Winter is a time that we all associated with colds and flu; and sometimes it is difficult to stay healthy during the winter months. Stress pays a major part in how resistant and susceptible we are to picking up infections and ailments so tackling stress before the cold and flu ‘season’ is upon us will help avoid days off work and lost time feeling unwell.

Winter is a time that we all associated with colds and flu; and sometimes it is difficult to stay healthy during the winter months. Stress pays a major part in how resistant and susceptible we are to picking up infections and ailments so tackling stress before the cold and flu ‘season’ is upon us will help avoid days off work and lost time feeling unwell.

Effective stress management techniques form part of many therapeutic programmes and they include reducing the stress hormone cortisol and so increase the efficiency of our immune systems; making healthy lifestyle choices which is difficult during dark winter months, so getting enough sleep, eating healthily and most importantly getting fresh air and exercise. Avoiding stressful situations will help and also practising stress management techniques such as physical activities, relaxation and meditation, and interacting with other people.

Stress continues to be a significant problem and according to research in the UK, work related stress is responsible for major loss of productivity because of lost days sickness or absence. So if you want to stay healthy, boost your immune system, and maintain good levels of wellbeing during the winter then reduce stress levels and make sure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

One fascinating facet of studying Counselling is the tremendous variety of courses available to choose from.  These range from Mediation, Journal Therapy or Psycho-Compatibility Therapy, through to Developing Active Listening Skills, Family Therapy and Rational Emotive Therapy.  Any one of these subjects provides the counsellor with enhanced skills and a great array of knowledge with which to help their clients.

 Sarah Manning explained to us that when she had gained a counselling qualification in the past she had particularly enjoyed the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aspect, and decided that she wanted to study the subject further to enhance her existing skills and knowledge.  She investigated using the internet and then her choice was further influenced by the reasonable cost.  Once she had started her studies, she commented that she was happy with the feedback that she received from her tutors, and also the speed with which her assignments were returned to her.  She feels that her new additional skills will provide her with extra knowledge which she can use for a variety of situations in her existing job, and commented that choosing one of BSY’s Counselling Courses has enhanced her existing career as a Counsellor.  In future, Sarah said that she would like to explore further areas in counselling or psychology, for example social psychology and other holistic therapy courses.  She would advise anyone who is thinking of studying with BSY to research the courses that available and to find one that suits them.  She said that they should do it sooner rather than later as the courses are delivered to suit the needs of the learner, and added that the feedback from the tutors is really helpful.

 Frederic Guerault on the other hand decided to enrol on one of the BSY Counselling Courses to give him a first view of the subject.  He said that he was interested in changing his profession, and chose to study Basic Counselling Skills as he was looking for a career which was more suitable for his personality.  He said that he chose to study with BSY after doing his research using the internet where he found very good reviews.  He added that he also thought that the payment facilities were very attractive.  When asked what he was most happy with, he said the organisation and the availability of his tutor, and also the administration.  He said that he thought he had definitely found his ideal career, and would like to study the advanced course in the future.  His advice to anyone thinking of studying with BSY is that they need to take the time to study at home (or at the library).  He added that he had finally found what he really wants to do work-wise.

If you would like to know more about BSY’s Counselling Courses, speak to our knowledgeable tutors on Freephone 0800 731 9271 or see our website

For many BSY students, deciding to undergo Counselling Training is a logical step as they are already being confided in by family and friends, and they have found that they have a natural ability to listen, combined with a desire to help.

This was exactly what happened to Ami Gallacher.  She said that she chose BSY’s Basic Counselling Skills course because, “I have a good understanding of how people struggle to cope in their times of need.  I have very good listening and speaking skills, and wanted to make a career with a skill I have as well as an interest in how people perceive the world.”  She said that she chose to study with BSY as they have a fantastic reputation.  She found that the courses are affordable and reachable for someone like her.  She has four young children so obviously does not have much time in the day, so distance learning was an ideal choice for her.  Previously, she had studied BSY’s Psychic Development course, and now with her new combination of skills she has moved into a career of Psychic Counselling.  She is now thinking about her future training, which might cover Bereavement, Depression Management, Alcohol and Drug Counselling, Cognitive-Synesthic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, any one of which would provide her with useful additional skills which would only enhance the service that she is able to offer to her clients.  When asked what advice she would give to anyone thinking of studying with BSY, she said that they should give it a try as they would receive excellent support and advice, as well as the opportunity to expand their skills and to work at a pace that suits them – there’s no pressure.

Other students have benefited from being able to talk to a therapist themselves, and want to learn more about it.  Kirsty Pritchard received bereavement counselling herself and decided that as it had been so beneficial she wanted to give something back and to help other people.  She also thought that her qualification would come in useful for her long term plan of opening a complementary and holistic services clinic.  She added that she thought her course might help her in the future to “provide counselling to others and is an important part of my long term business plan,” and has in fact moved into holistic and complementary therapy. She found studying at home to be very convenient, which was important to her as she is a disabled student with health issues.  She is now thinking about what course she will study next, possibly Stress Management.

Click here to visit our website and find out more about Counselling Training with BSY, or call on Freephone 0800 731 9271 to speak to our tutors and advisors