A week in the life of: A trainee psychotherapist

Anita Guru 13 December 2024 in Coaching & mentoring, Emotional intelligence, Features, For experienced L&D professionals, For freelancers, consultants & small businesses, For HR, For L&D managers, For new to L&D, For people managers, For senior L&D, Mental health, Neuroscience, Psychology, Reflective practice, Wellbeing Tagged A week in the life - 4 Minutes

Psychologist taking notes during therapy session with her emotional female patient

Balancing work, studies and a placement isn’t easy, but Anita Guru is relishing the challenge

Rewind to 2020 at the start of the pandemic: I could foresee significant challenges for mental health. The trauma people experienced wasn’t solely from contracting Covid, but also from isolation, lack of human interaction, an absent sense of community, and fear for their safety. I knew these would have huge implications going forward.

Switching off ‘therapist mode’ with friends and family has been a learning curve

For years, I had been told I should be a therapist because I’m a great listener and people feel comfortable opening up to me. Given I had just navigated a long journey of recovery with my own mental health, I had a keen interest in supporting others. I began exploring how to become a therapist, which seemed complex and a significant commitment, both financially and in terms of time.

One point I want to emphasise is the prevalence of online courses claiming to qualify people as therapists. However, a five-hour online course does not equip anyone to practise. Organisations such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) set rigorous requirements for qualifications, including levels of study and placement hours.

I initially found the pathway to becoming a therapist confusing. Through discussions with organisations and online research, I discovered it is a long and costly process. At the time, I wasn’t ready to commit but, every year, I revisited the options.

In early 2023, I finally decided to pursue a career in psychotherapy. After exploring various learning institutions and attending entrance interviews, I chose a small, more personalised school. I was ready to embark on my journey to qualification by completing Level 2, Level 3 and a Level 4 Diploma, which allows you to begin practising.

The learning

What does my week or month look like as a trainee psychotherapist? My course involves one long-weekend of study each month: in-person classes on Friday and Saturday, and online sessions all day Sunday. It’s an intense combination of theory, lectures and practical exercises. Returning to the classroom has been exciting. I genuinely enjoy learning, and it’s a welcome escape from daily stresses.

Outside the classroom, there is extensive reading on various theories. For each day of learning, I write a reflective log based on my experiences and readings, which are marked. These logs help me process how the learning applies to my development as a therapist.

We also complete assignments and assessments, including practical evaluations of our therapeutic skills. Being observed by an assessor during these sessions was nerve-racking! The process is demanding but insightful and far more rigorous than my path to becoming a qualified coach. It has certainly prepared me for success.

The student placement

I was eager to begin my student placement, typically undertaken in the second year of study. However, after eight months on the course, I sought approval to start earlier. I was fortunate to secure a placement at a local women’s centre. The recruitment process, involving paperwork, checks and a lengthy induction, took two months.

My placement requires me to work with four clients in weekly sessions, attend individual supervision, and participate in group supervision once a month. After each client session, I write a log reflecting on my experience and the skills I applied.

Balancing work, studies and a placement is challenging, but I enjoy the fulfilment of helping clients gain self-awareness and understanding. Even small moments of insight can profoundly impact someone’s mental wellbeing. These moments confirm I’m on the right path.

Integrating into life 

A typical week might involve conversations with potential clients, delivering webinars on topics like mental resilience, or launching a podcast – all alongside my studies. During classes, particularly in the first six months, I experienced personal revelations about myself while practising therapeutic techniques. These moments could be intense but were essential for my growth. I also engage with podcasts and online workshops to broaden my perspective.

Switching off ‘therapist mode’ with friends and family has been a learning curve. It’s essential to maintain boundaries, both for their sake and my own wellbeing.

The breadth of the human mind and its development has been overwhelming at times, even with a degree in psychology. This specialised level of depth is entirely different. After busy weeks of work and study, I often feel drained, but my passion for learning keeps me motivated.

Reflections and moving forward

Establishing a routine to balance these new aspects of my life has been a journey. My placement, though initially daunting, has been incredibly insightful. Once started, I realised the prospect was more intimidating than the reality.

I’m excited for the journey ahead and look forward to qualifying in June 2025.