Counselling at Chichester: ‘It’s a journey of self-discovery’

Bud Hagon took the BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling and graduated in May 2021. She now works for the Young People’s Shop in Chichester.

Can you tell us about your job role now?

I am the Counselling Lead at the Young People’s Shop, a mental health charity that provides a holistic approach, including counselling, emotional support and wellbeing activities for young people aged 11 to 25.  My role involves providing support and oversight to a team of 20 counsellors and four clinical supervisors. I manage the recruitment and induction of new counsellors, many who are trainees embarking on their first counselling placements. Additionally, I conduct counselling assessments for young people, ensuring their needs are met and the right support is offered.

Do you think your degree helped you land your job, and how do you think it helped?

I couldn’t effectively perform my current role without the skills and knowledge gained through my degree. Being a qualified counsellor equips me with a deep understanding of the counselling process, enabling me to support both clients and counsellors as they progress in their professional journeys.

Can you tell us about your experience at the University? What did you love about the course and Chichester?

I really enjoyed the atmosphere at University of Chichester; it always felt welcoming and calming. The support staff at SIZ were always friendly and helpful, and the café was a great place to socialise with great tea and cake.

I absolutely loved the course itself, and found the modules so interesting. It’s a journey of self-discovery, and the things I learnt along the way have shaped me as a person. The course tutors were approachable and supportive. I highly recommend this course to anyone considering becoming a counsellor.

Why did you decide to study at Chichester?

I chose to study at Chichester because of the fond memories I had of childhood holidays in East Wittering, as well as day trips to Chichester. The course sounded really good, and I drove down from Croydon (where I was living at the time) and spoke to a lovely woman in the Admissions department who game me lots of information, and it all just felt very right.

What are your hopes for the future in your career?

I hope to continue being a part of the Young People’s Shop in Chichester, and return to and develop my private counselling practice.

What advice do you have for someone considering University who may want to follow a similar career path?

Go for it! It may seem like a lot to juggle at first, but stay calm and keep going, it is truly worth it.

Find out more about Counselling at the University of Chichester.