daunting, but I was ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Whether
this be tough decisions regarding my future or building my portfolio of CPD.

Reflections on the Journey
  Looking back on my experience as a counselling student, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and fulfilment. The journey was transformative, shaping not only my professional identity but also my personal growth. It taught me the value of empathy, resilience, and continuous learning.
  As a counsellor, I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of my clients. Every session, every interaction is an opportunity to contribute to their journey of healing and self-discovery.  The lessons learned during my training continue to guide me, reminding me of the importance of  compassion, ethical practice, and self-care.
  In conclusion, my experience as a counselling student with Aspire was a journey of growth, learning, and transformation. 

It equipped me with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the human mind and to support others in their

paths to well-being. As I continue on this journey, I am grateful for the experiences, challenges, and relationships that have

shaped me into the counsellor I am today.

My Summary
Without doubt this was the biggest journey I have ever been on, full of ups-and-downs, round-and-rounds; I’m pretty sure

there was the occasional loop-de-loop in there too and this was one heck of a rollercoaster experience to be a part of!
  I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aspire and if I could sit down and be asked “what would you do differently?” 

I’d simply answer “nothing, I’d do it the same way, the same place, and the same times, all over again!” I mean I’m qualified now… 

I’m a professional… As will you be if you choose to study with Aspire! I promise you will not regret it!