Clinical and workplace experience is an essential part of a counselling student’s journey to become a qualified practitioner. For us, providing the opportunity to help nurture the next generation of therapists is vital for the future of mental health services like ours.
In partnership with Leeds Beckett University, we offer MA Integrative Counselling students placements to help them gain the experience they need, develop their understanding and give them confidence for their future careers.
One of those students, Roman Romeo, has spent the last year based with us. Supported by our therapists, he has provided counselling with structured support by our therapists to parents of children who were referred to our services.
Roman said: “Coming into the office was always such a delight. Everyone was very friendly and it was never confusing. It was never something that I had to think hard about. Everything was so easy and I always looked forward to doing my placement here.”
Looking at the whole picture
Coming from a teaching background and working with young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Roman decided to retrain as a counsellor to help support young people in schools – something he feels passionate about.
Roman said: “Teaching and mental wellbeing feed into each other. I always loved teaching; that's something I don't want to stop. But I noticed there was something extra missing when working with children.
“Through counselling, I found that I was able to better connect to someone and have a full picture of what a young person may need beyond just their learning.
“It’s helped me to better understand things from their perspective and the therapeutic element of it, hopefully helps with that young person’s outcome.
“The parents that I met here all had kids who had special educational needs. So it worked quite well because I'd already been working with such parents and it was interesting to see that side in more detail.”
Unlocking opportunities
Alongside the placement, Roman also received support from our bursary scheme, that gives students who are Black, Asian, and other people of colour who are traditionally under-represented in the counselling and mental health professions.
Roman said: “The scholarship was an absolute lifesaver. It allowed me to just focus on my studies and not be too concerned about my finances. It gave me an added sense of security and enjoy the experience I had here.”
As Roman continues with his studies, more students will be given the opportunity to gain the experience they need across our services.
When asked about what makes us a great place to do a placement, Roman said: “The placement is well structured and you'll feel well-supported.
“I really enjoyed the flexibility to do online or in-person work with clients. The building is also organised, cosy, and full of friendly people.”
Maryam Riaz, Senior Lecturer in Psychological Therapies & Mental Health, School of Health at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Students develop their clinical skills and professional confidence in an environment that values difference and recognises the importance of lived experience. It is this supportive, engaging learning experience that helps aspiring counsellors go on to make a lasting impact on their clients and communities.
“With Leeds Beckett University dedicated tutors leading the teaching and Northpoint supporting inclusive practice, the partnership is removing barriers and widening participation.
“Since the bursary was introduced, we have seen a significant improvement in representation, demonstrating the importance of targeted support in opening training opportunities to a more diverse range of aspiring practitioners. The aim is a counselling workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it works with.”
