27 Ian Teaching and studying at Preston College has been part of Ian’s life since starting his counselling studies here in 2011. As a counselling lecturer, Ian recognises the teaching team must remain in practice and keep updated with their own development and he is currently studying for a Masters degree in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. “The teaching approach within the counselling department at Preston College is a rich blend of theoretical study, hands on skills practice and underpinned with personal development. As a lecturer, I have a congruent approach to my teaching practice, learners get a sense of me, both as a teacher, a counsellor and as a student.” Kevin With over 25 years’ experience in education, Kevin saw an increasing focus placed on wellbeing, which ignited a keen interest in mental health issues, and the start of a new career in counselling. With over 2 years voluntary counselling, followed by a further 4 years in private practice, Kevin then embarked on a career as a HE lecturer here at Preston College. Kevin has trained in person centred and integrative counselling through to Masters level, and is currently studying a Professional Doctorate, researching mindfulness in psychotherapy which he is due to complete in 2024. Charli As a BACP Accredited Counsellor, EMDR practitioner and Clinical Supervisor and with over 10 years’ experience of working within the education sector, Charli has developed extensive skills in mentoring, collaborative working and promoting healthy change with her clients. Charli started her counselling journey at Preston College studying Level 2, then Level 3 , followed by the Level 4 Practitioner Diploma, and now she’s part of the teaching team. Charli has also completed a Psychology with Psychotherapy and Counselling degree at UCLan, and is due to start a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology in September 2023. “My journey becoming a counsellor has been a wonderful, life changing experience. When I look at my students, I see the counsellors and psychotherapists of tomorrow and I am passionate about supporting their growth and development as they go onto help the wider community.” Colin Counselling Alumni After more than three decades working in IT, Colin decided to retrain as a Counsellor aged 55 years old after seeing a flyer from Preston College about its Level 2 Counselling Skills course. Following an application and telephone interview, based on previous experience, Colin was accepted straight onto to the Counselling Skills Level 3 course, before progressing onto the 2-year Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Juggling work commitments and studies was a challenge, however Colin studied in the evenings and worked longer days to build flexi leave. In the final year of study, Colin secured a placement at a hospice in Burnley, where he worked on Saturday mornings to gain the required 100 hours practice. Colin completed his Diploma in December 2019 and began his private practice journey, launching his own website www.seeingnow.com, and advertising on the BACP. He quickly gained clients, whom he would see face to face, but when the pandemic hit, Colin took the decision to move to online therapy. Three years on and Colin’s practice has gone from strength to strength, practising solely online and building up a strong client base, including clients from around the world in the US, Canada, Africa, Europe and the UK. Colin is also a published author of his book, No Path to Enlightenment. “Since qualifying from Preston College I haven’t looked back – this work is so rewarding. I still work in IT but only two days a week, the rest of the week is divided between my private client work and working as a Student Mental Health Mentor supporting University students online. I guess I am a testament to the phrase it’s never too late to change.” Website: seeingnow.com Book: No Path to Enlightenment
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