Gabi Cook PG Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression (IAPT)

Trainee Psychological Therapist

I also really enjoyed is the ‘hands on’ learning approach and being able to learn from other students on the course. This included ‘role play’, experiential exercises such as simulating panic symptoms via hyperventilating as well as experiencing therapy from the client’s point of view, which helped me gain a better understanding of the different interpersonal skills and processes and how these can impact on the therapeutic relationship and progress.

Why did you choose to carry out your postgraduate study at Southampton?

I live and work locally and therefore getting on the course at University of Southampton was a big bonus. I studied at this university several years ago and enjoyed the experience greatly: from the quality of the teaching and support from tutors, to its many facilities as well as the landscaped gardens and catering choices at campus. I felt excited and at ease returning to Southampton.

What is the academic support that you have received like?

The welcome lecture at the start of the course included a brief talk from Student Services making us aware as to what kinds of help are available for students. Whilst I have not needed to use Student Services’ support, I have found the academic support from lecturers and my personal tutor fantastic. There is a real enthusiasm for students’ academic progress and a genuine concern for managing this intensive course on a personal level.

What is it like studying here?

The facilities on campus are excellent (e.g. library, sports centre) and there are plenty of choices for food- and drink venues but they can get a little crowded at times. What I particularly like about studying here are the landscaped gardens, the friendly atmosphere and, despite the main campus being busy, being able to find a quiet spot to study or relax.

What have been your Southampton highlights so far?

I have met and become friends with a lovely bunch of other trainees who have been so supportive throughout the year and who have also been up for a laugh and a bit of socialising. The course can be very demanding at times so having this balance certainly made it a lot easier. Finding the ‘secret garden’ and having lunch with other trainees in the sun was a definite highlight; the Christmas meal quiz brought the competitive side out in us and enjoying a beer in the uni bar whilst undertaking an experiential exercise and our lecturer looking after our bags was another little gem.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

One of the things I liked most about this course was the high standard of tutoring by the course’s lecturers using different methods of teaching and enriching their lectures by drawing from their own clinical experience and with a great sense of humour. I don’t think I have ever learnt and laughed so much at the same time. What I also really enjoyed is the ‘hands on’ learning approach and being able to learn from other students on the course. This included ‘role play’, experiential exercises such as simulating panic symptoms via hyperventilating as well as experiencing therapy from the client’s point of view, which helped me gain a better understanding of the different interpersonal skills and processes and how these can impact on the therapeutic relationship and progress.

What are you hoping to do after you complete your postgraduate study?

The course involves part-time clinical work within an NHS setting and I work as Trainee Psychological Therapist for italk, which is the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service being delivered as a partnership between Solent Mind and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. On completion of the course I will work in clinical practice full-time and am hoping to get settled in my new role and put the techniques and skills learnt in the course into practice. I am also hoping to gain full BABCP accreditation as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist in the next year or two.