"Why I trained as a Person-Centred Therapist"
“I searched for a training founded on a different way of understanding the process of development and change for us humans” – Ishtar Swaffield
When I left school, I had no real idea of what I wanted to do with my life. I was just interested in having a good time. I went to university to study Theatre Arts – Movement, Drama and Education – not with any real intention of becoming a teacher – I just fancied being involved in the other more enticing subjects. But I did go into Education – firstly in schools and then in a Theatre Arts Centre teaching Drama and found that I loved it. More accurately, I found I loved working with young people – especially those from deprived backgrounds, many of whom found a place of safety and belonging in the sessions.
“They could find a way of being their authentic selves, living through the ‘characters’ (the versions of themselves) they portrayed in the activities we created together.”
I witnessed first-hand, the self-belief and confidence that this generated in these young people, and it was this experience which inspired me to train as a therapist. I wanted to learn how to work with individuals in way which supported them to connect with, understand, and appreciate inner dimensions of themselves.
My first training was a humanistic integrative programme, combining a Gestalt and Psychosynthesis approach. The training was mainly residential and I loved the intensity of this and learnt a lot about myself, but I didn’t love the way that we were encouraged to be as therapists in the therapeutic relationship; it felt too ‘expert’ led, too directive and teacherly. So, I searched for a training founded on a different way of understanding the process of development and change for us humans, one that was built on the belief that we all have the internal resources needed for growth, development and change, and what we need is a safe place to explore and engage with this potential. Happily, I found it in the Person-Centred Approach.
“The course was also largely residential which confirmed my belief of the power of an immersive, experiential learning environment.”
30+ years on and I still love this learning environment. The Persona Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy ( BACP Accredited) is a distinctive training in the Person-Centred Approach, as it encompasses residential weeks and weekends. The unique value of residential training is that it creates an immersive experience which encourages deep self-reflection and personal development. Personal development is at the heart of person-centred counselling training, it is ‘an essential aspect of training in person-centred therapy’ (Tudor & Merry 2002) and self-awareness is provoked, nurtured and accelerated within the training group. Residential training accelerates this process, offering immersive individual and group-based learning and the opportunity for extensive self-reflection away from everyday life.
“Residential training accelerates this process, offering immersive individual and group-based learning and the opportunity for extensive self-reflection away from everyday life.”
If you want to find out more about the programme join us at one of our Open Events:
personacounselling.com
Sunday March 22nd & Sunday July 5th IN-PERSON from 10.00 – 12.00
Persona Training Centre, Grove House, Tannochside Business Park, Uddingston PH71 5PH
Thursday May 7th ONLINE from 6.30 – 7.30
"Returning to my Person(a)-centred Roots"
At Persona we know that choosing supervision training is a meaningful decision. For many practitioners, it takes time, reflection, and courage to take that step. Our supervision training is designed to offer more than a qualification – it creates space to reconnect with person-centred theory, learn experientially, and move from professional isolation into a supportive community of therapists, where confidence can grow and reflective practice is deeply valued.
We asked previous student – Ellen Williams about her experience
Why did you choose Persona for your supervision training?
It took me a few attempts to finally put my application in, but I am so GLAD I did! I loved reconnecting with person centred theory, the therapist community and learning this new skill of supervision. I work in private practise and professionally I’m isolated. I enjoyed being immersed in person centred theory, the opportunity to learn experientially, my confidence grew by doing a presentation to the group and also just being around other therapists.
What did you really enjoy about the programme?
The course is 100% quality – it’s not a quick online course you fire through, it requires you to pause, reflect and look at yourself within the role of being a supervisor. The weekends give space to pause your life and discover who you could be as a supervisor, how you want to lead by example and how you could co-create meaningful lasting supervisory relationships.
What did you learn about Clinical Supervision?
The Persona course brought to life the theory for me. As a dyslexic person I find it hard to read just theory, but the course examines different models in a way which helped us explore the theories so you can work with one/ones that fit you. Highlights: we got to act out some of the approaches with other participants in small groups and the reading was inspiring, thought provoking and from many sources not just BACP.
As course members we all benefitted from the trainer’s years of experience who have both worked in many different settings so their examples had context/nuance which provided us trainee supervisors to reflect on how we might act or do in the supervisors’ seat.
