Back in 2011, I was working in finance full time. I had a husband, a mortgage and a pretty good life all up. I arrived home from work one day and then began the trauma of losing my husband to suicide. My life, as I once knew it, completely changed at that moment. I thought life and I would never be the same again. The planet continued to move, but I wished it would stop.
Some years after, I finally began to function normally and gained a fantastic job. I had a significant workplace injury and was on and off work for almost a year. I struggled with physical and mental health symptoms. Some people would call my last nine years unlucky I’d call myself lucky for surviving and thriving.
I’ve dealt with PTSD, anxiety and depression and have come out on the other side. It has given me an appreciation for how to recognise the symptoms and how to take care of myself properly, mentally and physically. I have knowledge of meditation, nutrition and what tests to get at your GP to make sure you are in tip-top shape.
We tend to think of counsellors as somehow perfect because you are telling us your ‘stuff’. Your problems can be challenging to talk about, but I don’t judge, as I know how hard life can be. We complete continuous study, have professional development, supervisory sessions and counselling sessions to make sure we can take care of you and have ourselves as our very best.
Over the years, I have seen mental health experts. The professionals who have helped me are the ones I could build great rapport and trust with. One looked after me after my workplace injury and got me back into my role. Whilst under their care, they suggested that I didn’t need to see them as I used to answer my questions. We discussed my completing studies in Counselling, as I was counselling myself and appeared to have my answers, so I did that successfully, and here I am!
So why am I a counsellor? I’m here to help you feel better about yourself and build a better future and life because I know it is possible.
