I know taking that first step is scary, it's a difficult barrier to overcome and it's the first one. Once you take it, know the level of bravery you have within you. Let this guide you on the rest of your journey. During my career I have worked with adults and teenagers with various mental health issues. When I completed my Bachelor's Degree, my focus was on counselling clients with autism spectrum conditions. I consider myself an integrative therapist. This means I use various therapeutic methods when working with clients depending on their needs. These may include:
Cognitive Behavioural techniques, creative work, and neuro-linguistic programming techniques. As a trained person-centred therapist, this remains my base in every session. To be person-centred means to have empathy with your client, to have a non-judgmental attitude, and to be genuine. Building a good therapeutic relationship is important for therapy to work. Being a counsellor is a consistent learning role and there is no such thing as being an "expert" when it comes to working with clients. The client is the expert in their own lives. I do not claim to have the answers but I do believe that you already hold the answers and my job is to be there as a guide, to help you explore your own inner world to finding your own answers (yes, this is possible). There may not be any answers, there may only be finding acceptance and peace. Think of a counsellor as a scaffold around a house that is under reconstruction. The counsellor is the scaffold that supports and holds, the client is the one working on the house, making the positive changes.
