Welcome to the first ABC blog. I'm excited to share information and articles that you may find helpful.
First, a quick update: I’m still happily working with Children’s Social Care as a Family Mediator and counselling children and young people through a local agency, ARC, in Wokingham. In addition, I’ve started my own private practice, working with adults. It's been a busy and rewarding time, and I look forward to sharing more about my journey and insights with you all. Enjoy the upcoming posts!
The Joy of Working with Young People
Every session is a new adventure, and every young person brings something fresh to the table. While the underlying difficulties might be similar, my approach is always tailored because each young person is unique. I love being creative to offer an environment where my clients feel welcome and comfortable. Together, we can get to know each other, build trust, make a healthy connection, and have fun too! We focus on strengths as well as difficulties, considering their age, personality, and interests.
I adore their energy, honesty, resilience, and openness to change. Most of all, I treasure the opportunity to see the world through their eyes, learning and growing alongside them. It's incredibly rewarding to witness them benefit from therapy, gaining self-confidence, feeling more empowered, and believing in themselves. This newfound confidence makes them happier and more capable of navigating their lives.
This work is truly a privilege and a joy, although it often means I need an early night when I get home! But it's all worth it for the chance to make a positive impact on their lives and to share in their journey.
Private Practice – Working with Adults
It's been an exciting few months since I set up my private practice, working with people over 18, after spending 3 years with my local counselling agency. I was a bit slow off the blocks - my love for diversity means I always have a few irons in the fire! My curiosity drives me to keep learning, so I’ve been attending webinars and courses to improve my practice and feed my mind.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these first few months and have built a fantastic network of support around me, including other counsellors. This helps me maintain a sense of community rather than working in isolation. I truly appreciate this sense of belonging, and I'm sure that it, alongside my self-care practices, supports a healthy work-life balance and keeps me in a place my clients can rely on.
For now, I’m only working online, but I’m exploring possibilities for face-to-face sessions in the future. It's been a wonderful start, and I look forward to what’s next!