A Counsellor's Perspective: Case Study

Before training to become a Counsellor Hannah Williams, now 45, worked in the rather less satisfying world of Graphic Design, where job satisfaction was measured by the number of new accounts the company she worked for managed to secure. Hannah felt pressured to work long hours, and although she was financially well rewarded for her efforts her heart finally lost interest in her work after 12 years.

Job Satisfaction

London based Hannah had done a number of voluntary jobs over the years – helping out at a local charity shop on Saturdays, planning church-related events like day trips for the elderly and generally helping out wherever and whenever she could. This is where Hannah found satisfaction - helping other people by taking the time to listen to them and to care for their wellbeing.

“One day I went into work and knew that I would have to give in my notice before the end of the day. The moment I walked through the door something inside me would die a little, and I just craved working around people who needed my skills in a more meaningful way.”

Friendly Advice

Hannah resigned and spent three months thinking about all the things she could possibly do, until a counsellor friend suggested she enroll on a course or two just to keep her mind busy. After much research and careful consideration Hannah decided to make a completely fresh start by enrolling on a four-year BACP accredited Counselling Diploma course, run by the Centre for Counselling & Psychotherapy Education in London.

“The course was very intensive, but that was good for me because it felt like I was finally using my brain instead of spending my days just playing with images, like I had been doing for so long. I learnt about many interesting aspects of psychotherapy, and my only regret is that I wish I had, had the imagination to train in this field much sooner.”

On completion of her Diploma Hannah secured work in a small local practice, but continued to explore the possibilities within counselling. She also took further courses in specialist subjects, which now allow her to practice as an Addictions Counsellor.

The Right Move

Six years on Hannah works in a private practice in Brighton. She specialises in counselling clients who have issues relating to addiction – drug, alcohol and overeating. The majority of the clients Hannah deals with have been referred to the practice and they have long-term issues and problems to address. This takes time, but this allows her to build strong trusting relationships with her clients.

Whilst Hannah will see clients for regular one-to-one sessions, she also facilitates Group counselling sessions and a number of Self-Help Groups that are held at the practice’s premises. Some of the counselling sessions require planning, although individual counselling sessions tend to go with the flow and are lead by the client.

“The work I do now is really rewarding, although at times it can be mentally tiring. Knowing you are making some kind of difference to people’s lives leaves you with a sense of satisfaction at the end of a hectic day.”