In November 2023, we featured a case study on learner Cathy Cavender, who had recently completed her Counselling studies and was studying her L3 Award in Education and Training course with Adult Learning Wales (ALW). One year later, we caught up again with Cathy to find out how she has been progressing with her studies and the next steps in her career development, which now involves tutoring for Adult Learning Wales. 

Cathy says:

“I am now a tutor with Adult Learning Wales, and I am in the process of establishing a counselling training presence along the coastal areas of Denbighshire, Flintshire and hopefully Conwy. I am currently delivering a non-accredited basic counselling skills course to a partner organisation called KIM-Inspire, and I hope to deliver the Level 2 Counselling Skills course to them early next year.”

Cathy, who has lived with ME for 25 years and also struggled more recently with long Covid, has found the support she has received from ALW in progressing to her role as a tutor as invaluable and a transformative experience. It has given her a pathway to return to work at a pace that suits her while offering plenty of flexibility to look after her health. The values held by ALW have been incredibly important to Cathy and are something that she regards in an incredibly high capacity.

“I have been supported and made to feel so included by the team at ALW. The doors have always been open for me, and the flexibility offered both for my studies and working environment has really helped me evolve into the tutor that I am today. In particular, my counselling tutor, Louise Tyson and AET tutor, Sam Emmett, along with CDC’s Jane Watkins and Nicola Holmes, have given me the confidence to achieve things and to find my way as a tutor. My well-being and my health have been considered through every step of my journey; ALW makes you feel valued.”

While studying under the guidance of ALW tutor Louise Tyson, Cathy connected with the person-centred teaching style, which Cathy uses in her teaching today. It was Louise who suggested that Cathy should take the next step in becoming a tutor. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Cathy had previously worked as a Swimming Teacher, helping those who were scared of going into the water to coaching top-level athletes. It was a very people-focused environment. Working with and instructing many people who have different challenges and experiences with the water has put Cathy in good stead to become a tutor, using the person-centred teaching style in her work.  

Louise said:

“Cathy’s enthusiasm for her subject area shines through the delivery of her knowledge base and creativity to gain the attention of learners. A warm personality further enhances her relationship with the audience, which is a must for our training.”

The real, lived experiences have helped prepare Cathy for her role as a tutor as she can relate to the situations her learners are going through while offering them the similar support that she has received from her time as a learner with ALW. Cathy adds:

“It’s great for me to be tutoring counselling courses with ALW, after learning with ALW for both the counselling training (level 3 and level 4 diploma) and the AET (Award in Education and Training)! It is fantastic for me to offer the same life-changing training that changed my life so much for the better!”

Sam Emmett further added:

“It has been a real pleasure to meet and assist Cathy on her path to becoming a tutor with Adult Learning Wales. During her training at ALW it became obvious from a very early stage that she is well versed in the works of Carl Rogers, and that a person centred approach to learning lies at the heart of Cathy’s personal philosophy.  Cathy is passionate about her subject area (counselling) and has a real desire to improve the prospects of others who want to progress to counselling. I am very pleased to see Cathy has begun teaching for ALW and I wish her all the best for the future.”

Cathy has set herself some ambitious plans over the next 20 years to establish a robust counselling training network across the North Wales coast, something she will do at her own pace as she aims to return to work full-time as her health improves: 

“I’m looking to create a presence for accredited Level 2 Counselling Courses, giving increased opportunities for those who want to be counsellors in North Wales. The areas I plan to cover include Holywell, Prestatyn, Abergele, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, and Llandudno. Alongside this, I am also delivering counselling online for a charity in mid-Wales called Rekindle, which is run by one of my colleagues from the ALW Level 4 Counselling Diploma course.”

Cathy has shown great commitment to her studies, leading to her progressing into a career with ALW as a counselling tutor. Cathy has changed her career; she has refound her confidence after a challenging time and found a belief that supportive human connection makes all the difference. Cathy, we welcome you to the ALW tutor team and look forward to continuing to support you through the next step of your journey.