Embracing Creativity and Humility: The Path to Loving Your Job as a Counselling Tutor

Being a counselling tutor is a deeply rewarding, yet challenging profession. It involves not only imparting essential knowledge and skills but also shaping the personal and professional development of future counsellors.

We recently joined some of CPCAB’s seasoned tutors and asked the question

'How to love your job as a counselling tutor’

Find out what Derek Cunningham, Liz Swanson and Natalie Lister had to say on the matter and how they integrate creativity into lesson plans, to enhance both teaching and learning experiences.

Balancing Seriousness with Humour and Light-heartedness

One of the most compelling points raised by Derek focuses on the misconception that counselling should always be solemn.

Derek advocates for incorporating humour and light-heartedness into learning sessions, challenging the traditional notion of counselling or teaching. By promoting comfort and authenticity in interactions, he believes educators can create more relatable and dynamic experiences for students. Natalie reinforces this idea, noting that flexibility and creativity are key, even in serious subjects. By striking this balance, both educators suggest that sessions become more enjoyable and impactful, fostering a positive and effective learning environment for students.

The Power of Personalised and Flexible Teaching

One of the cornerstones of effective tutoring is the development of strong, personal relationships with students. Derek emphasises the importance of tutors knowing their students on a deeper level, as personalisation can significantly enhance the learning experience. By understanding the unique needs, strengths, and learning styles of each student, tutors can tailor their teaching methods to foster greater engagement and comprehension.

Liz reinforces this approach by advocating for tutors to create their own lesson content rather than relying on pre-made materials. This practice not only supports personalisation but also ensures that lessons are organic and adaptable to the classroom's specific dynamics. By developing bespoke content, tutors can address the individual challenges and opportunities presented by their students, making the learning process more relevant, meaningful, and impactful.

This flexible and student-centred teaching philosophy highlights the importance of adaptability, creativity, and personalisation in education.

Embracing Vulnerability and Imperfection

Incorporating vulnerability into teaching is a valuable concept that can significantly enrich the learning experience. By integrating diverse teaching activities and releasing the pressure for perfection, educators can foster a more open and dynamic learning environment. Natalie asserts that "there is no such thing as a perfect counsellor," highlighting that mistakes are vital for growth. This perspective is not only important for tutors but also for students, as it cultivates a culture that values learning and development over fear of failure.

When tutors model vulnerability and demonstrate a willingness to learn from their own mistakes, they create a safe, supportive environment. This openness encourages students to take risks, share their unique perspectives, and engage more fully in the learning process. Ultimately, embracing imperfection nurtures an atmosphere where diversity of thought is celebrated, and personal growth becomes the central goal for everyone involved.

Cultivating a Safe and Feedback-friendly Environment

Liz underscores the significance of establishing a classroom atmosphere where feedback is not only welcomed but encouraged. The relationships between students and tutors are crucial to making this possible. For students to fully engage in the learning process, they need to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and even disagreements, with the assurance that their input is valued and respected.

Conflict and discomfort, as Liz points out, are inevitable aspects of the learning experience. When handled with care and intention, these moments of tension can be catalysts for deeper understanding and meaningful personal growth. Tutors play a key role in guiding students through these experiences by fostering open communication, modelling respectful dialogue, and encouraging a diversity of opinions. By promoting a safe space for honest interaction, tutors empower students to participate with confidence and authenticity, making the learning environment more inclusive, dynamic, and effective.

The Role of Humility in Teaching

Derek highlights the concept of unconditional positive regard and the importance of humility in teaching. When tutors allow students to share their knowledge and life experiences, they create a more inclusive, dynamic learning environment. This collaborative approach not only enriches the content of the lessons but also fosters mutual respect between students and tutors. By seeing adult learners as peers rather than subjects of comparison, educators can cultivate a more egalitarian and engaging learning experience. Such humility allows students' diverse experiences to enhance the joy of teaching and creates a space where learning becomes a shared journey.

Creative Approaches to Assessments

Traditional pass/fail academic criteria often fail to capture the full range of students' talents and potential. Liz highlights the removal of the EA exam as an example of how flexibility in assessments can provide students with creative opportunities to showcase their knowledge. Rather than relying solely on written exams, students can express their understanding through mediums such as presentations, poetry, or art. Derek shares the story of a student who struggled with written assessments but excelled by creating sculptures to demonstrate learning. These creative assessment methods recognise the value of diverse learning styles and underscore the importance of vocational learning, offering a more holistic approach to evaluating competence and proficiency.

Staying Up to Date with Teaching Practices

In an evolving field, the risk of relying on outdated teaching practices can be significant. Derek emphasises the need for tutors to engage in continuous learning and professional development to remain relevant. Committing to staying updated with new developments ensures that the education provided is effective and aligned with current standards. This proactive approach helps tutors avoid stagnation and keeps their teaching methods fresh and responsive to the changing needs of both the profession and their students.

Engaging with Students on a Personal Level

Understanding and adapting to students’ individual strengths is critical to creating an empowering learning experience. Natalie underscores the importance of tailoring teaching approaches to meet students' unique needs. Similarly, Derek points out the benefits of being flexible in lesson plans to suit different groups, adjusting content based on the learners' interests. Engaging with students on a personal level builds deeper connections and fosters a more intuitive, adaptable learning environment. This personalised approach allows tutors to design more relevant and engaging lessons, contributing to an enriched learning experience for students.

Conclusion: Rediscovering Joy and Passion in Teaching

The discussions among the CPCAB team shine a light on common challenges faced by counselling tutors, while also providing valuable insights into how to reignite passion and joy in teaching. Balancing seriousness with humour, personalising teaching methods, embracing vulnerability, and fostering collaborative environments can lead to more engaging and effective educational experiences.

Furthermore, the role of humility, ongoing professional development, and creative approaches to assessment underscores the evolving nature of education. By staying current, embracing change, and focusing on the unique needs of each student, tutors can provide the best possible guidance and support, nurturing competent, empathetic, and confident future counsellors.