Before the launch of the new 'REMA Counselling Service' - Marion Rideout talks about WCCS journey so far...

Interview with Marion Rideout about Watford Christian Counselling Service

The vision of WCCS was always x2 fold- to provide a counselling agency to facilitate our own trainees counselling practice whilst also being of service to the community and especially to Watford.

Marion Rideout took over as Manager of WCCs from Heather Churchill who had originally got the agency up and running. At that time it was located in Beechen Grove. As Marion took over she also saw the agency move into new purpose built premises in the Presence complex, Watford. Which is where WCCS can still be found.

Marion has seen many changes in the 10 years she has been Manager of WCCS and it was sad to for the TC team to say goodbye to her recently but gave us a great chance to reminisce.

I took the opportunity to grab a few2 minutes alone with Marion in the midst of the excitement, to ask her a few questions about her experiences. As she hands the WCCS leadership baton onto me I am aware that I step into very big and capable shoes so was eager to hear her views.

LYN: Its time to say goodbye to you Marion after a long time at WCCS. How did you get involved in the first place?

MARION: I have worked for WCCS for 10 years. I started in September 2004. In the preceding year, I live locally to Heather Churchill as she was currently in the role as manager there were adverts out for the position but no-one had responded. We happened to meet up . It was one of those God co-incidental moments and she asked if it was something I might be interested in. I thought it might be but wasn’t sure. I wasn’t very confident that I’d be able to fulfil the role but started going through the process. I was just completing my accreditation as a counsellor at the time and this really motivated me to get that done and dusted. I put in an application but wondered if this was what God might have for me. I was interviewed at LST by Steve Motyer and Janet Penny. They offered me the job and the rest is history.

LYN: What was WCCS doing at the time?

MARION: Natalie and Heathers vision for a counselling service linked to LST for students completing their training. It was unique at that time as there was no other counselling course in the country also able to offer a placement.

LYN: You have been here for over 10 years, you must have seen many changes in what WCCS offers. What has happened since you took the helm?

MARION: We had very few students at the beginning. That has broadened as more students came to LST for counselling training. We also have more links across town. WE now receive referrals from many of the Watford’s churches . There are many people who want counselling support but needing a dependable professional service in a confidential setting. More lately we are finding most of our referrals are from people finding us on the internet. We have our own dedicated website too as well as links to the LST website. WE also send out literature to key people in the community including doctors surgeries and health care providers.

Of course we moved into much better facilities. We used to have a few rooms in a local church but we now work out of the Barn where we have dedicated rooms.

The LST counselling course was accredited by BACP and now WCCS is also an BACP accredited service. As I took up the management we were just beginning the accreditation process for the service. It’s a fantastic coup and very prestigious that both the course and the agency are recognised by a professional body and that they have accredited the course knowing that we run the agency offering counselling from a Christian understanding and approach the course is based on Christian principles with a Christian world view.

People know that we are offering counselling that is thoroughly professional in its approach.

LYN: I know that you ask clients about their experience as they leave so I am going to ask you the same…. How has the WCCS experience been for you?

MARION: Fantastic!! A God given opportunity to come in and do the work. I have grown in confidence and competency. I have experienced hundreds of Initial Assessments. Every time it is a privilege to sit down with people who don’t know what they want to be doing but know that they have something going on in their lives that they are not happy with. And I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with them in a safe setting and discuss it with them, what their hopes would be for counselling and usually able to offer them a counsellor who I think will be able to work well with them to help them achieve their goals. I’ve loved that part of it but also to be able to meet people at LST and broadening my understanding of counselling and working with a lot of great colleagues to appreciate them. A great experience and growth time but also provision for me at that time in my life, to enhance my skills. During that time I chose to do a degree in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy. I loved the course and wouldn’t have had the confidence to do it apart from the role I was doing at the time.

LYN : I am very much in awe- being the new manager- taking over behind both you and Heather Churchill so I am trying to fill some mighty big shoes. Have you any advice for this newbee manager?

MARION: stay humble- every new person that you meet, be with them, be alongside them, share what you are learning. There have been times for me when I have wondered about a trainees ability to hold a client but within weeks of LST lectures and me working alongside them, I see so much development in them. Be patient, believe in the best of people and don’t be afraid to challenge when things go wrong because sometimes things do need sorting out. Have the confidence to be willing not to be liked. Be yourself- don’t be Marion or Heather.

LYN: we are going to miss you at WCCS. Do you have any ideas about what you are going to do?

MARION: Honestly??? I really feel that I just want to stop for a bit and see what begins to open up for me. Take that space. To not be afraid of having a little bit of space in my life and take time to refresh my energy and to know that there will bew new things ahead. I am not ready to retire yet. I want to serve and get on with whatever it is God’s calling me to. I just have to be patient.

 LYN. Marion, thank you so much for sharing your insights and wisdom with me . Its just left to say that Wccs and I wish you all the best as you start this new phase in your life. Thankyou so much for talking to me.

Find out more about WCCS / The REMA COUNSELLING SERVICE here