 I started my training I was just looking around for something interesting to study I was working and I wanted to study something I was interested in alongside that so I found out that there was a longer four year course I lived locally I could do it around my full time job because the courses were over weekends and just thought the content of it would be really fascinating I had chosen to do the course at MIP and then deciding that I could actually go on and become a psychotherapist were the best decisions I think that I've made professionally and personally It's a job that is always interesting and the ability to work with people in such an intimate way and to build those relationships and to witness change and growth in people It's a real honour of a job really People talk about therapy sometimes as being self-indulgent or you should be able to fix your own problems But I think for me what could be more important really than reflecting on our relationships, how we are in the world, our past, our history The institute feels like a safe and comfortable place to work I've got a connection with Manchester Institute anyway through training here so it felt like a natural next progression for me to be able to work in a place that I know with people that I trust I think for anyone who is wondering about psychotherapy whether it's for them, whether it will help them then I would always say make that initial first step although it can be very difficult You can find a space to talk about things in your life that are difficult that are troubling you that have been around maybe for some people for a very long time And to have somebody to help you and support you and to walk alongside you in that process is really helpful and essential I think for some people to do that alone is too difficult but you can do it with help and support