Jules Reeves

TRAINEE AT LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY

Background

After many years working with children with special educational needs, I took a leap of faith and decided to return to education to study BSc Psychology as a mature student. I have always been drawn to the complexity of the human mind and how this can affect our behaviours and relationships. As my knowledge grew in this area, it felt important to me that I could share what I had learned so others could also benefit. As a consequence, this life changing decision is what then led me towards my counselling training. 

Alongside my studies, I have spent the last few years supporting families facing many life challenges. I also work for a suicide prevention charity on their helpline which has given me insight into the trauma and internal conflicts that many people face. I love the work that I do and get to recognise the positive impact that giving someone the space to be listened to and truly heard can have. I feel it is a privilege to be trusted to be that person.

Training goals

Are you majoring in a particular area?

I am being trained in an integrative approach to counselling. This combines a person-centred approach alongside a psychodynamic approach. This counselling style enables flexibility within the therapeutic relationship to safely explore patterns of behaviour that may no longer be helpful for the client, within a warm and compassionate dynamic. I love this collaborative approach to therapy where the client can be supported to become the expert in their own life.

Do you hope to work with a certain demographic/population subset? 

I am open to working with people from all backgrounds and experiences. I personally believe that genuine therapeutic connection can be found when the relationship is approached with an open and curious mindset rather than making assumptions based on how someone may present themselves. My natural curiosity has always led me to gravitate towards difference and diversity, rather than away from it, which has gifted me with many relationships that have enriched my own life. 

What experience do you hope to gain from this placement:

I hope this placement will help to build my confidence in my own counselling style and skills as I gain experience working with a diverse range of clients and concerns. I am also looking forward to learning from supervision and being introduced to a range of alternative counselling approaches, which will help me to build on my learning so far. 

Membership

I am a BACP registered Trainee Psychotherapist.