Child Therapist Journey

Hi, my name is Millie (age 24). I have a bright, positive, bubbly, playful energy and my nurturing aura has instilled a passion for helping people, particularly young people from very early on in my life.

Those close to me know I have been on a personal and professional journey with mental health. Personally, I have experienced trauma in my life which has enlightened, empowered and enabled me to face all circumstances with compassion, empathy and understanding.

Professionally, I have worked with children and young people since I was 14 (just a teenager myself). From being a gymnastics coach, to where I am now as a mental health, pastoral support in a primary school.

In my role I support children, from reception to year six, with their mental health. I was given my own office that I turned into the 'Rainbow Room' a safe space for all children to be who they are and share their inner thoughts and feelings. All children know me as the smiley teacher who will always ask how they are.

In my role I offer 1:1 therapeutic play sessions, 1:1 Drawing and Talking sessions, LEGO Therapy, group emotional literacy sessions and much more. I have turned my role into something I hope is so integral within the school. I have developed a whole school approach to supporting children with their mental health. I lead parent coffee mornings, whole Key Stage Assemblies, year group workshops, staff forum sessions, and much more to raise awareness of everyone’s mental health and how to support ourselves.

I have taken on a key role in safeguarding children. Within my time I have taken on many disclosures and supported the children and their families through the social care process. I have a genuine passion for helping young people and their families non-judgementally.

Academically, I have been on quite the journey. From GCSE’s to A-Levels, my degree and all mini qualifications since, I have battled and worked hard to gain the qualifications I have. I am not what I would describe as ‘typically academic’. But I work hard to understand the topics I am passionate about.

Due to the nature of a therapeutic role, a lot is required of me, academically, financially, personally, mentally, emotionally.

Over just the last year and a half I have been studying at the Institute for Therapy in Arts and Education. Gaining small qualifications in child counselling and therapeutic play. I then progressed onto the Diploma for Child Counselling. This course is all about understanding experiences of trauma and potential attachment difficulties, underpinned by developmental theory.

I have dedicated every single Saturday, during academic terms, going into London for my course. And quite a few Sunday’s too. It has been a huge commitment which I knew I had to make. Alongside my course attendance I have to be in constant personal therapy.

This journey to me is so important, for so many reasons which are too difficult to write down. I am so proud of myself for how far I have come on my journey. But I cannot say it has been easy, or without real sacrifice to my own life at times.

I am dedicated to completing this Diploma and becoming a qualified BACP Child Counsellor. So that I can impact and support the lives of so many children and young people, which I know I have the ability to do.

However, the cost financially is a struggle. I am the youngest person on my course, with the lowest income. I don’t have a joint income with anyone to support me and have battled the finances by myself on my journey for a long while. Next year I have to take 2 days off of my full time employment, one to go into college, and one to go on an unpaid placement day in another school setting. Alongside this I have to start paying for supervision (compulsory) - this is where you meet another qualified child therapist who supports and ensures you’re carrying out good quality work.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about my position next year due to the heavy cost of the course alongside therapy and supervision. I have worked so hard to come so far and genuinely believe I can impact so many lives.

I have looked into how to secure additional supportive funding for this course and this has proved challenging. I have been advised to start a go-fund me to seek if there is anyone who can offer any support, no matter how small.

I am asking here if anyone can make any donations to help me on my journey to pay for my course / supervision, in any way. Friends, family, strangers, businesses, anyone who can. I cannot express my gratitude enough if this was possible. I will add the link to the Institute I train at. Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education London. When adding all costs it costs over £10,000 a year to be on this course.

My biggest passion has always been helping people, whether it be family, friends, or a stranger in need. I thrive to go above and beyond in every task. Between my work, education and training I am learning so much about supporting young people therapeutically. Although extremely difficult at times, I am excited for my journey. I will finish this Diploma, impact and support the lives of as many as possible.

Please know I really have no expectations, I really just wanted to take my chances and see where it goes. Thank you so much, for any support please do not hesitate to contact me if you need to know more.

Lots of love Mills :)