I began my counselling journey in 2017 in which I tested the water with the introduction to counselling 10-week course through LSEC colleges. I didn’t know what to expect but knew I loved helping people and had volunteered in a mentoring capacity and thoroughly enjoyed it. I really thought I would simply love the learning experience and didn’t imagine it would or could end in a career. After the course I took on a caregiving role for a family member which made it difficult to move on to level 2. Looking back, I think nerves may have played a part too.
After a few years I decided to apply for Level 2 at Bromley College and have never looked back. I loved Level 2 and 3. I met some amazing like-minded people and literally couldn’t wait for my college day. I fully embraced the essays and reading, realising I had found something I was passionate about. After passing L3, I was offered a place on the 2-year L4 Diploma with a view to become a qualified counsellor and I jumped at the opportunity. Upon receiving the pre course information I felt overwhelmed. The prospect of the expectation of the work and having to work on placement triggered my familiar doubts of ‘I can’t do this’ ‘I’m not good enough’ However, I took very deep breaths and went for it.
Having struggled with anxiety most of my life, I had previously tried self-help books and research, but nothing truly resonated with me. One of the most transformative parts of this training has been the focus on understanding myself. This process has been a breakthrough for me, helping me uncover and make sense of my familiar patterns, learned behaviours and beliefs while discovering who I really am. The psychodynamic learning and personal counselling journey I embarked on has changed my life.
Mental health can be a challenging journey and too often we place unrealistic expectations on ourselves and do not prioritise what we want and need. I now see this as a lifelong process but an exciting one. The understanding I have of my process is like a gift I’ve given myself. Anxiety is no longer a huge part of who I am and one of the greatest rewards is I love the work I do and helping others on a part of their journey.
