Guidance for Counsellors

Back in September 2020, I published some words of guidance on my Facebook page for counsellors on their journey of study and self discovery as students or practitioners. As it popped up in my memories, I realised it might be worth re-sharing. So here you go, take what is helpful to you and leave the rest, and add on any wisdom you would like to share!

Self Care

You’re going to hear that a lot and probably keep re-learning the importance of it throughout your career.
Take time for yourself. Seek support when you feel overwhelmed, nervous or lost.
Learn to be with your mistakes, everyone makes them. Everyone.
Remember you’re human first before anything else.
Cry when you need to, take time when you need to.

Be kind to your fellow students or colleagues, offer help where it’s needed yet don’t take responsibility for someone else’s learning.

Learn to be with your vulnerability, it’s part of your beauty. Understand where it comes from and see it for the gift it can be if you let it.

Learn to understand all your own emotions, responses and reactions. Deep personal reflection is not easy. Be interested in how you are feeling about something and look to what is happening for you in that process. Remember this is your journey and it is unique. Do not compare yourself to others.

Be open to learn from others with more or different experience to you. Ask questions and be interested in their journey should they choose to share it with you.

Choose your personal therapist and clinical supervisor wisely. They will be key in your development as a person and as a practitioner now and throughout your career. You will need and learn to cherish their support, guidance and challenge. Although you may hear difficult truths at times, if you engage in the difficult things, you will grow.

Love yourself

There is no perfect therapist. We are all different. You will be right for some and not others and that’s ok.

Remember good marks on academic papers now dont necessarily reflect your personal learning or the difference you will make in the lives of others later on.

Take breaks. Take time between clients, study and other commitments.

Learn to say no.

Experienced reflective therapists acknowledge they are still learning every day. There are no short cuts in this profession. It takes time and it will be expensive. It will cost you in every meaning of the word.

Cherish those who support you, value their input. Wisdom will present in places you may not expect, be ready to hear it.

Recognise you cannot have the capacity to support or guide others if you cannot support and accept guidance yourself.

Breathe.

Remember how honoured you are to be invited to be with others in their pain and struggle.

Now smile. This is the best job in the world 😊