IN THEIR WORDS
Personal Reflection
By Kim Elliot
KIM IS ABOUT TO START YEAR 2 OF THE LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA
I STARTED MY THERAPEUTIC JOURNEY with Cara a few years ago on the level 2 and 3. Due to changes in my life I was unable to carry straight on to the level 4 although I had really wanted to. However it was through what I had learnt in the earlier levels which led to me working in a therapeutic provision. It was there they recognised key skills and attitudes which I had developed through my Cara training and they offered me, not only a job as a trainee therapist but to invest in my training to complete my level 4. I accepted but knew I had to complete this with Cara.
It is hard to write down in a few words what I have learnt, gained and discovered about myself whilst learning with Cara and everyone’s experience will be different but it will be an experience! Also finding a provision which held me so safely whilst my life changed dramatically, who views each student as unique individuals, with tutors who practise what they preach in terms of ethics and respect, for me is like gold dust.
I will be forever grateful for what Cara’s learning has provided with me and where they have led me both professionally and personally. I can’t recommend this experience enough for anyone who feels ready for it.
By Eithne Lehane
EITHNE HAS RECENTLY QUALIFIED
THESE PAST FOUR YEARS have been so very important and special to me. Three fundamental and powerful forces came together and triggered a rebirth of sorts. One: the ‘real’ voice within me was resurrected after many years in limbo and the words that unfurled became the keys to creativity, liberation, understanding and the desire to give my own life and the lives of others more meaning. Two: I was met with an acceptance and permission to explore. I have been seen, heard, respected and valued. It has felt like love and enabled me to dive deep and grow in so many directions. Three: the course content has been masterfully and developmentally crafted with a plethora of topics and an ethical underpinning matched to every level that develops counselling skills, knowledge and theory within a challenging, experiential learning environment to be fit for practice as a counsellor.
It hasn’t always been a bed of roses, but why would one want it to be? If it were comfortable, the bar would never be raised for reflection, new experiences and self-development. I’ve learned to face my hurts and insecurities, to see more clearly, to share more confidently and to listen with greater tolerance (still working on this last one). My softer, more sensitive, romantic, intellectual, spiritual sides have been accepted and given a platform alongside their more established, contradictory parts. I am tough and tender, brave and afraid, strong and struggling… we all are; but our many diverse parts don’t always get the airtime they deserve nor the balance they need. And all this growth translates into insight and empathy when counselling our clients. Cara has equipped me for practice and cemented the belief that I can be a competent counsellor while nurturing my personal needs and leanings. That’s no mean feat.
The price to pay for such a wonderful experience is its ending. It’s been real. It’s been such a journey. I’ve felt so exposed and yet so safe. Never, ever dull and full of joyous moments. I’ve felt alive. I’ve never felt so at home. I’ve never worked so hard nor felt something matters so much. We all need to be listened to, understood and empathised with and Cara champions this need for their students and on a wider platform – from the Level 2 through to the Diploma. I did it my way (yep, let’s never forget the importance of autonomy) but I was encouraged to find my own way with the very best support and guidance any trainee counsellor could ever wish for. How lucky I have been to have spent four years of counselling training with the Cara team. Thank you so much.
