A FORMER Redcar & Cleveland college student has gone full circle in her career after returning to the college to offer counselling services to students and staff.
Tina Dadds’ counselling training first began in 2008 after a leaflet promoting a reduced £20 fee course was posted through her door.
Eight years and a first class Therapeutic Counselling honours degree later, Tina has returned to the college in her role as student service lead with Alliance Psychological Services to deliver free counselling and psychological therapies to students and members of staff.
Tina first attended evening classes at Redcar & Cleveland College to study Level 2 Counselling Concepts and Level 3 Counselling Skills. She went on to gain a Foundation Degree in Counselling which led to her securing her first role in the counselling field with a local school counselling service.
Tina, from Marske, said: “The location of the college and the opportunity to study at Higher Education level meant the course was ideal for my needs and I believe the quality of my qualifications helped me to secure employment.”
Alliance Psychological Services, which currently offers a student therapy service covering 11 colleges across Teesside on behalf of the NHS, also provides free talking therapies to adults aged 16 years and over who are registered with a GP in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool or Redcar & Cleveland.
Tina, who delivers counselling to students suffering from a number of issues, including bereavement or relationship issues, added: “I have a sense of achievement in bringing and delivering this service into the very college where I started my counselling journey. My role continues to develop, taking on new opportunities and responsibilities, all of which are possible due to the qualifications I gained whilst studying at Redcar & Cleveland College”.
Due to the successful referral rate to the service, Alliance Psychological Services has also placed a psychological wellbeing practitioner in the college to offer low intensity cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to students and staff who are struggling with issues including stress, low mood or anxiety.
Gillian Harrison, therapeutic counselling course leader at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “Tina embraced every aspect of training throughout the complete progression route and was an absolute joy to teach. The course team never doubted that she would make an excellent counsellor.
“I’m delighted that Tina has now been able to return to the college to offer counselling services to our students through her role with Alliance Psychological Services. The counselling course team are incredibly proud to have supported so many students who have gone on to secure employment in counselling services across Tees Valley and appreciate the continued support of agencies offering placements to our current students. Tina is a fabulous ambassador to promote this further.”
For further information on Redcar & Cleveland College, please call 01642 473 132 or visit http://www.cleveland.ac.uk.