Russell Shepherd

Russell Shepherd is a graduate of Place2Be’s Level 4 Diploma in School-Based Child Counselling.

Women working in counselling and counselling roles outnumber men significantly. Societal norms surrounding masculinity and male behaviour means men are often less likely to seek help or let loved ones know of their struggles.

Following 25 years in education, Russell Shepherd recently completed the Level 4 Diploma in School-Based Child Counselling with Place2Be. He spoke to us about that experience and his desire to encourage more men to consider counselling as a career or an enhancement to an existing skills set.

What were the most valuable skills you learned during your training with Place2Be?

This is almost impossible to answer as I’m still reflecting on the significant amount I learnt and how I’ve changed as a result. An overarching theme is the ability to truly listen actively and develop a deep level of empathy and connection with the client. This has been significant and, for the first time, I really developed a profound therapeutic relationship - that was incredibly special. Equally, work in developing a deep self-awareness whilst beginning to recognise my impact on others and - in turn their impact on me - has been hugely important.

How did Place2Be’s training prepare you for the challenges of working in your field?

The blend of theory and academic standard, practical activities and play, triad skills work, placements and supervision all ensure you’re fully supported. Developing a sense of curiosity and reflection as well as an understanding of all aspects of oneself - including those deeply hidden - have all helped me, both in reflection and in my actions. There has developed in me a real thirst to know more and develop further.

In what ways has working with Place2Be impacted your approach to your profession?

Place2Be has given me a significant foundation on which to build a career as a counsellor. I’ve been able to embrace play and creativity by working with children and young people's language and in their culture. This has led to a real passion for developing my practice in areas that resonated during my placement. I now relish the opportunity to further develop my own practice and the directions in which my clients take me.

Do we need more male counsellors joining the profession? How could this positively impact children and young people receiving support?

I feel this is more a question of wider representation generally in our profession than one purely linked to gender. For example, we want to attract all underrepresented people into child and young person counselling. Ideally, a client would choose a therapist who they can relate to and feel comfortable with; we know there are significant concerns around male mental health and traditional male stereotyping. Ultimately, though, the focus must always be on the best interests of the client.

What advice would you give to someone considering a similar path with Place2Be?

The most rewarding things in life are often the most challenging. You need to be prepared to place yourself outside of your comfort zone. You'll be spending time in deep introspection in recognising all aspects of yourself, whilst remaining curious and without judgment (or with a greater awareness of what your judgments and prejudices are). If you're prepared to do this, then go for it, you’ll never look back.

Reflecting on your time with Place2Be, what impact has it had on your personal and professional growth?

I’ve been in education for nearly 25 years, but I now look at my work with children, young people and their families through a different lens. I look back perhaps with more curiosity, compassion and less judgment on myself and on others. I’m not sure words can encapsulate the significance of this course. 

What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your training with Place2Be?

At the start of the course, I wanted to know everything straight away. But much like to being in the room with a child or young person, I've come to recognise getting comfortable with the unknown and what it may or may not trigger in oneself is imperative to the journey.

Find out more about our Level 4 Diploma

Learn more about the diploma Russell completed through Place2Be.

Our Level 4 Diploma