Ralph Holwerda
Master of Counselling – 2006
Ralph came to Wesley Institute with a diverse background and wealth of skills, including the field of Electronics and IT, five years of mission work with Language Recordings, experience in Market Research and community work. He was looking for a Counselling degree that integrated Psychological and Theological perspectives and was drawn to Wesley Institute.
“My fondest memories include the times in Paula’s classes, because of the care, empathy and creativity she showed,” said Ralph, “as well as the personal refection and development classes with Graham Barker. I also greatly appreciated the support given by all staff and students, chapel worship times and performances, times chatting with my peers over lunch, and the honour of being awarded the Masters Achievement Award and Shield at graduation.”
Since graduating, Ralph has also completed courses in narrative therapy and community practice, trauma (including EMDR), couples counselling, domestic violence and art and play therapy. He currently does counselling and group work in a community agency for Alcohol and other Drugs and families in Blacktown, alongside building his own private practice at Oatlands, North Parramatta with Bridges Counselling. In his practice, he specializes in Alcohol and other Drugs, but also sees clients with relationship/marriage issues, depression, anxiety, trauma and other issues.
“Wesley Institute gave me a very solid foundation for the work I now do, giving a thorough framework of psychology and counselling modalities and good understanding of how the Bible intersects with this,” said Ralph. “In the future, I would like to continue building my private practice, continue in my personal and professional development and creativity, and follow the Lord for the next steps.”
For more information on Ralph’s work, please visit: Talk It Over and Bridges Counselling.
