Rebecca Southall, Masters of Public Health (MPH) - Health Technology Assessment, 2001 & MPhil, 2011 | Founder and Clinical Lead for ProHealth Counselling Limited

Rebecca SouthallRebecca is now the founder and clinical lead for a psychotherapy service in Lichfield. She also lectures in psychotherapy and has an active research career. Rebecca's degrees have given her professional kudos and credence and opened doors to further educational opportunities too.

What is the best thing about the job you are doing now?

I love the variety of my job roles. Working as a therapist with adults and children is extremely challenging but also rewarding. It is good to balance the emotional demands of that role with the excitement of educating new therapists. Further to this I feel I am making a positive contribution to my profession and society as a whole by undertaking research which helps improve future practices.

Why did you originally apply to do your chosen course at Birmingham?

I applied to study at the University of Birmingham for several reasons. The central location was important and I had a degree of familiarity with the campus having attended a neighbouring independent high school. I also believed that for the course I wanted to do that Birmingham’s expertise and contemporary leadership in the field meant I could expect a high quality learning experience and this was proved true.

What advice would you give to current students studying on the course?

I volunteered as a student representative on my first Masters degree and I found that liaising with the course leaders in this context proved to be a very positive and student centred experience.

How did you grow as a person by studying at University?  Did it change your life in any way?

Studying at the University of Birmingham has certainly changed my life for the better. I learned so much personally and professionally that has carried me forward and given me the confidence to keep reaching higher. I have also started my own business, one which is now successful and I am very proud of.