Attending the 32nd BACP Annual International Research Conference was one of the most meaningful experiences of my counselling training so far. As a recipient of the BACP Increasing Access to Research Bursary, I was given the opportunity to attend, learn from leading professionals in the field, and present research alongside my professors. It was an experience that not only enriched my academic development but also reinforced my confidence in my place within the counselling and psychotherapy community.

Navigating the international student experience

As an international student, the bursary held particular significance. I moved from Dubai to the UK at the age of 21 to pursue my studies in counselling. While the opportunity was exciting, it also came with challenges. Like many students who move abroad, I had to adapt to a new culture, build a new support network, and navigate the financial realities of studying overseas. My parents made significant sacrifices to support my education and my aspirations, and I remain deeply grateful for their encouragement and belief in me.

Reflecting on growth and unexpected milestones

Now, as I approach my 23rd birthday and complete my dissertation for my MSc in Counselling at the University of Lincoln, I often reflect on how much has changed in a relatively short period of time. When I first arrived in the UK, I never imagined that I would one day be presenting research at an international conference alongside experienced academics and practitioners.

Presenting research: exploring film therapy in counsellor education

One of the highlights of the conference was presenting a research poster with my professors, Jenny Hamilton and Helen Kemp, from the University of Lincoln. Our project explored the use of film therapy as a teaching method in counsellor education. Funded through the University's Pedagogical Innovation Grant, the research examined how the Movie Model of Film Therapy could facilitate reflexive learning among counselling students through focus group discussions. Being part of this project allowed me to experience the research process firsthand and appreciate the ways in which creative approaches can contribute to counsellor development.

The power of research in shaping practice

Alongside this project, I have been working on my dissertation in an area that genuinely interests and inspires me. Engaging with research has shown me that it is not simply about generating knowledge; it is about asking meaningful questions, exploring different perspectives, and contributing to the ongoing development of our profession. Research has become an important part of how I understand counselling practice, reflection, and learning.

Learning from leading voices and early-career researchers

The conference itself was both inspiring and welcoming. I attended a range of presentations and discussions, and particularly enjoyed sessions exploring plurality and contemporary counselling practice. Hearing from respected professionals such as Mick Cooper, John McLeod, Leo Muckley and Christine Kupfer was an invaluable learning experience. At the same time, it was equally encouraging to hear from doctoral students and early-career researchers who were sharing their own work and contributing to important conversations within the profession.

A welcoming, collaborative community

What stood out most was the sense of community. Research can sometimes feel isolating, particularly for students and early-career researchers. However, the atmosphere throughout the conference was collaborative, supportive and genuinely encouraging. Conversations between sessions often became opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss shared interests and learn from others' experiences. I left feeling inspired not only by the research itself, but also by the people behind it.

Beyond financial support: opening doors to the future

Looking back, the bursary represented far more than financial support. It opened a door to opportunities that might otherwise have felt out of reach. It enabled me to engage with a wider professional community, present research, develop my confidence, and see myself as both a future counsellor and an emerging researcher.

Gratitude to mentors and supporters

I am deeply grateful to BACP for making this opportunity possible, and to the University of Lincoln, Jenny Hamilton, Helen Kemp, and the wider Research team for their support and encouragement throughout the project. Their mentorship and belief in student researchers helped make this experience possible.

Encouragement for future bursary applicants

For any student or early-career researcher considering applying for the Increasing Access to Research Bursary in the future, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. The experience was enriching, empowering and genuinely transformative. It reminded me that research is not reserved for a select few; it is something that all of us can engage with, contribute to and learn from. I left the conference feeling inspired, motivated and excited about the future of both my counselling and research journey.

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