Counselling as a Profession
There is rarely a day spent with clients that I am not amazed, humbled and grateful for the opportunity to do the job of a counsellor. I feel immensely privileged to walk with clients, holding space for their hurt, hardships and pain as well as celebrating in their joy, triumphs and transformations. Being a counsellor is a gift that I am ever grateful for and will continue to hold in high regard as I learn and grow both professionally and personally.
My Definition of Counselling
My hope for counselling is to facilitate change through the continued curiosity of both the counsellor and the client as we take time to understand and explore one’s emotions and experiences. I believe counselling is an empowering process by which individuals can gain hope for the future through self-acceptance and understanding. The counselling relationship is a vital component to the counselling process as it provides the foundation of belonging and connection upon which one can change and grow. That said, I believe that the client is the expert of their story, thoughts, feelings and behaviours and I endeavour to have them take the lead. Much like a journey in a car, the counselling process ensures the client is always in the driver’s seat with control of the speed, and ultimately choosing the directions of where to go. As a counsellor, my role is to remain in the passenger seat, ensuring safety in our travels and offering directions and feedback as needed to take the client to their final destination.