Christine Plews
Student spotlight details
It was a pleasure meeting our alumna Christine Plews at Meeting Minds in September. In this spotlight, she shares her story of discovering Oxford Lifelong Learning on her doorstep and how studying psychodynamic psychotherapy has transformed her professional practice.
‘I have worked as a family law solicitor in Oxford city for more than 30 years, and I am currently a family mediator at a boutique family law firm in Henley.
'Training to be a family mediator is challenging, both academically and practically. However, when I began working with couples, rather than individual clients, I found it difficult to manage the emotions involved – sometimes even my own. I wanted to study further to equip myself better as a mediator. I was already familiar with Oxford Lifelong Learning, as I often saw its literature in the city, and I had previously completed a creative writing course. I always felt that, as Oxford residents, we were very fortunate to have such a resource on our doorstep.
‘My firm agreed to fund several short in-person courses that term, generally on the theme of understanding human emotions and psychology. The one I found most valuable was the introductory course in psychodynamic psychotherapy. My fellow students were engaging and supportive, and, encouraged by our tutor, several of us decided to apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Psychodynamic Councelling. The application process was rigorous and competitive, and I felt a real sense of achievement when I was accepted onto the one-year, part-time course.
‘Studying has changed considerably since my first time at university. Accessing the library services, requesting inter-college loans, and submitting work online made me feel very much like a present-day student. The course was both theoretical and academic, giving me a strong grounding in the principles of psychodynamic psychotherapy.
‘I loved being part of the University. Its impact on the city – and indeed the world – is immense. To take part in that tradition and to access the benefits it offers, both during the course and since, has been deeply rewarding. I especially enjoyed my award ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre and now make good use of my Oxford University alumni card to attend events such as Meeting Minds, a weekend of fascinating speakers and lectures that I can cycle to!
‘The insight into psychotherapy has made me a better mediator, and the qualification undoubtedly attracts clients. I was a founder of a specialist therapeutic mediation service based in London, which continues to thrive, and I have since undertaken further study at the Institute of Psychotherapy in London. I have written academic articles and spoken at conferences about the intersection of mediation and psychotherapy.
‘We have a world-class resource on our doorstep in Oxford. Most of my fellow students travelled long distances each week to attend the three-hour evening sessions, whereas I had only a short journey. Students here learn from outstanding tutors and gain access to all the University’s academic resources. Oxford is an extraordinary institution with a global reputation and the experience and qualifications you gain through Oxford Lifelong Learning are truly life-enhancing.’
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