In B.C., the demand for counsellors is expected to increase in coming years. According to government statistics 2,320 new positions are expected to open within the next decade, with as much as 36.2% of projected openings coming from an increase in demand (WorkBC, 2018).
For many searching for a stable and rewarding career, these figures hold promise. However, the benefits of attending Rhodes Wellness College extend far beyond these reasons alone. For many students, studying at Rhodes Wellness College is a transformative experience that has a profound impact on their life and happiness. As Nat Perry, graduate of our Professional Counsellor Diploma program, explains, “I came to Rhodes Wellness College in search of coaching and counseling skills. I was not disappointed. I now have a concrete skill set, and am ready to start my career in inspiring others to access their highest potential beyond my expectations. Much to my surprise, however, the most valuable gains from my Rhodes experience were things I did not even know I was looking for.” (Rhodes Wellness College, n.d.)
What is it that students find so beneficial? Continue reading to learn more about how attending Rhodes Wellness College can heal your life.
Healing Through Experiential Learning at Rhodes Wellness College
Becoming a skilled counselling therapist, life coach, wellness counsellor, or addictions counsellor necessitates practical skills and profound self-knowledge. These professionals need to keep their own personal troubles out of sessions, so that they may be fully present for clients. For this reason, Rhodes Wellness College employs an experiential learning model. This allows students to practice counselling skills and undergo personal healing work themselves.
Students learn to identify any issues in their lives that might be unresolved, and recognize how this may be informing their current behaviour. This healing and self-discovery helps students accept and forgive themselves. They learn to recognize and celebrate their inherent worth, which in turn helps them overcome past hurts, insecurities, feelings of inadequacy, and more.
Self-love is essential for professional and personal fulfillment
Learning self-acceptance at counselling therapist college prepares students to approach client sessions with composure and professionalism. However, the benefits of this personal work have many ripple effects that extend beyond the professional realm. Self-compassion decreases stress, boosts emotional intelligence, improves resilience, and even aids physical health, among many benefits identified by leading researchers (Pillay, 2016) (Seppälä, 2016).
Building the Skills Necessary for Developing and Maintaining Meaningful Relationships
Identifying and healing from past issues is an important part of an education at Rhodes Wellness College. However, this is only part of the equation.
A landmark study on lifelong happiness known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development followed the development of hundreds of young men from their teen years into old age. What the study found was that above all, the greatest predictor of happiness was meaningful relationships with others (Waldinger, 2015). More than wealth, fame, and material success, meaningful relationships were the greatest predictor of health and happiness into old age (Waldinger, 2015). However, when asked about their priorities and goals, many young adults report wanting fame, and prioritize securing a lucrative career above all else (Waldinger, 2015). At many colleges, preparing students to meet these goals is the central objective. However, at Rhodes Wellness College, we help students achieve so much more than that.
Researchers emphasize that self-acceptance, forgiveness, and the ability to be vulnerable are all important foundations on which close relationships with others are formed (Cutruzzula, 2018). By helping students develop these tools, our wellness college helps students foster meaningful connections with others, and paves the way to a rich and rewarding life. As study director Robert Waldinger explained in his TED talk about the Harvard Study of Adult Development, “It turns out that people who are more socially connected to family, to friends, to community, are happier, they’re physically healthier, and they live longer than people who are less well connected.” (Waldinger, 2015) For students, it’s an opportunity to lay the foundations for long-lasting fulfillment.
Meaningful relationships are key to lasting happiness
As Rhodes graduate Nat Perry notes, “I found self-confidence, courage and friendship. I found Challenge. And funny enough, I found myself.” (Rhodes Wellness College, n.d.)
Would you like to undergo career preparation as well as personal healing and growth?
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Works Cited
Cutruzzula, K. (2018) How to build closer relationships. IDEAS.TED.COM. Retrieved from: https://ideas.ted.com/how-to-build-closer-relationships/
Pillay, S. (2016) Greater self-acceptance improves emotional well-being. Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/greater-self-acceptance-improves-emotional-well-201605169546
Rhodes Wellness College (n.d.) Students Testimonials About Their Diploma & Certification. Rhodes Wellness College. Retrieved from: https://www.rhodescollege.ca/about-rhodes/testimonials/
Seppälä, E. (2016) The Hard Data on Self-Love and why it Leads to Success. Emma Seppälä, Ph.D. Retrieved from: https://emmaseppala.com/hard-data-self-love-leads-success/
Waldinger R. (2015) What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness. TED: Ideas Worth Spreading. Retrieved from: https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness
WorkBC (2018) Family, marriage and other related counsellors (NOC 4153). WorkBC. Retrieved from: https://www.workbc.ca/careers/4153#earnings-and-outlook
