When I began my training as a counsellor, I was working in the community and searching for potential counselling placements in Norfolk. MensCraft stood out to me because I had long recognised the need for gender-informed care when working with men, particularly through my years of working alongside the justice system.
I wanted to develop this understanding as a counsellor, with the goal of specialising in supporting men, so MensCraft felt like a natural fit.
I first emailed Sanghanistha in the summer of 2025. At that point, MensCraft wasn’t yet taking counselling placements. Luckily, in November 2025, I joined the organisation in a different capacity. Being part of the team gave me the opportunity to see how the counselling programme developed. Once it was ready to take on a trainee counsellor, I was able to fill that position.
A supportive space
Some students might understandably be concerned about the support they will receive when joining a new counselling placement, particularly if they are among the first trainees. Sanghanistha gave me nothing but confidence that I would be supported throughout my placement.
He took care to make sure I was comfortable with the referral process, the assessment being used and the type of clients I would be meeting. As the counselling service began taking on clients, he regularly checked in with me about how I felt about the men being referred.
The clients I worked with had all previously received some support from MensCraft. This meant they were already familiar with the space and with the process of change. Although that change had previously happened in a different setting, it was helpful that the men coming into counselling were already active in their own healing journey.
It also brought a sense of familiarity that is present across MensCraft’s other services, allowing men to access counselling in a space where they already felt comfortable and which they might not otherwise have ventured into.
Gaining depth of experience
One of the most valuable aspects of the placement was the opportunity to work with men for up to 24 sessions. In many of the other counselling placements I researched, sessions were limited to 16 at most.
Having 24 sessions allowed genuine, longer-term counselling work to develop. It gave me the opportunity to take time to build relationships, understand the men I was working with and engage with different styles of counselling sessions.
Having six months with clients also gave me valuable experience of what I can expect when I become qualified, as well as an insight into what private practice might be like.
The use of MensCraft’s practice management software also supported my development by helping me understand the systems and options available to counsellors. Being able to use an accessible platform for client notes and other documentation has given me confidence that I can carry this experience into my career after qualification.
Genuine oversight and support
Sanghanistha and I met monthly, giving us an opportunity to discuss any pressing issues with clients, myself or the counselling process more generally.
His calm approach and demeanour created space for healthy reflection and gave me the opportunity to ask questions and explore anything I was unsure about.
The counselling itself has been an amazing experience. MensCraft offers a great environment in which to work. The values of the organisation are at the heart of everything they do, and that remains true of the counselling service.
I was given both online and in-person clients, including the opportunity to meet with men in a counselling room at the main MensCraft office.
Recommended to others
Having the opportunity to work with men, offer support and bear witness to their change has been an incredible part of my development, both as a counsellor and as a person.
This counselling placement has given me the opportunity to learn about best practice when working with men, to better understand how they can arrive in the counselling space and how I can respond to them.
I’ve learned that men are capable of speaking at emotional depths; they just need an opportunity to do it.
MensCraft has given me the opportunity to experience something special through my placement, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to begin or continue their journey into counselling.
Counselling placements and volunteering with MensCraft
If you’re looking for a student counselling placement in Norfolk, or you’re a qualified counsellor or therapist interested in volunteering with MensCraft, we’d be happy to hear from you.
To find out more about student therapist placements or volunteering as a qualified therapist with MensCraft, email [email protected].