Fiona Bebbington-St Clair

Working in a school and completing training on childhood adverse experiences sparked my desire to offer emotional support to others. I was also personally impacted by the value of counselling after the loss of my sister, and later, my best friend. These experiences showed me the power of compassionate support, and I knew I wanted to provide that for others.

When I attended an open day, I was met with warmth and enthusiasm from both tutors and current students. The welcoming environment and the passion of the staff made it clear to me that Edge Hill was the right place to pursue my studies.

Throughout my degree, I have honed my ability to critically reflect on my own experiences, emotions, and responses. This skill has been essential for personal growth and professional development, allowing me to better understand my counselling approach and improve my effectiveness with clients. Attending encounter groups has provided invaluable opportunities to deepen this reflective practice by engaging in real-time self-exploration and feedback.

Developing empathy has been central to my studies and placements. Through coursework and hands-on experience with clients, I have enhanced my capacity to truly understand and connect with others’ feelings and perspectives. This skill is vital for creating a trusting and supportive therapeutic environment. Participating in conferences has exposed me to diverse viewpoints and client experiences, broadening my empathetic understanding and enriching my practice. I was able to build professional connections and connect with experts and fellow practitioners, strengthening my network and keeping me informed about current trends and best practices in counselling and psychotherapy.

There have been countless powerful moments throughout the course, especially those that encouraged deep personal insight. However, the strongest memories come from the close friendships I’ve built. The shared growth and understanding we’ve developed as a group over the past three years has been incredibly meaningful.

Being able to make a real difference in people’s lives through my placement work has been the most rewarding part of the course. I support cancer patients and their families, as well as clients living with neurological conditions and their loved ones. This area of work is especially meaningful to me, as my sister was diagnosed with a brain tumour. That experience gave me a personal understanding of the emotional toll serious illness can take, not only on the individual but on their family as well. It inspired me to work with clients facing similar challenges, and I feel privileged to offer them a safe, supportive space during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Seeing the impact of my counselling in real time has strengthened my belief in the power of therapeutic relationships and reinforced my commitment to this path.

The most rewarding aspect of Edge Hill has been its incredibly supportive and friendly community. From the moment I arrived, both staff and fellow students have created a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect. This supportive atmosphere has made it easier to navigate the challenges of university life and encouraged me to grow both academically and personally.

I love spending time in the green spaces around campus, where the peaceful surroundings and presence of wildlife create a calm and reflective atmosphere. These natural areas offer a perfect escape from the demands of academic life, allowing me to recharge and find balance. Being in this environment complements the introspective and empathetic nature of my studies, helping me to stay grounded and focused.

I am starting postgraduate study in Creative Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy to develop my interest in using creative methods to support clients. Alongside this, I’ll be working in private practice, where I hope to integrate these approaches into my therapeutic work and continue growing as a practitioner.

I’d advise anyone studying a counselling and psychotherapy degree to make the most of the Personal Development Groups; they are a unique and valuable part of the course. Also, organise your placement as early as possible to get the most from the experience and take advantage of the funding towards personal counselling.

The support from my personal tutor has been incredible throughout my degree. Having someone consistently in my corner has significantly boosted my confidence and academic progress. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities, guidance, and encouragement I have received from Edge Hill University at every stage of my journey.

As a mature student, completing the Fastrack course before starting my degree was a pivotal experience. It gave me the confidence to realise that I could engage fully in academic study and succeed, ultimately achieving a first-class degree. The Fastrack course truly provided a second chance at education and opened the door to studying a subject I am deeply passionate about.