What Do I Love Most About Being a Counsellor?

People often ask me, “Isn’t it hard listening to people’s pain all day?” and yes, it can be. Sitting with grief, anxiety, trauma, or long-held emotional wounds isn’t light work… and what people don’t always see is the other side of it: the human connection, the quiet strength, and the small but powerful shifts that happen in the counselling space.

If I had to choose just one thing I love most about this work, it would be witnessing people rediscover their resilience, especially in those moments when they feel truly seen and heard.

There’s something incredibly moving about sitting with someone in their most vulnerable moments. Not to fix them, or give advice, but simply to be with them, to create space for their story, for their pain, and for parts of themselves they may have had to bury, silence, or shrink in order to survive.

I get to witness people reconnect with parts of themselves they thought were lost. I see them begin to express their needs without apology. I hear them challenge their harsh inner critic and slowly, gently begin speaking to themselves with more self-compassion. These changes might seem small at first, but they are often deeply powerful. Healing doesn’t usually happen in big, dramatic breakthroughs. It builds slowly, moment by moment, session by session and I believe every small step forward is an act of courage.

Many of the people I work with carry years of emotional pain. For some, it’s the pain of never feeling truly seen or heard. For others, it’s growing up in homes where emotions weren’t safe to have or express, where being vulnerable was discouraged or even punished. Some learned to disconnect from their feelings just to get by and others learned to stay small, quiet, or overly pleasing to keep the peace.

Counselling can offer something different through the message I try to convey which is, your story matters, your feelings are valid, and you are not alone in this.

What moves me most is the bravery it takes to come to counselling, especially for those who were never given permission to be vulnerable. It takes real strength to speak honestly, to feel deeply, and to sit with discomfort without trying to escape it. That’s often where healing begins in the messy, honest, human moments of connection.

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in relationship. It’s truly an honour to be part of that process. That’s what makes this work so meaningful to me… the human connection. The reminder that none of us are alone in our struggles, and that we don’t need to have it all figured out to begin healing. As Dr. Kristin Neff reminds us, “suffering is part of the shared human experience, and self-compassion is what allows us to hold that suffering with care rather than judgment” (Neff, 2020).

People often come to counselling believing they’re broken or weak , but what I often see is strength in the way they show up, in the questions they ask, and in how they begin to trust again, even when mistrust has been a past theme in their lives.

Counselling isn’t about having the answers. I believe it’s about having a safe, non-judgmental space to explore what’s really going on underneath the surface, at your own pace. If you are interested in starting counselling and don’t feel “ready enough”, that is okay. I strive to meet you where you are at and, just a little willingness is enough and we can explore the rest together.

Want to Learn a Bit About Me?

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with Panorama Wellness Group, I work with people navigating the effects of trauma on the body, mind, and emotions. I offer EMDR therapy in Langley, both in-person and virtually. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in deep respect for your experiences.

If you’re curious about starting therapy, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions and see if we’re a good fit. You can learn more about me here.

Jodi Bridges, MA, RCC

I often encounter individuals grappling with persistent life challenges who may hesitate to seek counselling due to various reasons. These concerns are valid and understandable, yet I see seeking counselling as a sign of strength and self-awareness. It takes courage to ask for help, and I am here to support you through it.

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