Support for those who support others...
You know that moment in a client session when something they say unexpectedly hits home? When their story suddenly illuminates something in your own life that you hadn't quite faced yet? Or maybe you've found yourself lying awake at night, realising that beneath your professional role, there are parts of your own story that still need your attention and care? That stuff from the past that you've realised you haven't fully processed yet? If you're nodding along, saying a few Hmm-mms to yourself, you're definitely not alone – I've been there too! More than once. And that's exactly why I started Small Steps Counselling.
Hey there! I'm Kristy, and I provide personal counselling for counselling students and newly graduated counsellors who are navigating their own healing and growth journeys alongside their professional practice. Before you ask – yes, I absolutely believe counsellors need counselling too! Our personal growth doesn't stop when we get our qualifications. In fact, I'd say that being open to our own healing journey makes us better, more genuine and authentic therapists.
Why Personal Counselling for Counsellors?
Let me take you back a few years and share with you some experiences of mine. I was where many of you are now – learning how to counsel and be present for others while realising that some of my own struggles were also seeking my attention. Once, it was a client's story about their turbulent family relationships that stirred up unresolved feelings about my own family. Another time, working with a client's trauma awakened an awareness of my own unprocessed traumatic experience. On other occasions, I might have been dealing with personal challenges completely unrelated to my work – like relationship issues, anxiety or a life transition – and I recognised I needed a space where I could talk to someone and just be me for a change, not the counsellor...
What I discovered through my own journey was that having a safe space to explore these personal challenges wasn't just helpful – it was essential. Not just for my own wellbeing, but for my ability to be fully present and authentic in my work with clients.
What It's Like Working With Me
Well, first off, let's address the elephant in the room – yes, it can feel vulnerable and unfamiliar being on the "other side" of the counselling relationship! But I promise, my space is one where you can take off your "counsellor hat" and just be yourself. No judgement, no repercussions and no expectations of having it all figured out.
In our sessions together, you might find yourself:
Finally giving voice to personal struggles you've been pushing aside
Exploring how your own life experiences impact your emotional world
Processing past traumas or unresolved issues that your client work may have stirred up
Learning to navigate personal challenges while maintaining your professional role
Discovering that it's okay to be both a counsellor and a person on your own healing and growth journey
Real Talk: What You Can Expect
Our work together is about your personal growth and healing. While we might touch on how your personal challenges intersect with your professional life, our focus is on you as a person, not you as a counsellor. You might be surprised to discover:
~ Patterns in your own life that you hadn't noticed before
~ Emotional responses that were triggered by client work but actually stem from your own experiences
~ The relief of having a space where you don't have to have all or any answers
~ The freedom to explore your own struggles without worrying about how it impacts your professional identity or reputation
A Typical Session (Although Spoiler: There Are No "Typical" Sessions!)
We are all very different and diverse individuals, so while every session is somewhat unique, here's a general idea of what you can expect from a session at Small Steps Counselling:
A warm, friendly, welcoming space where you can be completely honest about your personal experiences
Focus on your emotional world and personal challenges
Exploration of how your life experiences shape your current reality
Support in processing any personal issues that may have been awakened by your client work
A place where you can receive the same empathy, understanding and support that you offer your own clients
Small Steps, Big Impact
I chose the name "Small Steps Counselling" very deliberately. Because that's how we heal – one small step at a time. It's a philosophy for me, not just a catchy business name. So, whether you're grappling with personal trauma, navigating relationship challenges, dealing with anxiety or depression, processing something from the past, overwhelmed by all that you're juggling or simply feeling the need for your own space to "unpack" and grow, each step you take towards your own healing matters. Regardless the direction of the step, movement equals progress!
Ready to Take That First Step?
If anything in this post has resonated with you, I'd love to connect. Whether you're a student counsellor realising you have some of your own healing to do, or a recent graduate finding that client work is stirring up personal issues for you, please reach out. You don't have to walk your path alone. Let's explore how we can work together to support your personal learning, growth and healing journey.
And please remember – seeking personal counselling isn't a sign of weakness or inadequacy. It's a sign of self-awareness, courage and commitment to your own wellbeing, which ultimately makes you a more grounded, compassionate and authentic counsellor.
*Curious about taking the next step but need a little more information? That's okay, I get it. There's lots of information and interesting content on my website, including Frequently Asked Questions and an "About" section, which may be useful for you to read*
If you know you could use some support right now and you're ready to book a session, click Book Now to head to my online booking portal.
What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you ever felt the need for personal counselling in your counselling journey? What has your experience been? Feel free to share in the comments below, or reach out directly if you'd prefer a more private conversation.
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