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Danielle’s journey into counselling shows how the right starting point can open the door to further study, practical experience and a new career direction. Around two years ago, she completed her Level 3 counselling course with the Association of Learning. Since then, she has progressed onto Level 5 study, entered placement as a trainee counsellor and begun building a future in the profession.
A New Beginning
“About two years ago, I completed my Level 3 counselling course,” Danielle recalls. “That enabled me to go on and do my Level 5, which I am currently studying.”
She is now coming towards the end of her second year of Level 5 and has another year to go. Alongside her studies, Danielle is also currently in placement as a counsellor. “It really paid off,” she adds.
Danielle’s next step came after she completed her course with the Association of Learning and began looking into further counselling study.
It was through a counselling tutor forum on Facebook that she connected with the college she now attends. “The tutor who owns the college reached out to me, and that was how I found the next stage of my training,” she explains.
Finding her Purpose
For Danielle, the decision to pursue counselling was deeply personal.
“I did a lot of self-reflection during one of my assignments,” she shares.
“It made me realise that I wanted to help people, in the same way that I probably needed help years ago.”
At nearly 38 years old, she was at a point in her life where she felt ready to make a significant change.
“I’m at a different point in my life now, and I think it came at the right time for me.”
While many students may feel uncertain about switching careers later in life, Danielle found her experience empowering.
“I wanted to pursue it as a career,” she says.
She acknowledges that pursuing this path has reignited her passion for helping others.
The Role of Education
Danielle’s time at the Association of Learning provided her with a solid foundation before she moved on to her Level 5 studies.
“I could have done the Level 3 with the college I am at now, but I didn’t know they existed until after I completed my course with you guys,” she explains.
The knowledge she gained gave her the confidence to tackle the more complex concepts she would face later.
“It really gave me a foot in the door,” she reflects.
“I had already learned so much from doing it with you, including theories and modalities, so I wasn’t going into Level 5 completely blind.”
This preparation allowed her to feel more confident as she continued her studies and began developing her skills as a trainee counsellor.
Life as a Learning Coach
Interestingly, Danielle’s day job as a learning coach complements her counselling aspirations.
“I support people who want to improve their computer skills or complete courses such as Excel, Word or HR,” she explains. “It’s about offering moral support, especially when they feel overwhelmed.”
This aspect of her job allows her to use supportive skills even in a different context.
“I really enjoy it,” she says. “I currently have three clients a week for my placement, and I absolutely love it.”
The rewarding feeling of being able to help others is what keeps her motivated.
Facing Challenges
Like any new role, counselling comes with its own set of challenges. Danielle is currently working on a research project, which she finds academically demanding.
“There’s a lot that needs to go into it,” she admits. However, she does not see this as a difficulty but rather as part of her learning journey.
“I think it’s a privilege that somebody who doesn’t know me would come and sit with me, knowing I’m a trainee, and talk to me on a weekly basis,” she says.
While she acknowledges that she may face more complex cases in the future, she sees these challenges as part of her development. “It will test what I know and whether I can help them,” she notes.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Danielle has clear goals. “Once I’ve qualified, I’d like to go and work in a prison for a little while,” she shares.
“I think resources in a prison are quite limited, so I would like to do something like that.”
Her compassion for helping others, even in challenging circumstances, highlights her dedication to the field.
Additionally, she hopes to set up her own private practice in the future. “I could do that on the side, but I would like to build up more experience and a clientele first,” she explains.
Having a plan in place gives her direction and motivation.
Spreading the Word
Danielle’s positive experience with the Association of Learning has led her to recommend the programme to others.
“I actually recommended you guys about a year ago to one of my friends,” she recalls. “She was interested in starting her own journey in counselling.”
Their conversation sparked interest in the opportunities available through online learning and the flexibility it can offer.
Danielle’s story is not just about achieving a qualification; it is about personal growth, the desire to help others, and the journey of finding a career path that feels right.
As she continues her studies and gains practical experience, she remains passionate about her future in counselling.
“Absolutely, I would recommend the Association of Learning,” she concludes. Her journey shows that it is never too late to start something new and work towards a meaningful change in your life.
0333 344 2126