It’s Never Too Late: A Journey into Person-Centred Counselling

Peter Studley, a 61-year-old mature student at East Sussex College, is defying stereotypes and embracing a journey of self-discovery studying BSc (Hons) Person-Centred Counselling at the College’s Eastbourne campus.

Peter's journey at East Sussex College is a testament to the transformative power of education, for all ages. Peter, in his final year of a full-time Foundation Degree in Person-Centred Counselling, reflected on what it means to be a “mature student" and finds solace in identifying as a "student of life."

His journey into counselling began post-pandemic and jobless, where he enrolled on evening courses at the College’s Eastbourne campus, earning his Level 1 and 2 qualifications in Interpersonal and Counselling skills. With determination and ambition, Peter skipped Level 3 and seamlessly transitioned into the two-year full-time Foundation degree programme at Level 4.

Following completion of his Level 5 course, Peter is aiming to begin practising as a paid counsellor, “Overall, it will have taken me just over three years to complete my qualification and retrain in my new profession.

"Going back to college felt terrifying - it had been nearly 40 years since I last sat in a classroom,” Peter admitted. “What were these ‘assignments’ the tutor was talking about? The tutors and IT department were amazingly patient and supportive. Don't let fear of studying or computing be a barrier to enrolling on the course, it's all doable. The support is there for you."

For prospective students, Peter offers words of encouragement, assuring them that the journey, though challenging, is entirely feasible.

“Getting student finance for the course fees was pretty straightforward and I did get a student maintenance loan. There’s other financial support available [including] college bursaries if you are on low income, and discounted council tax for full-time students. The College helps signposting you to all of this,” he emphasised.

Peter highlighted the collaborative nature of his course, where diverse perspectives and lived experiences are celebrated.

"The tutors on my course are great - all qualified counsellors themselves - and the process of study is encouraged to be one of collaboration rather than teaching. We are a diverse bunch on the course with lots of lived experiences. This is our strength. Lived experience is welcomed. As a 60-year-old gay man, I felt embraced and welcomed on the course by both peers and tutors," Peter said.

Undoubtedly, pursuing a Foundation degree in counselling demands commitment and dedication. Yet, for Peter, the experience has been profoundly transformative, reaffirming the potential for growth and exploration at any stage of life.

"At 60, I thought I was facing a life that would slowly begin to wind down,” said Peter. “But the opposite has happened, my life has just got bigger and bigger. It's amazing, and I highly recommend it!”

If you’re interested in studying BSc (Hons) Person-Centred Counselling, please click here for more information.