Our student counsellor, Ben Payne, describes the difference his work with us has made.
"Incredibly grateful" are the words that come to mind when I think of my student placement at Rekindle.
I’ve been in love with counselling throughout my training, and this passion has only deepened during my time here. I clearly remember the talk Rekindle gave at Shrewsbury Colleges Group when they were looking for students. Within moments, I was hooked—not only because of my desire to make a difference in young people’s mental health, but also because of the passion that oozed from the speakers.
An interview followed, which further reinforced what a great place Rekindle is, and soon, the day of my first client appointment arrived. Of course, I was extremely nervous, but everyone at Rekindle was so supportive. This endless support and warmth has continued throughout the 100+ hours of experience I’ve gained, to help me qualify next summer. So much so, that I can’t tell you how much I look forward to coming in every week.
In my opinion, a workplace culture depends entirely on the people, and they are among the nicest I’ve ever met—always interested, kind, and great to be around. This environment allows me to feel present and congruent with my clients, so I can walk alongside them and offer the best possible support.
Counselling feels enormously rewarding and has become my way of being. I’m training in Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and a quote from Carl Rogers, who devised it, sums it up for me:
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if I can let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a little on the right-hand corner, and put a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.’ I don’t do that. I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch it with awe as it unfolds.”
Watching the transformation of young people during my time at Rekindle has been a special experience that will stay with me forever. But I would add to Rogers’ quote to describe my time working with everyone at Rekindle. He mentions sunsets, and I would say my experience here has brought real sunshine into my life as well as others’.
A huge thank you to everyone I have met so far.
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