University Centre South Devon opens its own School of Counselling and inspires former students

A united passion for making a difference in people’s lives has brought together three University Centre South Devon graduates.

Dani Tabb, Hannah Garner and Monika Lewis, all met while they were studying the FdSc Psychology with Counselling Skills and the BSc Social and Therapeutic Interventions courses and decided to set up their own counselling service.

“Having worked closely together on placement during our degree course it became evident we could provide a unique counselling service within the area in the near future, “explained Monika, who had previously worked in the hotel industry and in bilingual customer service work.

“This idea became a reality shortly after graduation when determination, motivation to work together to make a change and the chance of finding our current premises came together to form Sakura Counselling.”

All three women say they use their own positive and negative experiences with personal counselling, as well as the mandatory therapy sessions during the course, to form a basis for how they do and don’t want to work going forward in their careers. The friends say working together comes naturally.

“We work to each other’s strengths and come together like a puzzle having all its pieces falling together. For all of us it is the first time working in an environment inspiring growth, personal development, strong working relationships and ethics, as well as the opportunity to provide a service enabling real, long-term change for the local area,” said Dani, who previously worked in Early Years and Family Work within the Justice System.

Hannah, who had studied Social Sciences for two years prior to the course, whilst being a full-time parent, says Sakura Counselling offers support to a wide range of individuals.

“We see young people, both in education and alternative provisions, from about secondary school age upwards, many of whom are often deemed too complex for statutory services. 

“We have worked hard to build partnerships with other services supporting victims of abuse in all its forms and pride ourselves on the ability to work inclusively with all of our clients’ needs, which may include neurodiversity, identity, trauma, grief, relational issues and more.”

The three women said they enjoyed studying at University Centre South Devon and found it very supportive.

“There was a lot of personal growth for me during the course, and it was really great to have the support of the tutors and other students. There is a big emphasis on being yourself, and I felt that was easy to do," said Hannah.

Next year University Centre South Devon is opening its own School of Counselling which will offer a unique space combining a comfortable, person centred and inclusive learning area.

“Our counselling pathway is designed to support students from their very first steps right through to professional accreditation,” said Hannah Davies, Head of Faculty for Social Sciences.

“Learners can start with Level 2 Counselling Skills, progress to Level 3, and then complete the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. After Level 4, students are eligible to apply for professional accreditation, opening the door to a rewarding career as an accredited counsellor.

“The benefits of being in a separate building are that it offers a quiet and confidential space where students are able to share their thoughts and feelings both when learning and through practising their skills in triads which is an essential part of the course.

 “Whilst separate from the main University or college building learners still have easy access to facilities such as the library, student support hub and the overall university/college experience.”

Resources such as textbooks and tools that can be used in skills practice are accessible to students e.g. sand tray therapy, mood and emotion cards, beads and other creative tools that may be used as part of counselling. 

Level 2 and Level 3 courses are available to start in January. This course could be fully funded under the Government's Free Courses for Jobs scheme for students who are 19 or over and earning less than £25,750, or who are studying their first level 3 qualification.  To find out more visit southdevon.ac.uk and search 'counselling'