August Rising Star: Susan M., Dip, Psy, C MNCPS

Uwill’s Monthly Rising Star acknowledges one counselor every month who has “shined bright” in support of Uwill in their first year as a member of our counseling community. Congratulations, Susan McGrattan, Dip, Psy, C MNCPS! Since joining the Uwill team, Susan has completed over 100 sessions across the United Kingdom.

We’re excited to celebrate Susan, who is the first UK counselor to reach this milestone and earn this achievement!

Congratulations on this well-deserved accomplishment and thank you for your continued dedication to supporting students on the platform. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with you!

Check out our interview with Susan as she discusses what she enjoys about working with students, the impact Uwill had had on her as a professional, and tips for the new school year.

What excites you the most about working with Uwill?
What I find most rewarding about working with college students is being part of such an important chapter in their lives and having the opportunity to support them throughout this journey. For many, it is their first experience of independence, a time when they are discovering who they are and learning to navigate new challenges. I am privileged to help them develop healthy coping strategies, build resilience, and strengthen their self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to thrive both during their studies and beyond.

Can you illustrate the importance of a student being able to access a platform like Uwill?
Access to a platform like Uwill can be a critical factor in a student’s success. When students receive immediate mental health support, they are better equipped to manage stress, anxiety, personal challenges, and the pressures of academic life, which then improves their ability to attend classes, engage with learning and persist through difficulties.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most about my role is working alongside students. Supporting them as they develop coping strategies, build resilience, and find their own path forward is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. Seeing students grow in confidence and achieve their potential brings me a profound sense of satisfaction.

What are some skills you have learned from Uwill that you have been able to apply in your everyday practice?
One of the key skills I have developed through working with the Uwill platform is being more proactive in managing appointments and student engagement. The platform has also reinforced the importance of regularly checking in with student clients, as timely contact can make a significant difference to their wellbeing and progress. Uwill makes this process quick, easy, and efficient, enabling me to maintain consistent communication and provide responsive support when students need it most.

What was it that first attracted you to working with Uwill?
I was drawn to the Uwill platform because it offered an opportunity to use my experience and skill set to positively impact students’ lives. Looking back on my own time as a student, support services like this simply did not exist. If they had, I am certain they would have helped me navigate challenges more effectively and feel better supported. This perspective motivates me to provide the same level of support and understanding that I would have valued as a student myself.

How has being a member of Uwill’s Counselor Community impacted you as a professional?
Being a member of Uwill’s Counsellor Community has had a positive impact on me both professionally and personally. It has provided me with the opportunity to support a diverse student population while working within a platform that prioritises accessibility and timely mental health care. Through this experience, I have strengthened my ability to engage proactively with students, manage appointments efficiently, and recognise the value of regular check-ins to maintain continuity of support.

Uwill has also reinforced the importance of meeting students where they are, providing flexible and responsive services that fit around the demands of student life. This has enhanced my understanding of the unique challenges facing students today and encouraged me to continually adapt my practice to best meet their needs.

Perhaps most importantly, being part of the Uwill Counsellor Community has allowed me to contribute to a wider network of professionals who share a common goal of improving student wellbeing. Knowing that I am helping students overcome challenges, remain engaged in their studies, and work towards their future goals gives me a strong sense of professional fulfilment and purpose.

What advice do you have for students who may be struggling as the summer comes to an end and the new school year is on the horizon?
My advice to students is to remember that it is completely normal to experience a mixture of emotions as the summer comes to an end and a new academic year approaches. Change and uncertainty can bring feelings of anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt, but they can also bring opportunities for growth and new experiences.

Try to be kind to yourself during this transition. Focus on what you can control, such as re-establishing healthy routines, setting realistic goals, managing your time, and prioritising self-care. It can also be helpful to break things down into smaller, manageable steps rather than becoming overwhelmed by the year ahead.

Most importantly, do not struggle alone. Reach out to friends, family, tutors, or support services if you are finding things difficult. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many students experience challenges during periods of transition, and talking to someone can make a significant difference.

Remember that you do not have to have everything figured out on day one. Give yourself time to adjust, celebrate small achievements, and recognise that asking for help when you need it is an important part of looking after your wellbeing and succeeding both academically and personally.

To learn more about becoming a counselor with Uwill, click on the link below.

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