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Roxanne’s story is one of determination and development. Balancing a career in personal training with the demands of raising five children, she has embarked on a journey to further her skills in counselling, showing that it is possible to pursue personal growth while managing a busy life.
A New Direction
At the moment, Roxanne is a personal trainer who has been in the industry for 10 years.
“I’m a personal trainer, and I have a small wellness centre,” she shared.
This experience has allowed her to connect with clients on a personal level, often resembling the dynamic of a hairdresser and their clients. People naturally open up to her, sharing their life stories and struggles during sessions.
“People talk to you all the time. It’s like a hairdresser, isn’t it?” Roxanne explained.
This insight was further motivated by her desire to support her 11-year-old daughter, who has been facing some challenges potentially related to autism.
“Everyone recommended counselling for her. I wanted to help her, but then I found out in the course that you can’t counsel your own family,” she said.
Instead, she began thinking about how she could use her learning to help other people, including children, while also building on the supportive role she already has through fitness.
The Learning Journey
Roxanne has pursued two qualifications: a Level 3 Counselling Diploma and currently, a Level 4 Counselling and CBT Diploma.
“I’m on the Level 4 at the minute, and I think I’ve got one question left, so I’m right near the end,” she said.
The journey has been demanding, especially with her busy schedule, but she has managed to balance her studies alongside her work and family commitments.
“My day typically starts around eight-ish and I finish probably about six,” Roxanne detailed.
“After work, it gives me time to go home and have a little read.” She mentioned that the course resources have been helpful, especially when looking for further information to support her learning.
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Roxanne faced challenges with referencing and understanding academic sources during her studies.
“I didn’t even realise Wikipedia wasn’t a reliable source,” she admitted.
The learning curve has been steep, but she appreciates the support she has received from her tutors. “Sometimes I didn’t quite understand the question, so I messaged in and they replied with a decent answer, which helped me out,” she said.
The Future is Bright
Looking ahead, Roxanne has clear plans for how she would like to use her counselling and CBT knowledge.
“Once I finish this course, I’m hoping to start advertising sessions, like a gym and a chat,” she explained.
She envisions a unique approach where clients can exercise while discussing their feelings in a safe and familiar environment.
“I think a gym could be a nice setting, especially for men,” she said.
Roxanne plans to begin with group sessions, believing that this format could help her reach more people and build her business.
“I think I’ll maybe start with group sessions, because then you can get more people in and they can start saying to other people that they did it and it was really good,” she explained.
Though she’s excited about her current path, Roxanne is not ruling out further studies.
“I feel like something is missing if I haven’t got a course,” she confessed.
With her passion for learning, it’s likely that she will continue to seek out new opportunities for growth. “I think I’m not doing any more, and then within two days I’ve found another one that I want to do and I sign up,” she laughed.
Encouragement for Others
Roxanne’s journey is a testament to the possibility of change, no matter how busy life gets.
“I would definitely recommend the Association of Learning to anyone looking to upskill,” she said. Her experience has been enriching, and she believes that others can benefit from taking the step into further learning.
“I have recommended you to a few people who have considered courses,” she shared.
Roxanne’s story is likely to encourage those who may be parents, working full-time, or considering a new direction in life.
Her experience shows that studying alongside work and family commitments can be challenging, but also rewarding when it supports a clear goal.
As Roxanne continues her journey, she embodies the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of fulfilment. With her heart set on helping others while balancing her family life, she is proof that with determination and the right support, personal and professional growth is possible.
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