City Lit’s counselling programme is designed to support students through a meaningful, structured progression that takes them from introductory classes to fully accredited long-term training. For Nico, who spent nearly a decade in fashion retail management, the journey through multiple City Lit counselling courses has become a transformative path toward a new, purpose-driven career.
Watch Nico talk about his experience in our video
Searching for something more meaningful
Before beginning his counselling training, Nico spent years working in fashion as a retail manager. While he enjoyed aspects of the job, he reached a point where he felt ready for a new direction.
“One day I realised I wanted more,” he says. “I wanted to do something more helpful and inspiring.”
He began researching new career paths and quickly found himself drawn to counselling.
“Counselling was the pathway that always stuck out for me,” he explains. “I wanted to give back, to help people, and that felt right.”
His search led him to City Lit.
Why City Lit’s counselling courses stood out
“What appealed to me about City Lit,” Nico says, “was the strong focus on ethnicity and race.”
This inclusive, thoughtful approach was important to him, and helped him feel confident that he had found the right learning environment.
From Introduction to Counselling in 2022, to Advanced Introduction, to Level 3 Certificate, and now the Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling, Nico has progressed through each stage with intention.
“I wanted to make sure this was the right journey for me,” he says. “And that I was ready to jump back into education after being out of it for so long.”
Building skills that make a real impact
Throughout his training, Nico has developed practical and interpersonal skills that have transformed both his personal and professional life.
“Active listening, being more empathic, asking the right questions, those skills have been useful in everyday life,” he explains.
“As a manager, it’s helped me become a much stronger leader.” In his current corporate role, where he manages multiple teams and buildings, he finds that “being more understanding and empathic has helped me take on all those responsibilities. It really has made me the best team leader I can be.”
Nico also values how City Lit’s classes balance practice and theory, allowing him to apply what he learns straight away.
“Skills practice is always fun, it’s where we get to implement what we’ve just been taught,” he says. At the same time, the theory-based sessions keep him motivated: “It’s so exciting going into class every week and learning something new. Learning a new modality, a new theory… it’s all so enriching.”
Above all, he credits the tutors for encouraging growth and confidence:
“They’ll push you to make sure they get the best out of you, so you can be as strong as possible when you go out into the world as a therapist.”
Looking ahead: a future in counselling
Nico’s long-term goal is clear: “To start my own private practice and create a network of therapists who can support each other, share advice, and refer clients.”
He plans to begin working as a part-time therapist once he completes his diploma, with the aim of transitioning into therapy full time. Reflecting on his journey, Nico is quick to recommend City Lit to anyone considering counselling training:
“I would definitely recommend City Lit. It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The course they offer here is unique. You’re not going to find the same standard of teaching anywhere else.”
What I enjoy most about studying at City Lit are the relationships I have built, they really are, for lack of a better phrase, priceless. Not just with the tutors but with the colleagues as well. Throughout the years, I have done so many courses, I have met so many people, and still have solid relationships with those people.
Ready to develop your practice?
City Lit’s counselling pathway gives students the knowledge, experience, and confidence to build a rewarding career supporting others. Whether you’re exploring a new direction or preparing for professional qualification, our one-to-two-year courses offer a structure that helps you grow.
Study Counselling & Psychotherapy at City Lit
Do you see yourself becoming an counsellor just as Julia did? Enrol in a counselling or psychotherapy course today.
