Ian Bowden

Background

About Ian Bowden

I am currently an Affiliate member of the Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW. Participation in Financial Counselling Australia’s Steps Program (120 hours work experience) has provided me with valuable experience in online counselling using the Zoom platform. I have face-to-face financial counselling experience from my volunteer work at St Vincent De Paul. I believe that my experience as a university lecturer and tutor, my experience in mentoring of senior police officers, together with my management consulting and team management experience, puts me in a great position to quickly become a competent practicing financial counsellor. I have the requisite understanding of the significance of family and community ecosystems. I appreciate the need for financial counsellors to see a client’s financial position in the context of their family ecosystem, which in turn is influenced by the broader social, economic, political and cultural environment. I understand the need for financial counsellors to consider clients’ family and social situation when developing long term strategies to address financial issues. Financial counsellors should also be knowledgeable about the community networks and resources available to fill the gap. I am keen to provide outreach counselling services. I have my own motor vehicle. Studying the Diploma of Financial Counselling has taught me that trauma is likely to be a significant factor in clients’ financial situation. The utmost care is required to ensure that clients are treated with sensitivity and that the process of dealing with financial issues does not, inadvertently, re-traumatise or blame clients for their financial predicament. I have experience working with vulnerable clients in a non-judgemental way as a part of the STEPS Work Placement. I am pleased to get a Working with Children and National Criminal Record Check.