Diploma Student Testimonials
“A beautiful, sometimes painful and always challenging experience that has given me space and time to come home to my Self, alongside learning to bring that sense of connected, congruence and ALL the teachings to therapeutic work with clients.
My experience studying with TTS has been a portal to healing, finding balance, gaining knowledge and new understandings about myself and the world. It has been a nurturing and collaborative space that has given me the opportunity to find balance between studying, working, self-reflection, self-care, connecting, building relationships and everything in-between.
The teaching has been a really exciting mix that has challenged me intellectually, creatively and experientially. The diverse teaching approach/style has sparked deep curiosity and brought to focus where my own passions and interests lie. Living with dyslexia, I have learned that having multiple ways of exploring (including unbounded self-led learning) and experiencing knowledge, allows me to grasp concepts and understand ideas in a much fuller way. The TTS teaching style has really supported that process.
Throughout this process I’ve uncovered different parts of myself, leaned further into my authentic self and discovered more counselling related avenues I want to pursue. I would highly encourage any student thinking about studying with TTS to follow your instincts and pursue what feels right to you.”
Jen – Year 2, Diploma Cohort 2021/2023
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“As I come to the end of my first year with Therapy Train, I can reflect on a positive learning experience that has given me the confidence, skills and theoretical grounding to start in my first student placement working with clients. The course makes strong demands on you and has high standards and clear expectations. Before starting you need to have a realistic understanding of what is required and the potential impacts on you and your time. The warm, supportive attitude of tutors has helped guide me gently and safely through the first stages of development and learning that are required to practice as a person-centred counsellor: where your very first client will be you.”
David – Year 1, Diploma Cohort 2022/2024
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“As I had previously completed my Counselling Skills Certificate with TTS, I knew that I wanted to complete my Diploma journey with them as well. This is due largely to the support and care provided by Rebecca and Sandra. I feel like they truly care about me and my journey to becoming a counsellor. They celebrate with me when I accomplish something and are there to provide support when I am struggling.
The work that I have done so far on the course has had a huge impact on my life. Not only am I learning the skills to be a counsellor, I’m learning more about myself than I ever thought I would. Each day in class, I learn a little bit more about myself. It’s amazing to see the work that we will eventually be doing with clients also working on ourselves.”
Sophie – Year 1, Diploma Cohort 2022/2024
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“I have been lucky enough to have completed both my Counselling Certificate and Diploma with Therapy Train Stirling. The experience has been overwhelmingly positive, the tutors are encouraging and allow students to develop at their own pace.
The central location and easy parking was important in my choice of training provider and I appreciated the smaller class size. I have met some wonderful people and have felt supported throughout”.
Claire – Year 2, Diploma Cohort 2021/2023
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“This is the course for you if you want to learn in a relaxed, creative and supportive environment, are ready to put aside time for self-directed study and reflection, are open to change, and are ready to go on an emotional roller coaster ride.
I’ve found Rebecca and Sandra to be excellent teachers who have created a course which blends academic and practical learning well. The openness to feedback is refreshing and they value the thoughts and opinions of students.
Things I would have benefitted from knowing at the start:
- I would cry (a lot) – even for the emotionally resilient, this course will be emotionally draining.
- The academic bit is a slog – reading more, earlier on, would have eased the pressure.
- You have to be open to receiving feedback and acting on it – it’s all for your benefit, so you can’t be precious.
- Self-reflection is really important – documenting your feelings about yourself, the course and how you respond / interact with others throughout will help with future assignments.
- Searching for a placement would feel like cold-calling – soul-destroying – start searching as soon as you can.
- Securing a placement would feel amazing – making the search worthwhile!”
Suzanne – Year 1, Diploma Cohort 2022/2024
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“As a former student on the first Therapy Train certificate course I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in counselling or psychotherapy. The course is not an HNC and does not qualify you to become a counsellor on completion. This is more of an awareness course for anyone who may be thinking of becoming a therapist or for those professionals who may benefit from training in a counselling approach. It’s a first step in a very long journey. I enjoyed this 6 month learning experience and found out so much about myself and how to listen to others properly through the many practical exercises and written assignments.
You don’t have to be an academic or have attended university to be a student on the Counselling Skills course, a willingness to learn and be an active participant are all you need.
I was one of the older group members at 55 years with others being in their 20’s but everyone’s experiences are valuable regardless of age.
For me this course was enlightening to the point where I’d describe it as life changing and very worthwhile even if you don’t intend being a counsellor. “
Stuart – Certificate 2020
