Ever wondered exactly what it takes to be a counsellor? Is it an art? Is it a science? What is it that gives one human being the ability to help another? And does it even work?We are Martin Poole and Helen Forbes. We are breaking our own confidentiality as trainee counsellors to bring you an insider’s view of what it takes to be a therapist.Whether you’re a counselling student yourself, interested in the process from a client's perspective or you want to gain an insight into the creation of today’s mental health professionals, there will be something here for you. We think it will be challenging but it should also be fascinating and fun.We discuss our counselling journey so far, which has made us proud owners of level 2 certificates in counselling skills. Join us then, as we embark upon a master's degree in counselling and psychotherapy practice. We attend university one day a week and have at least one other day a week in home-study, while also trying to earn a living and enjoy the odd social engagement. After all, although we’re both mature students, we're not ready to give up on life just yet!As well as talking about the course and our own difficulties that arise we will also be sharing our experience of our work placements and of course we’ll be delving into our own psyches by paying professional counsellors to give us our own personal therapy.What will we uncover? What have we got to hide? Even we don’t know yet. Find out what’s in store for us at the same time as we do and follow us as we discover if we have what it takes to help those in need of better mental health.