Rory overcomes personal challenges to train as a counsellor

Inspirational graduate Rory has set his sights on becoming a counsellor after his own mental health challenges inspired him to help others

Rory Laudanski in his graduation cap and gown

Rory hopes to one day open his own practice to help others

They didn’t just teach – they supported, encouraged, challenged, and believed in me, even at times when I didn’t believe in myself.

Rory Laudanski, BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

Rory Laudanski initially left school at 16 and went straight into work. But after being made redundant during the Covid pandemic, he decided to return to education and took an access course.

Now the father-of-two, who is neurodivergent and has a borderline personality disorder, has achieved a first class degree in BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling from University of Staffordshire.

Rory, from Meir, said: “I didn’t begin this degree hoping to change the world. I began it because I wanted to understand my own world better – my thoughts, my emotions, my experiences – and to gain the tools I needed to take care of my mental health.

“That was my motivation from day one. I wanted to be a better version of myself not only for me, but for my children.”

He’d previously had a mixed experience of counselling. But as soon as he started the course, he found it “transformational”.

Rory, 29, said: “They didn’t just teach – they supported, encouraged, challenged, and believed in me, even at times when I didn’t believe in myself.

“This degree has taught me that growth often comes from the messiest, most overwhelming moments, and that sometimes, starting something for yourself is the most generous thing you can do for the people you love.”

At his graduation, he was joined by members of his family, including four-year-old son Archie and seven-month-old daughter Aurora. It was the bedtime stories he told to Archie that helped to give Rory the confidence to deliver a speech in front of hundreds of guests during his ceremony.

Rory also worked as a student ambassador, helping to promote the University and the student experience at events.

He is now staying on at the University to take an MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, which will give him the accredited training he needs to become a counsellor.

He added: “I want to have my own private practice. I’ve also got ambitions to become a lecturer as I want to train the next generation of counsellors.”

Get ahead of results day and discover University of Staffordshire’s range of future-ready courses – apply through Clearing and get an instant decision online.

 

Sorry, this video requires the use of functional cookies which you have not consented to use. Change your cookie settings or watch the video on the provider's website

Latest news


Topping out ceremony plaque web

University of Staffordshire’s net zero student hub reaches key milestone as development progresses

University of Staffordshire has celebrated topping out the new 21,000 sq ft student village hub at its Stoke-on-Trent campus

Kacey Williams

Next stop, University of Staffordshire!

Successful BTEC students from North Staffordshire are looking forward to the next steps in their learning journey at University of Staffordshire

Rowan Simpson in his graduation cap and gown

Animation fan turns passion into career

After levelling up from gamer to graduate Rowan Simpson is starting a new quest in teaching

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021