Mental Health and Counseling Across Cultures Exploring UK Practices

Fly to London Heathrow Airport

Morning

Arrive in Heathrow, Meet & Greet with your dedicated TLAC group leader and take a private transfer to accommodation in Birmingham

Late afternoon

Enjoy a walking tour of Birmingham

Evening

Free time to Rest and Recharge

Morning

Orientation session on UK counselling frameworks & ethics. This session provides an overview of the key principles, regulations, and ethical guidelines governing counselling practice in the UK. Students will explore the roles of professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), as well as legal considerations, confidentiality standards, and cultural competencies essential for counselling in diverse communities. The session will also highlight differences between UK and US counselling approaches.

Afternoon

Visit to a university psychology/counselling department in Birmingham to give students an overview of the department’s research, courses, and practical training in mental health. Students will learn about the application of psychological theories in real-world settings, including working with anxiety, depression, and trauma. The visit will also include discussions on key therapeutic techniques and ethical considerations, offering valuable insight into the academic and professional aspects of psychology and counselling.

Evening

Group Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant to enjoy traditional British Fare.

Morning and Afternoon

Full Day with LU Serve Organization

Evening

Free time to explore Birmingham

Morning

Full or half Day with LU Serve Organization

Afternoon

A visit to Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham offers students a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor experience. The park is perfect for unwinding, with its expansive green spaces, tranquil lakes, and beautiful gardens. Students can rent pedal boats to explore the water or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park’s scenic paths. For those who love nature, there are plenty of spots to have a picnic or simply relax and take in the views. The park also has a café for a refreshing break and is a great place to socialize or engage in some light outdoor activities like frisbee or badminton.

Evening

Free Evening

Morning

Early Departure for London and drop bags at hotel

Afternoon

Visit Bethlem Museum of the Mind. Located on the grounds of the historic Bethlem Royal Hospital—one of the world’s oldest psychiatric institutions—Bethlem Museum of the Mind explores the history of mental health care in the UK. The museum showcases artwork, archives, and exhibits that document changing attitudes toward mental illness from the medieval period to the present day. Students will gain insight into past treatment methods, the evolution of psychiatric care, and the role of art in mental health recovery. This visit provides valuable historical context for understanding modern approaches to counselling and mental health support.

Evening

Free Evening

Morning

Church Service at Metropolitan Tabernacle or Westminster Abbey

Afternoon

Enjoy a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour of London. The tour offers a flexible and convenient way to explore London’s most iconic landmarks. With an open-top double-decker bus, students can enjoy panoramic views while learning about the city’s rich history through live or recorded commentary. Key stops may include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square.

Evening

Free Evening

Morning

A visit to Mind London offers students insight into mental health advocacy, services, and policy in the UK. Mind London is a leading mental health charity in the UK that provides support, raises awareness and advocates for better mental health services. It offers resources, helplines and community programs to ensure that people experiencing mental health challenges receive the help and respect they need. The visit would begin with an introduction to Mind’s mission and key initiatives, followed by a talk from a mental health advocate on stigma reduction and support systems. Students would then participate in an interactive workshop on mental well-being, peer support or mental health in the workplace, tailored to their academic background. The visit would conclude with a Q&A session on mental health policy, careers and advocacy.

Afternoon

Free time

Evening

Dinner with UK Counselling practitioners. This informal dinner provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in open conversations with experienced counsellors in a relaxed setting. Over a shared meal, students can learn first-hand about the realities of working in counselling, including challenges, rewarding experiences and insights into various therapeutic approaches. The discussion may cover topics such as ethical dilemmas, faith-based counselling perspectives and the evolving landscape of mental health support in the UK.

Morning

Visit with the Grace and Faith Counselling Services in London will offer students insight into Christian, person-centered counselling. Students will meet experienced counsellors who will discuss their integrative approach, ethical considerations, and the role of faith in therapy. Where appropriate, students may engage with service users to understand the impact of counselling first-hand. Through discussions and anonymized case studies, they will gain a deeper understanding of faith based mental health support and the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental

space for clients.

Afternoon

Visit the London Eye which offers students stunning panoramic views of London, with landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace in sight.

Evening

Free time

Morning

Visit with Kelly’s Cause, a conseling service in London that works with refugees and immigrants. This meeting provides\xA0 students with insight into the unique mental health challenges faced by these communities. Students will meet with an experienced counsellor to discuss trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and building trust with vulnerable populations. Where appropriate, students may engage in discussions based on anonymized case studies to understand the therapeutic approaches used. This session will help students better understand the psychological impact of displacement and the role of mental health services in supporting refugees and immigrants.

Afternoon

Visit

Morning

Meet with John Steley. a faith-based counselor in London who will give students insights into managing a variety of mental health issues, including anger, anxiety, depression, grief, and the effects of bullying or abuse. The session will also cover challenges such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, post-trauma symptoms, and the complexities of living or working cross-culturally. Students will learn about strategies for addressing relationship problems and stress, as well as John Steley’s professional supervision and consultancy services for church staff. Through discussions and case studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of effective therapeutic approaches for these concerns.

Afternoon

Free time

Evening

Group farewell dinner to reflect on the program and enjoy one last meal together

Early departure from London Heathrow and fly back to USA