1. Can you please tell us about your studies and experience at Warnborough College?
My name is Angelic Lezama-Clement. I reside in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the most southerly island of the Caribbean. I would describe my experience while studying at Warnborough College as a bittersweet roller-coaster. The matriculation for my Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology commenced in October 2010. I was diagnosed with a critical illness in January 2011, which affected my studies and my grades. The effects of the medical interventions, and the extension of the program; which resulted in having to adjust to several professors, became extremely challenging for me. I felt that this was an impossible feat; however, the understanding, compassion and support I received from the staff at Warnborough College served as a source of encouragement, which propelled me to completion.
2. What motivated you to choose and complete your course/programme?
When I commenced this program, I was employed at a National gas facility, performing the role of an Occupational Health Nurse, Spirometry and Audiometric Technician. The traumatic experiences of three employees served as the genesis for my interest in counselling. Each person received life-changing news while at work. At that time the Employee Assistance Program available now was non-existent. As the only medical professional in the facility, I was charged with attending to their immediate psychological needs. I felt very unprepared to manage the intense level of emotions that were unleashed at each occasion; which were news of suicide on two occasions and death by murder. My nursing and midwifery background afforded me an introduction to psychology but at a fundamental level. These experiences prompted me to commence my research for distance learning programs in counselling and psychology.
My research led me to the Institute of Counselling in Scotland, where I completed a postgraduate diploma in Clinical and Pastoral Counselling. This was my inspiration to locate a Master’s program which would be suitable for my already ‘tight’ schedule of full-time work. Warborough’s online learning fitted perfectly into my work-life program, as it allowed me the flexibility to work, study and attend to my personal and family needs.
3. After completing your studies, what doors did your qualification and experience open for you?
After the completion of the diploma, employees started to approach me with their psychological issues. This commenced my practical experience in counselling. After completing my studies at Warnborough I felt empowered and competent enough to offer my services externally. Firstly, in order to give back to my community, for one year I offered pro-bono services to a safe house for female victims of domestic violence. This experience proved to be very fascinating and enlightening and served as a catalyst for commencing my private business. Subsequently, I completed a certificate course in Life Coaching, which has been an asset and a complement to my counselling experience.
4. How did you apply the knowledge and experience gained at Warnborough to these projects and opportunities?
Currently, I counsel and coach clients on a weekly basis. Prior to the Covid pandemic, I shared an office with my daughter who is a Medical Physician. Presently all my clients are counselled via a Zoom platform, which has been ideal, as some of my clients live out of Trinidad and Tobago. These clients are mainly adults and teenagers with anger issues, marital issues, family dysfunction, trauma, abuse, grief and loss. My business is called Exclusive Counselling and Life Coaching Services.
5. Can you please tell us what are you currently working on and what your future plans are?
Recently I had the opportunity to be one of twenty-one co-authors to contribute a chapter to the book – ‘Waiting in the Pit 2’. This book is about testimonies of tests, tears, trials and triumphs. I contributed to chapter seven (7) where I shared four ‘pit’ experiences. The experience regarding my critical illness diagnosis while pursuing my studies at Warnborough College is a part of my chapter. Prior to this, I commenced the writing of my own book which chronicles my personal life journey. I submitted one of these chapters to the recently published book.
Currently, I am a PhD candidate at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), pursuing doctoral studies in Philosophy. Matriculation was in September 2021. My goals are to complete this program and to publicise my book. Additionally, I would like to continue my passions to travel the world and to empower families and young persons to succeed.
