A close support system and rewarding experience: a trainee testimonial of Changes’ counselling service

As a mental health and wellbeing charity, we are committed to providing support and care to those who need it most. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals to receive the support they require. One of the ways we achieve this is by offering counselling services.

We recently had the privilege of working with a dedicated and passionate trainee counsellor, Camille. We are pleased to share with you a testimonial about her experience training with Changes:

Testimonial for Changes

Trainee Counsellor, Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy, The University of Edinburgh

As a trainee counsellor, working with Changes since March 2022, I have found my placement to be extremely fulfilling and have deeply valued being part of the organisation, which I experience as delivering meaningful impact to the community in East Lothian.

A significant factor in the positive experience I have at Changes is the close support I receive in my development towards becoming a qualified counsellor. I receive monthly 1:1 support and supervision sessions provided by the Therapy Manager, Rebecca Mitchell. Here I am offered a supportive space where I can reflect honestly on my process of working with clients and explore areas for development. I find that Rebecca’s feedback also plays an important role in developing my confidence as a counsellor and in helping me to see value that I bring to my therapeutic relationships with clients. Rebecca also instils an atmosphere where I can raise challenges and ethical issues arising from my relationships with clients and/or from the clients’ engagement with Changes’ service. These have been received openly and dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner.

Through my work at Changes, I have had the rewarding experience of building therapeutic relationships with 11 clients so far. They have experienced a wide range of difficulties, including: depression, anxiety, trauma (including sexual abuse), bereavement, relationship problems, suicidal feelings and self-harm ideation. Through this work, I can see the significant value that Changes and its Counselling Service brings to people across East Lothian who are experiencing difficulties impacting their lives and their mental health. The service seems to be well-known to the local community and the clients often come on the recommendation of their GP. From my experience, I believe that most of my clients would not have found an access point to counselling without the free service that Changes offers. It enables people of all backgrounds to have a space to address their mental health struggles. With a majority of my clients, I have seen how the sessions of counselling brings a relief or a change to their lives, and they have expressed their gratitude at being able to have a 1:1 space where they are listened to.

Counselling can be a valuable tool in addressing mental health struggles and improving overall wellbeing. If you’re looking for counselling in East Lothian, we’re here to help. Our counselling service provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Want to learn more about counselling in East Lothian? Contact us on: 0131 653 3977 or info@ChangesEastLothian.org Note: our counselling service has a waiting list.