Laura began her University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) journey in 2017. She has worked to achieve her career goal of becoming an accredited psychotherapist with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Laura has found the support available at UCLan invaluable and explained: “UCLan staff offered support and guidance throughout my foundation Health and Social Care, undergraduate Counselling and Psychotherapy, and postgraduate Integrative Psychotherapy” studies. She also mentioned that “UCLan facilities such as student support and a 24hr Library enabled the promotion of a healthy work, family and student life balance.”
Laura was working for an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) whilst studying. Since qualifying, she has secured a local NHS IAPT post as a counselling practitioner. One of Laura’s main drives has been to continually develop as a reflective and reflexive psychotherapist that promotes best practice and outcomes whilst enhancing her future career prospects. Completing her studies and starting work in her new post will enable her to do just that.
"Commitment and support from the lecturers is outstanding and the professionalism shown is exceptional."
— Laura Kidson, PG Dip Integrative Psychotherapy graduate
Looking back, Laura enjoyed the commitment and support from the lecturers and found that they were able to support her development as an integrative psychotherapist.
“I have valued and understood that my use of self within practice is paramount, especially within person-centered, existential, and relational interventions within psychotherapy. This is due to working ethically and always in the best interest of the client, which requires my use of self to be offered with thought and therapeutic intent. This only occurs by continually being both a reflective and reflexive psychotherapist.”
Laura believes UCLan has provided her with a firm foundation to thrive in her career and has enhanced her prospects substantially. Ultimately, Laura believes: “My journey with UCLan has been an emotional and psychologically inspiring journey that I am forever grateful for.” She has said to anyone thinking of completing the PGD Integrative Psychotherapy programme, "Trust within yourself and lecturers.”