Collete O’Mahoney – My Journey to Being a Therapist.

My journey to becoming a counsellor has been deeply personal, shaped by my own life experiences and the transformative power of counselling. Years ago, I found myself in a difficult period, navigating the complexities of a divorce while also grappling with unresolved grief. It was during this time that I sought the help of a counsellor, a decision that would change the course of my life.

Entering therapy felt like stepping into a safe space where I could finally open up and share my deepest thoughts and feelings. The experience of being truly heard and understood, without fear of judgment, was both healing and empowering. It made me realise that my future didn’t necessarily have to be dictated by my past. Counselling gave me new perspectives, new possibilities, and most importantly, hope.

This newfound clarity inspired me to envision a different future, one where I could help others in the same way I had been helped. I decided to pursue a career in counselling, and after careful consideration, I enrolled in a course with Chrysalis. The journey through my studies was enriching, not just academically, but personally. Over the course of three and a half years, I immersed myself in the theoretical frameworks of psychotherapeutic counselling while also working on my own personal growth and self-awareness. Each lesson, each discussion, brought new insights that I could apply not only in practice but also to my own healing process.

A significant part of my training was completing a 100-hour placement during my final year. I did this with Cruse Bereavement Support. This experience was invaluable, as it allowed me to gain experience in grief counselling and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of loss. Cruse provided me with an additional three months of training specifically focused on bereavement support, which helped me refine my skills in this delicate area. I found the experience so rewarding that I continue to volunteer for Cruse today.

It was during my student placement with Cruse that I experienced working with clients online for the first time, something that was eye-opening. The ability to offer counselling virtually removed many barriers for clients. They no longer had to be limited by location or deal with the logistical challenges of commuting to an office, especially after emotionally charged sessions. Online counselling brought flexibility and accessibility, ensuring that help could be offered to those who needed it most, wherever they were.

Looking back, I realise that life's challenges often push us toward paths we never anticipated. My experience as a client of counselling was pivotal because it helped me grow, heal, and see my own potential. It had such a profound effect on me that I too, wanted to help others through the same journey of discovery and healing. 

As a qualified counsellor, I understand deeply how critical the relationship between therapist and client is in fostering trust, empathy, and emotional well-being. My role is to create a space where my clients feel completely safe, where they can be vulnerable without fear of being judged. It's important to me that they know I regard them with kindness and respect, and that I am fully present with them in every session.

Many people come to counselling having never experienced the feeling of being truly listened to. For some, it’s a novel and even transformative experience. I am continuously humbled by the trust my clients place in me, and I strive to honour that trust by offering a space where healing and growth can flourish. Every person’s journey is unique, but at the core, I believe that being heard and understood is a powerful catalyst for change.

I sought guidance from a counsellor myself, some years ago during a period in my life where I was going through a divorce and I also had unresolved grief. I understand how it feels to really open your innermost self to another person, knowing that you are safe, and that they are there for you on your healing journey. Counselling opened my eyes to new possibilities and that my future didn’t have to be shaped by my past. 

Part of the new future I envisioned for myself was changing career to become a counsellor. I enrolled on a course with Chrysalis and three-and-half years later I became a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor. I learned about theoretical approaches to counselling and how to use them in practice, while also promoting my own personal growth and insight.

I did my 100-hour placement with Cruse Bereavement Support during my final year of study with Chrysalis. I received 3 months additional training to develop grief counselling skills. This was also my first experience of working online with clients, and opened my eyes to the possibilities it provides. Clients are no longer bound by geographic location, nor do they need to worry about commuting to and from the therapist’s office, especially if they feel emotional after a session. 

Life throws us challenges, leaving us to cope with all kinds of issues. Finding a therapist that could help me through my life challenges was crucial to my healing and growth. It had such a profound effect on my life that it drew towards counselling as a profession. As a counsellor, I know how crucial the therapist/client relationship is in promoting trust, understanding and wellbeing. It is essential that my clients feel at ease, know that there is no judgement, and that they are regarded positively and kindly. Being really listened to can be a novel experience for people coming to counselling for the first time, and it can have a transformative effect. 

Ultimately, my reason for becoming a counsellor was because at one time in my life, I needed someone to help me through a very difficult time. Having experienced the transformative effect of counselling in my life, I resolved that it was something I wanted to bring to others.