Jonathan Long joins us for counselling student placement (Part 1)

Jonathan joins us here at the Federation on 13th October for around 33 weeks on placement whilst he studies for a masters degree in counselling and psychotherapy. We’re looking forward to following Jonathan’s journey with us through a series of blogs in which he will share how his placement is going and some of his experiences.

Here’s Jonathan’s first blog, where he tells us a little bit about himself and his background…

Hi, my name is Jonathan and I am training to be British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) qualified counsellor.

A little bit of information about me… I am studying for a master’s degree in counselling and psychotherapy at Salford University. As well as studying I am also a carer for my father. Prior to this, I was an English teacher for twelve years in Thailand, teaching English as a second language, which allowed me to meet people from a wide range of places and backgrounds.

I originally considered a career in counselling and psychotherapy many years ago, before I decided on teaching overseas, but it was only after I had returned to the UK and studied psychology (GCSE and A-level) – a subject that had always interested me – and had a strong inner feeling, a bit like a calling, that I decided now was the time to pursue a career in counselling.

I am very grateful to Bolton GP Federation and to Rumworth Primary Care Network (PCN) for giving me the opportunity to gain some practical experience at their practices, starting in mid-October. The counselling approach in the sessions offered will be person-centred and will be very much about creating a safe therapeutic space for clients to explore and share their feelings on issues that may feel a burden for them.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to gain more counselling experience, as well as to meeting and working with new clients within the GP practices. I hope that by providing respect, warmth and openness in the therapeutic relationship, the sessions will prove to be a positive experience and helpful for all.