How many of you have witnessed loved ones crippled by depression, bereavement, anxiety, addiction, disordered eating, and so on, and felt failed by the ineffective methods of managing mental health and trauma-related issues? I imagine it’s sadly quite a few of you. Someone very close to me reached such a desperate state that suicidality was at the forefront of their mind. They were unable to access adequate treatment from the current mental health services, and that confirmed to me that studying counselling & psychotherapy was the right path for me.
I have endured several traumatic experiences throughout my life, which effectively resulted in the manifestation of trauma-related issues and psychological health disturbances. After a traumatic relationship breakdown, I needed to start a new life, so made the decision to move to a new city with my then 3-year-old daughter as a single parent. I felt isolated, lonely, and overwhelmed, whilst concurrently attempting to deal with issues that I had suppressed for years suddenly bubbling to the surface. Shortly after, I received a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis - it felt like my body and mind were giving up, but I had to keep it together for my daughter’s sake. What really helped me was engaging in therapy, processing the past, and actively focusing on my well-being. I will be eternally grateful to the therapist that held my hand through this period of my life. I just knew that my calling was to then help other people in the way that I was helped, so in 2018 I applied and was accepted to train as a counsellor. I am now in the final month of an MA in counselling & psychotherapy and reflecting on the turbulent journey. It has been challenging in many ways – it has been hard financially and juggling parenting, work, a pandemic, study, and health, but it has simultaneously been an incredible experience where I have met some lifelong friends and grown and gained so much. Some people might think that I should steer clear of pursuing further study considering the hardship side of things, but I feel that there is still so much more that I can do to help those suffering, and I want to do the very most that I can.
I acknowledge that the “standard” ways of treating mental health issues have appeared ineffective, therefore this has contributed to my developing interest in alternative methods of treating trauma-related issues, such as addiction. Last year, I researched the effects of psychedelic-assisted therapy on mental health, instigated by my interest in pursuing a career that makes a difference in targeting trauma-related issues. For the last two years, I have worked with individuals suffering from addiction and have devoted my energy to ways in which I can help clients unravel and understand their trauma history and subsequent mental health issues. Considering this, I wish to partake in one of two courses in psychedelic-assisted therapy. The first is with the Psychedelic Health Professionals Network, which begins in September 2023 and is a 1-year course taking place online and the practical side in Amsterdam. The second course has just been announced to take place at Exeter University and is in the final approval stages. Now, I know that some of you might be thinking that this method of treatment has not actually been legalised in England yet, but I am hopeful that as a country, we are not too far away from this becoming an available treatment for targeting mental health issues. There have been many studies and research trials on psilocybin-assisted therapy and its effectiveness is undeniable, although unfortunately it is still being stigmatised hence, I predict that some may feel uncomfortable or not fully agree with the cause. I would like to be trained in this area in time for when it does become available in this country, so I am ready to help people without delay.
As I have already received a post-graduate loan before, I am not entitled to receive another loan, therefore have the issue of funding this course. I am looking to raise £9,900 (the cost of the course fees) to enable me to undergo this training. I, my brother, and a few pals are intending on doing the “THREE PEAK CHALLENGE” (climbing three mountains within 24 hours – namely Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis). If anyone would like to sponsor me and feels passionate about supporting this pioneering treatment, then I would hugely appreciate any donation, no matter how small. Even a small gesture could make a big difference.