Some of the Student Support Group Team

Student Support Groups

A support group for those of African, Asian and Caribbean heritage who are training to become psychotherapist and counsellors. Please review what we're about

Training to become a Black or Asian psychotherapist or counsellor presents us with the challenge of finding our voice within the silence of our minority experience. The BAAT Network Student Support Groups provide a space for students with an African, Asian or Caribbean heritage to tell their stories, clarify their dilemmas, and be met with enthusiasm, dialogue and support.

Each group will be facilitated by our Support Group Facilitators who are all qualified and registered psychotherapists who themselves have an Asian, African or Caribbean heritage and the groups will be open to all students whatever their theoretical orientation.

Comments from the students

""I totally enjoyed the support groups. I found them safe to disclose and share my experience in: which was a huge area of disappointment, judgement and pain for me whilst training. The group felt more like fellowship which had a beautiful aura about it and I found the input from my peers informative. I made some wonderful friends and have kept in contact with them ever since."

"The theories were really interesting, but also a huge shock, we are not taught about the "real" impact for BME therapists and client relations on our course."

"My experience of the groups was richly rewarding and very unique. Hearing others experience of training to be counsellors or personal brought new things into my awareness. The group itself being black and Asian was incredibly new to me and hit so many parts of me that others have difficulties understanding."

"The group I attended provided a lot of theoretical thinking. I particularly enjoyed culture scripts and the work of Isha Mavinga-Mckenzie on Recognition Trauma which supported me in training. All handouts and book recommendations led me to further awareness of my own process and clients." 

"I found it very useful and supportive to cope with what I perceived to be defensive behaviour amongst white peers when Race was raised for discussion, and I felt myself isolated and seen as a 'troublemaker' as I was determined that race would not be brushed under the carpet.  It helped me to deal with my anger, stay reasonably objective and understand that white reaction in my classes was not personal.  It was also useful to learn from the facilitators that the way race was responded to or for that matter, taught on courses has not changed much in the last 20 years or so."

If you would like to know more about the group email eugene@baatn.org.uk or call 07946 582 012

Venue: Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre, London N4 3JP

Cost:  £7 non member and free for members

Dates:
Saturday 08th Oct 2011
Saturday 26th Nov 2011
Saturday 14th Jan 2012
Saturday 25 Feb 2012
Sturday 07th April 2012
Saturday 19th May 2012
Saturday 16th June 2012