Vision Counselling and Psychology has a unique volunteer program that welcomes students wishing to gain experience in a practice as part of our volunteer support team for one half day per week.
Our program runs from our head office in Scarborough. Tasks may involve supporting our administration team, resourcing data and researching information and participating in our post therapy support program. Volunteers can advise as to which areas they are interested in learning about. Volunteers are also welcome to attend peer and group supervision to gain further experience and exposure to the industry.
Our goal is that this program is a valuable and practical experience for students to communicate with and assist clients and that they are able to gain exposure to a professional counselling and psychology practice to assist in their future career path.
Here is what our previous Volunteer Support Team Members have to say about their experience –
“My experience as a Volunteer/Support Team Member at Vision Counselling and Psychology this last year has been amazing and invaluable.
The staff are wonderful and friendly. I have met and made some great friendships. I have also gained alot both personally and professionally.
Having now just completed my studies, I now look forward to my new career as a Professional Counsellor with Vision.” Lauren, Counselling Student, 2013
“As a support team member I felt so valued and appreciated by all the staff. The encouragement and support provided by the team motivated me to do well within the business itself and in my own professional career.
I discovered so much about myself and the field of counselling and psychology that I will take with me wherever I go.” Nicole, Psychology Student, 2013
“Volunteering at Vision Counselling and Psychology provided me with invaluable insight into the daily operations of private practice, which I had not previously been exposed to as a student in a University setting. Additionally, the practical experience I gained, as part of the volunteer administration support team complemented the theoretical knowledge I acquired over the course of my undergraduate degree in Psychology, embedding the theory in a real world context. The staff were warm, welcoming and supportive throughout my volunteer experience. And importantly, volunteering served to solidify my choice to pursue a career in Psychology.” Louisa, Psychology Student 2015
“Volunteering at Vision Counselling and Psychology has been both a valuable and enjoyable experience. As a volunteer I felt appreciated and my thoughts and ideas were valued. During my time at Vision my skills and confidence greatly improved. It was wonderful to volunteer in such a supportive and encouraging environment.
My experience as a Volunteer/Support Team Member at Vision Counselling and Psychology this last year has been amazing and invaluable.” Darcy, Psychology Student 2015
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you all. My volunteer experience has been nothing but positive and I hope to one day be part of a workplace that is as positive, encouraging and connected as Vision’s.” Jennifer, Psychology Student, 2015
“My time volunteering with Vision Counselling and Psychology has been one of the most enriching and valuable learning experiences I have had.
I was encouraged at all times by the wonderful and supportive team at vision to use the skills I already had, develop new ones and access some I never even knew I possessed!
I always felt I was a valued member of the Vision team with my input, opinions and ideas being actively sought and encouraged.
I know that what I have learned and the confidence I have gained by volunteering with Vision will benefit to me in my future working roles, and for this I can only say thank you.” Donelle, Counselling & Psychotherapy Student 2016
“In January 2016, I was fortunate enough to be selected as a volunteer counsellor with Vision Counselling and Psychology at the Scarborough office. Over an 18-month period, as a volunteer counsellor, I spoke to numerous clients with various issues. The experience gained was second to none.
Being acutely aware that it is difficult to gain hands on experience as a counsellor, the programme run by Vision Counselling and Psychology in conjunction with the Stirling City Council gives graduates the opportunity to gain much needed experience as well as confidence in their own ability.
The constant support offered by the staff of Vision was fantastic, always available to answer questions and lend a guiding hand.
Thanks to Vision I am now working as a contract counsellor. Being armed with the necessary skills has allowed me to progress within this profession.
Thank-you Vision Counselling and Psychology.” Ken, Counselling Graduate, 2017
“Volunteering with Vision has been the most amazing experience; I could not think of a better place or way to complement my studies. I have gained invaluable insight into the counselling industry and been presented with so many opportunities that I am forever grateful for. I cannot thank the team at Vision enough for blessing me with their time, knowledge and inspiration, for it has enabled me to progress both professionally and personally in more ways than I could have ever imagined.” Montana, Psychology Student, 2017
“It has been a great experience working at Vision. I felt like a valued member, always being encouraged and supported by Vision’s team. I cannot express how grateful I feel towards Vision for molding me into a very much professional Counsellor. My special thanks to Gillian for always motivating me.” Sandhya, Counselling Graduate, 2018
“My time volunteering at Vision Counselling and Psychology has been both invaluable and enjoyable. I feel very fortunate to have worked with such lovely and supportive staff and to be given the autonomy to grow and gain confidence in the profession. I feel my skills and knowledge have improved exponentially thanks to the environment and nature of the program. I am deeply grateful for my time with Vision. Sarah, Counselling Graduate, 2021″