‘I know throughout my career I will be thankful that I returned to my original person centred routes for supervision training.’
What was your experience of the quality of the facilitation/structure of the programme?
Ishtar and Clair are wonderful; it reminded me of my original training that no longer exists they are both very different but offer equally valuable viewpoints. I liked their different approaches; they complement each other and create a space for experiential learning. I also loved how practical they are, they always offered how things could work in the real world. I know throughout my career I will be thankful that I returned to my original person centred routes for supervision training.
Highlights of the course?
More highlights – the case study and presenting an audio recording of a supervision session.
I learned most from the case study about who I am as a counsellor, and potential supervisor. I found doing the case study most challenging and rewarding. Also being part of the group- the potential for a lasting community- supervision group carrying on after the course.
How are you going to take your training forward?
I learned sooo much from the course, I think I will always use the learning I gained, e.g. the other day I passed on a course reading to a supervisee! Persona was a base for me, a place to land.
Our group have continued to meet and carrying on the group has been a gift from the course. I find it challenging at times because I’m a lone wolf but hugely helpful.
‘Confessions of a Closet Hoarder’ - our physical environment and well-being
Our everyday surroundings can have a powerful impact on our mood and emotions. A dark, ‘foosty’, cluttered room will have a very different impact on us than a spacious, airy, fresh smelling, light-filled space. So, whether we are aware of it or not, our physical environment impacts upon us, especially if we spend a lot of time in the same places – e.g. our workplace, our home, our cars…
How our environment influences us isn’t just about how it looks, or how aesthetically pleasing we find it. When we spend a lot of time somewhere, it becomes familiar, and we no longer really see what’s around us. The piles of paperwork on your desk, clothes spilling out of the laundry basket, the pile of shoes in the wardrobe, dust on top of books, bags of things for recycling (I could go on…) all magically disappear when we stop paying attention to them. This something known as “attention blindness”, when we just don’t register something anymore.
Whilst this is not a wholly negative phenomenon, as there are times when we need to ignore some things to prioritise others, but it doesn’t stop those things in our environment that we are not taking care of, having an impact on our overall sense of wellbeing. The way a room feels, how spacious and tidy a room feels, or the sounds in the space, all have an impact on our sense of ease in our environment.
Some tips for creating an environment which enhances our wellbeing
Maximise natural light: Let in as much natural light as possible to boost your mood. Natural light stimulates our bodies to release serotonin, a key ingredient which regulates mood, appetite, sleep and memory. Maximising exposure to natural light both outdoors and indoors is one of the best things we can do for our wellbeing.
Bring plants into your space: Bringing greenery into our indoor environment not only boosts our mood it also improves air quality. Low-maintenance, low-light indoor plants can thrive on minimal direct sunlight and can even survive in darker conditions during winter months, quietly cleaning the air and enhancing our mood.
Bring nature indoors: As well as having some plants and greenery in your space, you can also bring natural objects like stones, shells, or pieces of wood which remind you of places you have visited.
Natural Scents: Our sense of smell is powerfully connected to emotional health. Flowers are pleasing to look at, and they also stimulate our sense of smell. Smells can influence our wellbeing more than we realise and stimulate memories. Cut flowers in your space, emit a lovely fragrance and are also aesthetically pleasing, creating a real boost to our wellbeing.
Personalise your space: select some personal items that have a positive association and meaning in your spaces, things like photographs, artwork, or keepsakes, which nurture a sense of connection and belonging.
Finally, and most importantly……Declutter!! Being in a space which is clutter free, helps to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. It’s easy to accumulate all sorts of things we don’t really need, and it can be really hard to let things go when they no longer serve us. And as someone who has a tendency to hold onto things, because they could be useful at some point…I know all about this one!!)
Here’s some simple questions to get started:
· Does this item support your current priorities?
· Does this item fit in with the vision you have for myself right now?
· Can it be used for something else?
· Could this item be useful/helpful for another person?
· Would it impact on your daily life not to have this item?
· Is this item really worth the space it’s taking up in your home?
· Is this item adding value to your life right now?
Here’s a starter for ten…. it’s a simple technique called the Blitz-Tidy.
