Stories about People

Christian Holyoak

I was interested in studying psychology and working as a therapist after undertaking a journey of healing and personal discovery after some personal tragedies that surrounded my life. As a client I found it imperative that the therapist was able to relate to me as a human being rather than a patient, and who was able to help me find my own inner resources to work through my own challenges in life. Most importantly, I needed a therapist who had therapeutic expertise and the wisdom of when and how to use it, and who was able to be there for me rather than 'do therapy' on me.

As a therapist entering the industry I wanted to select a course that allowed me to explore diverse approaches to therapy in an investigative environment, and provided excellent training as a therapist. I completed my undergraduate psychology degree at another university and after researching the clinical and counselling master programmes in Western Australia and Australia and consulting with mentors who work and train in the therapeutic field I settled on applying for the Masters in Counselling Psychology programme at Curtin University.

The course has been fantastic! The staff are approachable, available, and supportive. The training has been professional and exciting. The practicum placements and professional supervision has been a non-threatening affair, but also very challenging. I learnt through my contact within the industry that the course has a high reputation for producing professional and skilled therapists. In fact, I was offered work at one of my practicum placements and many of my class colleagues were also offered work in the industry before completing the course. I feel the course has prepared me for working with clients with diverse challenges and issues in their life in a therapeutic way. I especially enjoyed the individual and group therapy units.

Christian Holyoak