Kristyana Jimdar

• Year of graduation: 2018
• Current job title: Integrative Counsellor
• Current employer: Kjimdar Counselling Services
• Industry sector: Counselling and Psychotherapy

Your University to Career Journey

What inspired you to study at UON?

I’d always wanted to work with children and young people, but I wasn’t sure how. I didn’t really want to become a vet or a teacher as I wanted to work with either young people or animals. I did my undergraduate degree in Psychology and while I considering which course to do for my Master’s, the University of Northampton’s Counselling Children and Young People course really caught my attention.

What is your current role?

I run my own business called Haven of Hope. Working from home, I have a counselling room that is set up in my back garden. I also work on Saturdays where I rent a counselling space which comprises a team of counsellors.

I’ve always wanted to work for myself, doing something I’m passionate about and I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives for the better, or to help in whatever way that I can. Working as a counsellor, I knew that mental health was something that people were becoming more aware of and that the upcoming generations are proactively trying to develop themselves and be more mindful of their mental wellbeing.

Changemaker Team Support

What kind of social change are you trying to bring to the world through your business?

There aren’t many counsellors or mental health professionals in the UK that work specifically with children and young people, especially using animals. There are different types of services offered to young people and there’s equine therapy, but I specifically wanted to incorporate a family pet or an animal that you can find in any home. I felt that this would help ease the tension and create a sense of normality to build the therapeutic relationship more easily with the client.

How did the Changemaker Team support you during your business venture?

The Changemaker Team team really helped when I was putting together my business proposal. I sent them multiple drafts and they always responded with very useful recommendations and suggestions. The team was always there whenever I had a question or needed support and they also provided financial support during the pandemic, which was a massive help.

How has your venture grown since working closely with the Changemaker Team?

I can offer my own remote counselling and I’m able to rent out a counselling room to other counsellors. I’m also looking at plans of incorporating horticulture therapy as another nature-based therapeutic intervention.

How have you personally grown and developed since engaging with the Changemaker Team?

I’ve learned that patience is key and how to be more independent, as well as expanding my organisational skills – from scheduling clients in, to sending invoices on time, and being responsible and accountable for the decisions that are made within the business.

I’ve also developed my communication skills and have learned to not be afraid of confrontation, especially when making amendments to certain client contracts, such as following up on unpaid invoices. Before, I would have just put it down as a loss, but now I see the value and time in me offering a service. I’ve also gained confidence and more respect for myself.

What kind of opportunities has the Changemaker Team given you?

It allowed me to return to the UK – I’m originally from Trinidad but have always wanted to settle here. It taught me a great deal about the functioning and maintenance of starting and running a business and the team have always been there to support me and guide me with the tracks that I wanted to be on.

Your Future

What are your future plans?

I’m currently working on a visa to remain in the UK. Once that’s sorted, I intend to completely focus on the expansion of my business. I’m excited to discover how I can grow it further – eventually I’d like to have a mini farm that utilises a diverse range of animals.

Watch the video of Kristyana’s experience: