We have a wonderful success story from Leigh our most recent Diploma of Counselling graduate who is opening his counselling rooms/office to start his professional practice.
He has reached out to his trainer Ronnie with the below message
“Just wanted to let you know I officially get my new office space / consult room tomorrow and will be starting to organise setting up furniture, etc. I was really impressed with yourself, as them as a whole and I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found the support and overall course to be very well managed. Also, I just wanted to offer if Health Courses would like a testimonial from a graduate of the Diploma of Counselling to share my experience.”
We took the opportunity to do an interview with Leigh to know his experience.
We asked what inspired him to enrol into the Diploma of counselling and Leigh has responded with:
“After a 15 year career with the NSW Police Force, I was medically retired following being diagnosed with PTSD. After my personal, having close friends also experiencing difficulties with mental health and losing some colleagues to suicide, I found counselling to be my new calling. I am passionate about helping others, and I wanted to pursue a career that was meaningful, helpful to others, and one where I genuinely provide service to individuals and the community.”
When asked if he has overcome any personal challenges to do the course Leigh shared his personal challenges and how he overcame them.
As briefly discussed, I had to overcome challenges associated with PTSD. For me personally, at times I can find it difficult to give my full attention and focus on the particular subject at hand. I have to concentrate harder and spend more time on the topics, often going over it more than twice to really understand it and learn it. However; I refuse to let it prevent me from succeeding and completing my goals.
We asked him his experience with his trainer Ronnie, Leigh has responded as below.
Yes. I found Ronnie Lynch’s periodic messages to all students to be encouraging, supportive, and I found motivation knowing the support was always there if I needed it. Ronnie always provided positive feedback. I genuinely felt supported throughout the course and I was always glad I chose to study with HCA.
When asked if he found that Health Courses Australia did anything differently to other training organisations to make his study experience easier or more rewarding, he said the below which we were absolutely thrilled to hear.
I felt with HCA that it was a more personal experience, and I never felt that I was isolated or unsupported. I found the online course to be very user friendly and easy to navigate. The student support always replied to my enquiries and were always happy and willing to help.
We asked him what his future aspirations are and how he aspires to use the qualification he achieved. Leigh is embarking on a journey to become a clinical counsellor!
After my positive experience with HCA, I am now enrolling to undertake a Bachelor of Counselling. I aspire to grow a successful practice and become more qualified with the degree, so that I can receive a clinical registration with PACFA and provide more specialised counselling.
We wish Leigh a brilliant future as a counsellor and can’t wait to see where it takes him!