Why I Became a Counsellor

A Personal Journey

I have experienced some very challenging times in my life, and being a single parent brought its share of difficulties. It was during this period, when my children and I needed someone safe to help us navigate emotionally complex circumstances, that I discovered the benefits of counselling.

Sitting with a counsellor who offered understanding, calm and acceptance, I realised that this was the work I wanted to dedicate my life to.

Training That Transformed Me

My training was rigorous, challenging and deeply meaningful. It was also transformative. It shaped not only the counsellor I became, but the person I am today.

Through both personal experience and professional development, I have learned that the only things I can truly control are my own choices, behaviour and thoughts — not those of others. This understanding continues to guide both my life and my work.

Staying Grounded

I find joy in simple, everyday moments: my first cup of tea in the morning, my daily walk through the woods, listening to birdsong, watching ducks and swans on the lake. These small rituals help me stay grounded and connected to the present, especially during times when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.

Experiences Before Counselling

Before becoming a counsellor, I had a varied working life — from nannying in London at 18, to collecting eggs on a Lincolnshire farm, to caring for older adults in Surrey and Hampshire in my 40s.

Each role taught me resilience, patience, resourcefulness, tenacity and empathy. These experiences shaped my values and now inform the way I support others as they find their own path forward.