Time to Talk Day | Student counsellor designs book for peers

Chloe Hayden, from Llanederyn, is in her final-year studying BA (Hons) Counselling and Therapeutic Practice. During her studies, she came up with an innovative solution for therapist’s session notes during counselling sessions.

“When I started working with clients, I was using a basic notebook but I wanted something more structured,” she said.

“I couldn’t find anything exactly as I wanted it so I designed one and listed it for sale via Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. People have been buying it, which is thrilling, but I was just happy to have one for my own use.”

Chloe has several five star reviews on Amazon, including: “What a great little note book for recording client notes, during an actual counselling session. Keeps all the notes in one place and great with the different headed sections, for different parts of the session. Book described as notebook for Therapists, designed by a Therapist, good job and good layout, would be of great assistance to any therapist. Well done!”

In the future, Chloe plans to create some more books to promote self-care and mindfulness.

Alongside her paid work, studying, and counselling sessions, Chloe is a mental health advocate. She is passionate about raising awareness for those struggling emotionally, particularly school children.

She said: “I was a victim of rape when I was young. I was also bullied in school and didn’t have any support through a really difficult time during which I was very isolated. I also witnessed family members’ struggles with mental health, when they were in school, and the structure just wasn’t there to help them.”

Chloe fights for better mental health support provision in the education system through her role as Miss Voluptuous Wales. She said: “I had never considered pageantry but it came up in conversation about how I could campaign for my cause. I applied, went through an interview process and I was selected.

“It is one of the best things I have ever done. It has given me a platform, boosted my confidence, and I have cemented amazing relationships with fellow competitors. It’s not like a competition really, more like an inclusive family.”

Chloe says that her great grandfather, who died last year, is her biggest inspiration. She said: “In his life he was extremely charitable and an extraordinary role model in the community. He was loved by all that knew him. I wish to follow in his footsteps and carry on his legacy.”