Since my undergraduate degree in Psychology, and specialising in a mental health pathway, I have known that I have wanted to work in this field. After trying a few different jobs in this area of work, I knew I wanted to pursue a job as a counsellor. It really appealed to me due to the unique and rewarding career it can be.
I wanted to specialise with children and young people due to being able to understand the importance of early intervention and being able to empathise personally with challenges as a young person.
I am currently completing my master’s at the University of Northampton in counselling children and young people. This course really interested me due to the chances to learn from experts and the opportunities it would offer. As part of this course the placement team supported us to choose placements, and I found KidsAid as a recommendation from previous students.
I was so looking forward to gain experience through a placement and the opportunities out there seemed so exciting! KidsAid was one of my choices, but once I had my interview with the Clinical Lead I knew I wanted to be a part of the team as they seemed so welcoming. I was really drawn to KidsAid due to the chance to gain experience in different schools and being able to apply different modalities to a range of ages, from play therapy to a person-centred approach. I felt supported from day one and a placement with KidsAid has provided me with the chance to learn so many skills, including being reflexive, and learning how to overcome personal and professional challenges in counselling.
Before starting with a client, I felt prepared and knowledgeable about KidsAid’s policies and procedures, with additional safeguarding training provided. I knew what KidsAid expected of me and was super excited to start with my first client. The procedures around receiving referrals was clear and they were always optional for you to consider your capacity for more clients. KidsAid offered some additional extras which other placements don’t seem to always offer, including clinical supervision and expenses covered therapy materials and mileage. These have been very helpful financially and made my experience on placement much easier. Also, being able to arrange your own sessions with clients to fit into your schedule has been extremely helpful working around other commitments.
KidsAid have also provided me with the opportunity to work with the systems around a child, including schools and parents/caregivers. I have gained experience in conducting assessments and reviews, which are skills that are highly transferrable into roles working with children. KidsAid has also opened so many possibilities for my career, by gaining skills with working with families and extra CPD opportunities. KidsAid are a wonderful team of individuals who care about their student therapists and will have your back during placement.
I am so grateful for this experience and strongly recommend KidsAid to future trainee therapists, due to the supportive environment KidsAid provides and the chance to be a part of a charity which works so hard to support children. I am very proud to be a part of it all.
