What are Saskia’s qualifications?
I strongly believe qualifications alone do not equate to experience. It is the life wisdom developed whilst gaining the qualifications that makes a quality counsellor.
So lets break it down…
Bachelor of Psychology & Criminology (RMIT University)
I commenced my studies in 2013, seeking something related to psychology. I attended an introductory lecture on Forensic Psychology and had my ‘aha!’ moment. The combination of adverse behaviour and psychodynamics was my path.
Master of Justice & Criminology (RMIT University)
At this point, I knew I wanted to one day get my PhD and to do that, I would need a master’s degree and evidence of my ability to research. I completed my minor thesis on ‘the issues shaping effectiveness of residential drug treatment in Victoria’, where I explored how interpersonal interactions, that is, how people interact with clients, impacts client outcomes. My minor thesis suggested that positive interactions improve clinical outcomes.
Diploma of Health Science (Naturopathy)
In 2019, the word '‘herbalism’ popped into my head. I had never heard it before, nor did I know what it meant. At this point, I was about to commence a trip around Australia and decided to study naturopathy along the way. My first subject, ‘History of Healing’, opened my eyes to the world of natural health. My work from this moment onwards has been deeply entwined with physical health. However much effort you put into your physical health will directly correlate with your psychological, spiritual, and emotional wellness.
Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy
During my naturopathic degree, I studied a few counselling subjects which reminded me why I began studying psychology in the first place. My real passion was in speaking to people about their internal world, and finding ways to resolve dis-ease of the mind. This masters degree was a journey of self-discovery, learning who I am, and continually driving me to become someone authentic, compassionate and dependable.
I know this is not the end. I will continue to engage in more learning because it is something I find great joy in.
So… to be continued.
Image: Unknow Know What Is 3, 2021, by Chris Johanson