The Little Things
May 13, 2014

5 years ago today I walked into the counseling office for my first session as a counselor. I was so nervous, and I remember my supervisor saying “It’s a success if you get through your first session without throwing up”- not comforting words 🙂 I remember walking into the office, getting my client, and bringing her into the room- and my mind went blank-I forgot my name!! The good thing is that I recovered quickly, and I haven’t forgotten my name since 🙂 Good thing I’ve grown just a bit from that place!

I wanted to be a counselor since I was 8 years old, so walking into that room was a dream come true for me. There have certainly been tough moments along the way (of course always will be too in the counseling profession), but I really love being a counselor. I had written in my journal the morning before my first client the following quote: “There are a lot of good counselors and there are far less great counselors. Today you start to choose; are you going to be good or are you going to be great?” I think about this quote often as I process my time as a counselor.

The fact is that I love being a counselor more and more every year that I’ve spent in the job. One thing I didn’t quite expect before I started counseling is how much I’d learn as a counselor.

I learn so much from my clients- way more than they will ever know, and I’m thankful for those moments. Not only do I learn bits about each of their respective fields and jobs, but I learn more about how life is played out in this world. The cases I see challenge me to continue my education, read more journal articles, and engage in supervision and consultation with my co-workers and peers.

Being a counselor has really changed my life in so many ways, and I’m so thankful for the journey that’s occurred over the last 5 years…

Now it’s your turn to share! What’s one thing you’ve learned at your current job?

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2 responses to “5 Years A Counselor”

  1. Kristen @ Glitter and Dust says:
    May 14, 2014 at 6:55 pm

    Happy 5 year anniversary! I am sure you learn A LOT about people and yourself sitting on that side of the conversation. I think counseling would be fascinating. A lot of people assume I am the go-to resource for problems because I am a psychologist, but my field is very different from that of a therapist. One thing I have learned being an instructor and teaching at the university level is the open-mindedness you have to have in interacting with people from all walks of life. I have learned to be much less judgmental and to listen intently before making decisions. I never knew I would learn so much from my students – it’s a two way street.