Fiza

Fiza chose to study Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills FdSc due to the increase in mental health issues she saw while completing community work.

“I wanted to gain the skills and expertise to help those in psychological distress.

“I also joined in the hope that I would be able to gain more self-awareness through personal development, and increase my resilience and emotional intelligence.”

University Campus Oldham ticked a number of boxes for Fiza: “UCO was perfect as it is very local to me, and offered childcare-friendly course hours. It also appealed to me because the tutors are leaders in the field of counselling, and bring so much experience for us to learn from.”

During her time on the course, Fiza developed skills including active listening, empathy and academic skills.

“I have also learned to be more present for myself and my clients, and gained more understanding about different behaviours and why people act in certain ways,” she says. “I find that I have improved as a person, both relationally and spiritually.”

Fiza cites a number of highlights from her time on the course, and describes the “amazing” support and encouragement she received as an adult learner as “the foundation of my success on this course.”

“My tutor was supportive all the way. He helped the class to develop critical thinking and reflection skills, without which I feel we could not be the counsellors we have become.

 “I was also honoured and grateful to be nominated for – and win – the Leadership award [at Sheffield Hallam University’s UK Partner Inspirational Student Awards 2024 – read more at UCO’s Hat-Trick of HE Heroes].”

“In the second year, we put all our skills into practice with real clients, which was an amazing experience and one I will always cherish. I learned so much.”

Fiza is now employed in private practice. She says: “It was very exciting to be offered the role, and required a lot of hard work, but was worth it in the end.

“To those considering this course – I would advise being open to all the experiences and feelings you will need to go through to grow. It may be hard at times, but as my tutor says: ‘Don’t look to the top of the hill, keep your eyes on the next step’.”

• Learn more about the Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills FdSc.