Set a timer for limited period of time (I usually do 15 -20 minutes max) and tackle one single area at a time (e.g. a drawer, a shelf, a surface, a cupboard). Have a couple of bags ready to put things in. One bag is for items to be dumped, the other bag is for recycling. DO NOT try clothes on, if you haven’t worn the item for years – let it go.
I have used this technique to tackle my wardrobe, and it works really well. I also have the bonus of knowing that the clothes I take to Oxfam or Cancer Research, which are still in good condition and very wearable, will hopefully bring some joy into another person’s life.
Give it a go…. you’ll feel better for it.
"The Benefits of Residential Training: A Pathway to Becoming a Qualified Counsellor"
Making a decision either to completely change the direction of your career or alter its pathway often will inevitably require juggling various commitments and finding a course which will fit into the time that you have available.
The Persona Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy offers a unique, learning experience, one which encompasses residential stays, evenings and weekends, specifically designed to accommodate individuals who have work commitments during the week.
The course has an interactive and integrated approach to the teaching and learning of theory, the development of clinical competence and the personal development of the students. The program is designed to equip students with a solid understanding of counselling theory, develop their clinical competence and support their personal development, creating a strong foundation for a successful career in counselling.
A Transformative Learning Experience
As one graduate of the Persona Diploma shared:
“The highlights of Module 1 were the residential week of intense, focused learning and experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the practical activities we did on the study days.”
The unique value of residential training provides an immersive experience which encourages deep self-reflection and personal development. This dual focus on self-awareness and professional skills is crucial for anyone aspiring to work effectively with clients. Not to mention the bonds which are developed with your fellow students.
Professional Accreditation and High Standards
The Persona Diploma has been accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) since 1998 and is academically credit rated at post graduate level (SCQF Level 11) by SQA.
Building a Career in Counselling
The ultimate goal for many of our students is to build a successful career in counselling. The skills and insights gained through the Professional Diploma at Persona provide a solid foundation for this journey. As one of our previous students highlighted:
“I now run my own successful private practice and have worked with multiple agencies since graduating.”
The residential element of the programme offers an enriching experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. With a focus on personal development, clinical competence and a solid understanding of related theory, the programme prepares students to confidently enter the counselling profession.
“The entire experience felt expertly managed without being managed at all….. I loved this space and partook of it freely and openly. Making the effort to converse with people out with school time gave me some meaningful highlights…. my personal tutor was a good highlight too. My main highlight was feeling assured I had made the right choice of course for myself.”
The individual learning from a course such as this can never be fully mapped out in advance because it is a journey of discovery for each and every individual.
A Blended Approach to Learning – Perfect for those who have weekday work commitments
The Diploma is unique in that it offers a blended-learning approach, offering a mix of different learning formats:
· Residential Weeks (Monday-Friday) at the Conforti Institute (full-board) – your days will be spent connecting with your fellow students through a range of interactive activities
· Study Days (9.00 – 5.30) at our training centre in Uddingston
· One weekend per Module either at Conforti or in Uddingston
· Once a month online evening session (Wednesday 6.00 – 8.30)
· Clinical Placements – starting in Module 2
· Individual supervision
"Why is Clinical Supervision SO Important?"
You will have heard about Clinical Supervision—but do you know what it really means and how it can benefit you?
Clinical supervision is a term often used in counselling, psychotherapy and other helping professions, Most people think of it as a basic mentoring, case management or performance review system, but the reality is much more in depth.
One of the most important things about Clinical Supervision, especially for counsellors and psychotherapists is that it is not simply about ‘case management’ —
“it’s about our ongoing development as a practitioner, deepening awareness, gaining insight and enhancing competence and self-care.”
Above all it’s about having a professional relationship based on trust and understanding which can sustain us throughout our careers.
Being a Supervisor
- Is about building a relationship founded on trust and confidence. A relationship which supports the supervisee and the clients they work with.
- Is about creating a place for practitioners to bring their clients and all the struggles, questions, worries and joy of the work
- Is about problem solving and helping practitioners to think through tricky situations
- Is about self-care and preventing potential burnout
- Is about your own development as you continually learn and grow in the relationships with your supervisees.
The Persona Certificate in Clinical Supervision is designed to support practitioners to make the transition from supervisee to supervisor and develop their understanding, awareness and competence and confidence to create and sustain effective supervision relationships.
Interested in our course? Find out more and apply at: Become a Clinical Supervisor in Glasgow