What do you think about when I say the word counsellor?
What do you think about when I say the word counsellor? Is it someone other people go to, or is there a friend or family member that attended counselling when life had become difficult? Is counselling for when life has got too much, and attendance is a last resort or because someone in our life thinks it might be best?
What’s important as a counsellor is that each person has contacted me because they have made that decision themselves. They have taken the time to decide that things don’t feel right, and they want support to make changes. They have felt they want someone to listen in a non-judgemental way, someone who will allow them time to feel those emotions which may be difficult to put into words or need a safe space to explore and untangle life problems that they can’t find anywhere else.
People come to counselling for all kinds of reasons. When they send that first email, sometimes that is the start of something. The first step to navigate the many feelings of loneliness, frustration, anger, boredom, loss or just wanting to feel that it’s ok to feel what you feel and have some time and space to talk things through.
The initial session is important for a client. Ask yourself. Do I feel I can connect with this person and feel safe in this space? Will I be able to work with them every week and share the emotions and feelings I have squashed down and hidden from the world? If after a couple of sessions, the answer feels like yes, this could be the beginning and an opportunity to see change in your life and in your relationships.
Take that time for yourself today. What do you need to get your life back on track?
