Sana Vohra’s path into counselling (behavioural health) at Flinders University highlights the importance of aligning personal experiences with academic study to forge a meaningful career. Currently enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Counselling, Sana brings a unique perspective to her studies. After first completing an undergraduate degree in a similar discipline, she made the switch to counselling because of its focus on a person-centred approach, a philosophy she strongly aligns with.

“The [counselling] course is well-designed, covering all the important topics and instilling us with the right skills to set us up for success in our field.”

Her decision to pursue a career in counselling stems from her lived experiences and a desire to help others through their struggles. Sana finds the practical and applicable nature of the skills in the counselling profession particularly exciting.

“The aspect that excites me most about counselling is that it’s very skills-based. These skills don’t just apply to our professional field but can also be used in our personal lives.”

Flinders University’s comprehensive course structure played a pivotal role in Sana’s decision to enrol. The subjects on offer piqued her interest, and she believes the curriculum will fully equip her with the knowledge she needs to succeed as a counsellor.

“The subjects they teach cover all the essential bits and pieces needed to become a skilled counsellor. All the skills taught in theory are always followed by practical exercises, allowing us to test our understanding of important counselling concepts.”

This balance between theory and practical application has been crucial in developing her confidence and competence in the field.

As an international student, Sana has felt particularly supported by the academic staff at Flinders. One of her standout experiences was the ‘International Student Welcome Event’, which gave her a sense of community and connection.

“I felt really supported when I started out at Flinders. The ‘International Student Welcome Event’ was casual and informal. It gave me an opportunity to not just engage with the academic staff, but also meet other international students, make friends, and help me get comfortable at uni.”

Sana hopes to pursue a career working with trauma-informed care, particularly in drug rehabilitation. For students considering counselling, Sana has this advice:

“The skills you learn are not only for your career but can transform the way you understand and support others in everyday life. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—your lecturers and peers are there to support you.”