“When I first saw the ad for ACAP, I had been considering study for some time but I was unsure which path to take. My family and friends had been encouraging me to explore counselling or psychology as they often say I have a natural aptitude for active listening and I’m someone who consciously holds space to support other people. I’m certainly drawn to helping others and I’m very empathetic. The fact that ACAP offered a counselling course so local to me was appealing as I didn’t want to travel or study online. Anyway, I took the step and called the lovely team at ACAP and I’m so pleased I did. I have to say I am absolutely loving my journey. The teachers are so knowledgeable and approachable with such a passion for their craft that inspires us all. I especially enjoy the anecdotes they share with us. The biggest surprise for me really has been the awesome friendships I have forged with my fellow students. We are all supportive of each other, sharing so many laughs and communicating several times a day via our WhatsApp group. It’s all really amazing”.
While Allegra finds the study experience fun, she is also acutely aware of the social relevance of counselling and believes the role of therapy is becoming increasingly important today.
“I don’t think we can underestimate the importance of counselling for the social and emotional wellbeing of individuals. Now more than ever we need educated and experienced counsellors to help with the increase in mental health issues we are seeing. This a critical issue, not only for individuals but also for sustaining communities. I personally have experienced the liberating and healing effects of working with therapists on and off for years, and it’s something I’ve found to be life-changing.”
Allegra has a busy life outside of study but manages to balance work, study and family through good time management and healthy boundaries.
“A year before I moved to Byron with my two daughters, I met my future husband and we now run a business together with me working as Office Manager. When we blended our families, I also inherited two amazing step children, a boy and a girl and I had never felt so content and complete in all my life. While life is busy, I am lucky that the children are now older and I work with a very understanding husband so when the demands of study feel overwhelming I have good support. Incorporating self-care strategies is integral, and something I am still learning to do. In saying that, I absolutely love my journey with ACAP and I wouldn’t change a thing”.