COUNSELLING EMPOWERMENT DAY
On May 9th, Â鶹AV's MSc Counselling team, funded by the B-Enterprising team, hosted a “Counselling Empowerment Day.â€
This event aimed to enhance the skills of qualified, trainee, and aspiring counsellors, focusing on both counselling and business acumen. B-Enterprising supports Â鶹AV students and Welsh graduates in developing enterprise skills or starting businesses.
The event featured guest speakers who discussed specialised areas of counselling, personal career development, and business planning. Keynote speakers Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes from "Counselling Tutor" emphasized finding your niche. Other experts shared their experiences in areas such as LGBTQ+ issues, diversity, and sports mental health. Presenters included Jack Jackson (University Wellbeing Services), James Donaldson (Elite Sports and Media), Neal Trotman (Sports Mental Health), and Danny Jones (Children and Young People). They provided insights into working with clients facing various challenges and discussed their work in diverse settings like schools, universities, military, and private practice.
Additionally, presentations covered financial support for private practice and developing niche-focused business models. Alan Edwards, Head of International Student Services, along with international alumni, discussed visa requirements and employment for graduates.
The event was highly successful, with 70 in-person and 100 online attendees. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its impact on career planning and networking opportunities. Presenters praised the event's organization and its advocacy for future therapists. Planning for next year's Counselling Empowerment Day is already underway.