Kim Sturgeon
Kim Sturgeon achieved her degree in BA Integrative Counselling with the University of Worcester through the Iron Mill College in Exeter
Post-degree, she continues to see counselling clients in private practice, both online and face-to-face in Plymouth. In September, she became employed as a lecturer teaching counselling on the Foundation Degree course at the Iron Mill College, delivered in partnership with the University of Worcester. Kim said: “It is now my hope to inspire others to be aware of their power to help and to facilitate healing in a way that is respectful of our differences, and inclusive of everyone.”
Kim first took the Foundation degree in Integrative Counselling, then, after a year out, returned to continue her studies. She said: “I have always felt supported in every area of my learning from personal welfare to academic support as well as having access to books and journals. I can’t thank the staff enough for their outstanding efforts to support students; particularly during such a turbulent time.”
Kim achieved First Class Honours in her degree. “The covid pandemic has meant that the past year has been particularly difficult for everyone'" she said. "I feel hugely privileged to have been in a position where I could achieve a First Class degree.”
Kim told how the pandemic had meant that a lot of learning was online. “We were lucky enough to have a tutor that made this as accessible and painless as possible,” she said. “The pandemic meant added pressures of managing childcare and home learning as well as additional difficulties unique to myself. Admittedly, there was a point at which I didn’t think I could complete the course and was pleased to be part of a collective of counsellors!”
She added: “During this course, I chose to focus my work on the experiences of women and girls; particularly how women experience relationships following sexual violence. I also developed my interest in hearing about the experiences of women veterans and understanding the best ways to support this minority of people who are often overlooked.
“I’d like to use this opportunity to remember the countless women who have died as a result of male violence, including those from the global majority that are underrepresented in media coverage.”