Family tragedy inspired graduate to develop skills to be a source of support for others

With a background in customer service, Ashlee Ryan Rose’s decision to study a BSc Psychology and Counselling Degree at UWTSD was the result of an unexpected change in direction after a family bereavement. This tragic event reignited a teenage ambition to pursue a career as a counselling psychologist. 

Ashlee said: “Due to experiencing bullying in school because of my LGBTQ+ identity, I found it difficult to engage in the academic work, so I always thought that career aspiration was out of reach.  At 25 I finally took the step of enrolling on an access course in humanities and social sciences, which helped rebuild my academic confidence.” 

Ashlee said the programme at UWTSD caught her attention as it fitted her aim of wanting to be a source of support for those without a strong relational safety net. 

She said: “Specifically the course aligns with my career aspiration of becoming a counselling psychologist – it is the perfect mix of psychological theory and its real-life application and psychotherapy theory and skills in practice.”

“My initial aim was to acquire the skills to help people directly, however I soon realised the potential to contribute to broader social change through this field of study.”

Ashlee said there were many highlights to look back on during her time at the University.

“Every lecture revealed new theories and concepts that I could readily apply to the world around me. What truly elevated the experience was UWTSD’s personalised approach – lectures felt more like engaging academic discussions than one-way transmissions of knowledge. This style perfectly complemented my learning preferences. 

“Another major highlight was each amazing person that makes up the Psychology and counselling lecturing cohort that is there to support you each step of the way. Their passion for psychology and psychotherapy is inspirational!”

Ashlee said that under the guidance of Dr Judith Marshall, her dissertation titled ‘Unveiling the Media Narrative: A qualitative exploration of student perceptions of bullying, victim, and perpetrator representation within the media,’ allowed her to explore how media representations of bullying impact both victims and perpetrators.

“This is something close to my heart and from personal experiences as someone bullied throughout comprehensive school,” she added.

“During my second-year placement, I had the incredible opportunity to put theory into practice while working alongside mental health practitioners at Swansea Mind. Due to my commitment to the cause and the knowledge imparted by the exceptional psychology cohort, I was offered a 10-month contract as a mental health practitioner.”

More recently Ashlee has used skills from her degree as an LGBTQ+ specialist support worker and program facilitator for one of Wales’s largest domestic violence charities, Calan DVS’. 

“Currently I facilitate their wellbeing, recovery, and healthy relationship program for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence – a program constructed in collaboration with LGBTQ+ survivors and the University of South Wales; something close to my heart as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“In addition to this, I am Calan DVS’s LGBTQ+ specialist and am responsible for providing support and resources to ensure inclusive and appropriate care for LGBTQ+ service users and guiding staff with best practices.”

Ashlee said that any challenges along the way had been overcome partly thanks to the close support of staff at UWTSD.

“Having been out of the academic environment for a long period before my access course, I harboured apprehensions about meeting expectations. 

“These doubts were settled by the various workshops and support services available to support students during studies at UWTSD, alongside my own perseverance and commitment to my goals.

“Without a doubt, I would wholeheartedly recommend this course. It has been a truly life-altering experience, guiding me towards a purposeful career path where I can contribute to the lives of those I encounter and contribute to social change daily. 

“Beyond professional growth, engaging with these studies has fostered personal insights and instilled a practice of self-reflection – setting me up for continued success in all aspects of life. For anyone thinking of doing an access course, my advice is simple: go for it! Aim high and choose a course you’re passionate about.”

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071