Volunteer Spotlight: Lorna

I have wanted to work with Cruse Scotland for a long time, and the opportunity presented itself to me as a student counsellor looking for a placement. I had to apply twice, as Cruse Scotland wants students to have at least 50 hours of counselling and mainly second-year students. I understand that this is how they ensure their quality for clients when they are with student counsellors. This is reassuring from both perspectives. Cruse Scotland devotes time and effort into structuring clients and training for student counsellors, and it feels safe for us students and also for the clients receiving counselling.

It’s a strange statement for me to say that I enjoy being a bereavement counsellor, although this statement is true. Partly I think I’ve found a niche in counselling where I feel confident and able to help clients but also for the framework that Cruse Scotland builds round you. There is always management to have someone to talk to after a face-to-face session and also to help support further if any problems or concerns arise. It feels easy and comfortable to talk to Cruse Scotland about studying, clients, concerns, life in general and, as a counsellor, to feel heard and validated.

Also, the counsellors that have been with Cruse Scotland for a long time are friendly and open. I’ve received a lot of welcome advice and knowledge when meeting with them.

I have had a diverse mix of clients at a skilled and advanced listener level, and I’m fairly confident their experience of Cruse Scotland has been very beneficial to them. That’s taken from the responses I get in a session, as well as the kind and gentle way they are handled by all the people before they even get to see a counsellor. Personally, I have bumped into clients after their sessions ended and have received genuine warmth from them. This tells me they valued and appreciated their sessions and are able to move forward, even though their sadness is very real.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Cruse Scotland to anyone who is thinking of volunteering or coming in as a student counsellor. I get comments from my cohorts that they wish they had applied after hearing my experience.

It’s been a great experience for me so far, and I’m happy to stay on with Cruse Scotland (if they'll have me!) as a qualified counsellor when I’ve finished my course.

They put their faith in you to be safe with clients; they will also hold you in a secure framework of trust, help, advice, continuing training, CPD and warmth.

Words by Cruse Scotland Volunteer Lorna

Volunteers Week will run from Monday 2 June until Sunday 8 June. Learn how you can get involved here.

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