In my therapy training, I’m following the curriculum set out by the CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) for person-centred counselling.

In this curriculum, the first stage is a certificate in counselling skills. At this level you learn how to frame conversations safely and ethically, and learn to tap into your empathy in these conversations. You learn how to provide a space where people can talk openly about their feelings or troubles, and you respond with openness and empathy. You call yourself a ‘helper’.

The next stage is a certificate in counselling studies. This course is much more academic. You learn theories of counselling and mental health, working ethically, as well as looking into diversity and differences to help build empathy. This might seem backwards: why do you learn the practice before the theory? But this makes sense to me on multiple levels.