Published: 11 May 2026
Alex’s story: Helping others through her own journey
Alex has turned her passion for helping others into a career in counselling, having recently completed her Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling Diploma with us.
In her 20s, Alex received counselling. What began as a personal step towards improving her own wellbeing, soon sparked a passion for wanting to help others.
At that time, Alex was facing challenges with her mental health and “felt fed up with where life was at”. Determined to make a change, Alex joined our REMIT programme. Designed for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, REMIT courses help learners develop interpersonal, practical and functional skills. The courses also build confidence, improve wellbeing and create a sense of belonging through learning.
“I was struggling with a lot of anxiety and leaving the house, so it (REMIT courses) helped by giving me something to get out the house for”
The pivotal moment for Alex was a REMIT Wellbeing course that she joined. She told us the course “provided the space where everyone was from all walks of life, we all clicked”
REMIT gave Alex the stepping stone she needed to build confidence and self-belief. With the support of the staff and tutors, as well as the new skills she learned, she began to envision exciting possibilities for her future.
“The tutors were constantly encouraging. They always gave me the space to talk and vent.”
Wanting to continue building on this progress, Alex was considering joining our Level 1 Award in Mental Health and Wellbeing from the mainstream Skills for Work programme. With encouragement from the REMIT team, she decided to take the next step. Alex told us they “encouraged me on this path and didn’t allow me to doubt myself.”
Alex believed that learning more about her passion, alongside skills to support her mental health, would make a real difference for her. The Level 1 Award in Mental Health and Wellbeing was the first course in the journey Alex needed to join to become the qualified Level 4 Therapeutic Counsellor she is today. What started as one course soon became the beginning of a longer learning journey, where Alex continued building her knowledge, skills and confidence through further study.
Studying counselling has been both challenging and rewarding for Alex.
“It’s been the hardest challenge yet, but it’s also been the best challenge.”
Alex told us that her counselling tutor was “beyond patient”. Her tutor noticed that Alex didn’t have much academic experience, such as with essay writing. So, her tutor helped her to slowly build those skills as each assignment passed. Importantly, Alex told us that she “never felt judged for it”.
Along the way, Alex has gained far more than professional skills as her confidence has grown in many areas of life. Reflecting upon her achievements, Alex told us:
“I've already achieved more than what I thought I'd be able to, not only as a woman but also as a woman with disabilities”
Having experienced the benefits of counselling herself, Alex is passionate about creating a safe space where others feel heard, supported and understood. Today, Alex is working in the sexual abuse service and has just opened her own private practice. Although she has achieved her qualification, Alex is committed to continuing her learning so she can keep developing her skills and help even more people.
“I feel like I lost a lot of years to my mental health, but now I’m catching up and right where I should be. My clients deserve the best support, and my inner child deserves to see how far I can go.”
Alex strongly believes that adult learning can change lives. When asked if she would recommend our courses, she said:
“Absolutely! We all deserve to learn, and we all deserve to see where it can take us.”
We’re extremely proud of Alex and the determination she has shown throughout her journey. While the road hasn’t always been easy, her commitment to learning and helping others has led her to a rewarding career where she can make a real difference. We can’t wait to see what more she achieves!