The slogan for the BACP – the largest regulatory body for counselling in the UK – is ‘Counselling Changes Lives’. Here’s why I believe this to be true.
Like many of us, I have made many mistakes and poor decisions, and have had my share of anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties.
I first went to counselling with some scepticism, in an attempt to improve my day to day life experience. I was doubtful that it would achieve anything. I was wrong.
Having the opportunity to talk about my emotions, feelings and triggers was a revelation. I had simply never examined myself in this way before. I found that the more I looked into myself the more I understood why I behave and react in the way I do. I found ways of noticing triggers and stress as they built up. I examined past episodes of my life which were a source of guilt and shame, and reframed them, looking at the choices I made, what alternatives I had and why I followed the option I did.
In the words of RuPaul – “If you can’t love yourself, how are you going to love somebody else?” By learning to understand and accept my own way of being and to be kinder to myself, my relationships with others improved in turn.
It hasn’t always been a comfortable experience, but counselling has profoundly changed my life. I am now calmer, kinder and in many ways more like the person I want to be. I am still far from perfect but I am getting a little better, day by day. A work in progress.
Following my experiences as a client, I decided to train as a counsellor. I have spent five years training, and two years working at an agency specialising in clients with substance abuse issues. I feel very privileged to be able walk alongside clients on their journey to a better life.