At this time of year, interviews for prospective Counselling and Psychotherapy students have begun at Edge Hill. Two years ago, I was preparing for my interview and found myself frantically searching Google for insider knowledge to no avail.
If you have been offered an interview, you will already have a rough idea of what will be asked but each interview will still be somewhat unique based on the responses you give. So, I’ve pulled together some general advice to get you on the right track.
Spend some time really familiarising yourself with person-centred counselling. In the interview, they will really dig deep to make sure you have understood the model of counselling and will ask your thoughts on it, how you imagine yourself practising it etc. A rehearsed definition won’t be enough, you will need to really be ready to unpick it and discuss it! Spend some time journaling your ideas around the model and what it means to you beyond simply helping others or making a difference.
As you are researching the model, have a look at some of theory and books surrounding it. Being able to give some examples of what you read and how it made you feel will evidence that you have been preparing and will also better equip you for any counselling specific questions that may come up. Websites like Counselling Tutor will have simplified versions of the theory for you, with references to the books used. However, read carefully as Counselling Tutor covers all models of counselling whereas the Edge Hill course is wholly focussed on person-centred, experiential counselling.
There is also a huge focus on personal development and self-awareness on our course, which means a lot of sharing of emotion and being vulnerable (as well as being open to learning stuff about yourself that shocks you or that you don’t necessarily like). An awareness of this and some consideration of how it will feel to be on that journey with up to 30 other people for 3 years will stand you in good stead in the interview – even if that comes in the form of an honest “I’ll find it really hard but I’m going to do it even when it hurts”. Again, spending some time exploring this in a journal will help you to form a really clear standpoint that you can confidently and authentically share in the interview.
If you have an interview coming up for this course, or if you are thinking of applying for 2021 entry and beyond, feel free to ask me questions about the interview and/or the course in the comments below!
Sam xo