Why I Love Counselling
Life Before Being a Therapist
Before I became a therapist, I worked as a social worker among women and children for over six years. During this time, I often felt frustrated because many of the people I helped were stuck in their situations due to trauma or their inability to overcome fears and emotions. My role involved helping people meet their needs, improve their quality of life, and make a positive impact. However, I noticed that many of my clients couldn't fully benefit from the resources available to them because their mental health issues hindered their progress. This frustration led me to feel a bit lost, and I decided to become a mental health therapist.
My Foray into Counselling
I explored various options and realized I needed to up-skill to become a clinical counsellor. I went back to university and earned a Masters degree in psychology. Returning to the same organization, I was immediately faced with a high demand for counselling services. I started as a school counsellor and later trained as a trauma therapist, working with youth rescued from trafficking.
My Life as a Counsellor
Initially, transitioning from social work to counselling was challenging. I was used to fixing problems directly, often working outside my scope as a counsellor by connecting clients to resources and assisting them beyond clinical hours. I had to remind myself to focus on my role as a counsellor. Gradually, I embraced my new role and found that I love being a counsellor.
As a counsellor, I meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn about different cultures and ways of working with individuals. I am constantly learning about myself, my clients, and the world around me. One of the best aspects of counselling is building long-term relationships with my clients. When a client trusts me and opens up, allowing themselves to be vulnerable, I feel honored to step into their world. I am thrilled when we work together and they move forward in life, feeling healed and free.
The Privilege of Counselling
I feel privileged to build rapport with my clients and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for them to share their innermost thoughts, fears, and emotions. It is fulfilling to help decrease their suffering and teach skills that help them overcome inner turmoil. Witnessing their growth and seeing stories of strength and perseverance unfold before my eyes is incredibly rewarding.
Having been a counsellor for over 15 years, many have asked if I wanted to change my profession. In some agencies, promotion means distancing from clients and frontline work. During my time as a manager, I realized that I truly enjoy one-on-one interactions with my clients. I chose to prioritize this over climbing the corporate ladder, and I have no regrets. While I do appreciate the challenges of being a team lead, strategizing, envisioning, and thinking on a macro level, my passion for counselling ultimately outweighs any other career path.
