Why am I a counsellor?
Lots of you might wonder what makes people want to become a counsellor.
For me, my journey began when I was referred to counselling by my GP after suffering from low mood and insomnia following a significant life event. They thought I might benefit from some counselling support and I went to my work Employee Assistance Programme and luckily they were able to see me relatively quickly.
I had no idea what to expect when I entered that blank office room and was very nervous in my first few sessions. I hadn’t slept and I just felt low and sad, but doesn’t everyone? What if she thought I was wasting her time? What even is counselling anyway?
As the weeks went by, I found that sharing my story with a stranger was powerful. She listened and accepted me without judgement and or trying to tell me what to do. My counsellor helped me recognise the situation I had been in, work through my feelings and experiences and slowly piece myself back together again. As my confidence grew, I began to feel lighter and more hopeful for the future.
Add a few years and I had always known that I enjoyed working with and helping people so I started a graduate certificate in counselling. When I started training I didn’t know what to expect as it was a long time since I had studied.
Counselling training is challenging and requires lots of reflection and introspection. It is hard academically and emotionally but prepares you to be the best counsellor you can be.
One thing you might not know is that as part of training we also have our own counselling. It is a reminder of what the experience is like from a client point of view, that it can be tiring, hard work and emotional but it can also be eye opening and insightful. As counsellors, we are constantly learning, developing and growing and looking after our own mental health is an important part of that.
Skip forward to today and I have the privilege of being a fully qualified counsellor who works with clients from all walks of life - both online and in person.
I am constantly amazed by the strength shown by my clients and recognise that coming to counselling during a time of struggle is a massive step and a courageous act. I appreciate every person who comes to my door and treasure each and every one of their stories and parts of their life that they choose to share with me.
I honestly believe that counselling can be life changing - it was for me.
