My Journey To Becoming A Counsellor

I didn’t realise the amount of energy, strength and hours that would be required to become a counsellor. I also wonder if I knew beforehand if I would have taken this pathway at all.

The answer would of course be yes as the benefits to myself, and my business are second to none and I wouldn’t be without the additional skills.

The feeling at the end on the last day at college was a bit surreal so thought I may be missing something. The ending wasn’t all on the same day which is something I hadn’t experienced before but also why I felt like I couldn’t jump around with joy as there was always something else, I needed to get before being fully qualified.

It was all the writing and essays and getting the folder together, then it was passing the exam which I was grateful to do it the first time around and then it was getting the 100 hours needed by working with clients. It was never ending.

I thought I would be screaming from the rooftops after everything the course involved but for the moment I have been quietly celebrating and sharing the news when I remember too.

I had always been intrigued by what counsellors do that coaches don’t and vice versa. So, a very good friend of mine said just do it and find out so back in Nov 2019 I started a 6 week course to find out more. I found it interesting, and I felt it was right for me to look at finding out even more.

So I started Level 2 in March 2020 in the classroom. I met other people in a room one week and then the lockdown happened and a week later it was to be on Zoom. The course started quite randomly with everything being up in the air and it wasn’t a normal way to start a course and certainly one to remember.

Practising counselling on video call was something that was new to everyone in the industry, but we couldn’t stop our learning just because the lockdown was in place. It took longer to complete Level 2 due to lockdown, but we finished it. Level 3 happened and then Level 4 was back in the classroom. It took longer to complete Levels 2 and 3 due to the lockdown but being back in the classroom and learning in person was something that was so beneficial.

I am not going to hide away that the journey to getting here hasn’t been all smooth sailing, but I can say that I have learnt a huge amount and for that I am forger grateful. I met some lifelong friends who were such amazing support as well as my friends and family.

It isn’t something to take likely, but it is worth being curious and persevering even when things get really tough.

So, for now I am bringing counselling to my business and opening up new doors which is something I recommend to anyone.

Key points from my experience
• The starting point may not go smoothly especially when it is out of your control but keep in there as you have nothing to lose
• The ending may also not be all on the same day and how you expect to feel but that is ok
• You are on your own journey but do surround yourself with your support network as you don’t know when you may have to ask for help

Sarah

Added: 27th November 2023

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