My Journey Through Counselling: A Personal Perspective

I’m a counsellor—but I’ve also been a client. I know firsthand how daunting it can feel to sit in the therapy chair and open up to a stranger. That experience changed me, and it continues to shape how I work today.

Many people have heard of counselling, but they’ve never experienced what it’s actually like to sit in the client’s chair. Thanks to shows like BBC One’s Change Your Mind, Change Your Life, viewers are beginning to get a better sense of what counselling involves. The show offers glimpses into real therapy sessions—what counsellors say, what clients share, and how the process can lead to meaningful change and transformation.

I want to share what being in therapy was really like for me, from the client’s point of view.

Taking the First Step

There are many reasons why someone might seek counselling. For me, as part of my counselling course, I was required to have 20 hours of therapy. I looked for a counsellor and wanted someone trained in the same modality I was training in: Integrative Counselling. Other considerations were price, location, and availability. I contacted a few counsellors. Some returned my calls and messages, while a few did not, which I found a little disappointing.

To ensure the counsellors I contacted had the appropriate training and qualifications, I used the BACP Directory, Counselling Directory, and Psychology Today. Since counselling in the UK is an unregulated profession—with no legal requirement for specific credentials—I wanted to be sure I was reaching out to properly trained professionals. I found someone in my area who charged a fee I could afford and was able to see me during my spare time.

The First Session

On the day of my first-ever counselling session, I felt a wave of nerves. When I met my counsellor for the first time, her warm demeanor immediately put me at ease. She was non-judgmental and curious about my life. I began to open up in ways I had never done before.

After seven sessions, I felt a strong desire to work with a counsellor trained in Transactional Analysis (TA), one of the approaches I was training in as an Integrative counsellor. I searched for a TA counsellor and felt nervous before our first session as well. I ended up seeing my TA counsellor for the next 13 sessions. She was also warm and curious, yet she challenged my thoughts and encouraged me to process difficult feelings.

An Emotional Rollercoaster (That’s Totally Normal)

Throughout the 20 sessions I had with both counsellors, my emotional landscape was rich and varied. I found myself crying, laughing, and talking about my anxieties and fears. I often felt uncomfortable discussing difficult issues but eventually felt comfortable, safe, and valued in their presence.

The therapeutic journey is filled with ups and downs, a feeling that is totally normal. It’s crucial to remember that these emotions are part of the healing process.

Breakthrough Moments

One of the pivotal issues I explored in counselling was the anxiety I experienced at work as an administrator. I was constantly fearful of making mistakes. The anticipation of someone needing to speak to me made my heart race; I would catastrophize, thinking, "I’ve made a mistake; they’re going to fire me."

Counselling helped me understand that my profound insecurity stemmed from my childhood. I struggled at school and often felt forgetful. I internalized a narrative that I wasn't smart enough.

As an adult, I still carried these feelings of inadequacy. However, it wasn't until counselling that I truly became aware of them. My counsellor guided me to recognize that making mistakes is okay—everyone experiences this, and it doesn't equate to being stupid. She helped me see my worth by highlighting my abilities and the value I bring to my work.

Since addressing these insecurities, I've noticed significant changes in my physical symptoms. No more racing heart, no more sweating, and I’ve stopped catastrophizing. Even when I make mistakes, I no longer feel anxious or like a failure. I approach my work with a newfound sense of relaxation, self-awareness, and confidence.

Saying Goodbye: The End of Counselling (or is it?)

In counselling, some individuals experience a clear beginning, middle, and end. I've technically concluded my sessions with my TA counsellor, but I still return to my first counsellor whenever necessary. So, in a sense, our counselling relationship has not truly ended—it's evolved.

The Power of Being Heard

At the heart of counselling is one simple but profound experience: being heard.

In everyday life, people often jump in with advice, opinions, or solutions. But in therapy, someone listens—deeply, fully, and without judgment. For many clients, this is the first time they’ve truly felt seen. And that alone can be transformative.

Final Thoughts: What It’s Really Like

Counselling isn’t always easy, but most clients describe it as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about:

• Understanding yourself

• Healing from past wounds

• Learning new ways to cope, relate, and thrive

  
  

You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. You just need to be willing to show up, be honest, and give yourself the gift of time and attention.

Because in the end, counselling isn’t just about talking; it’s about discovering who you are—and learning how to live more fully and freely.

If you’re thinking about starting counselling and want to know what it might be like for you, I’m here to help. With my experience as both a counsellor and a former client, I understand the challenges and rewards of the process.

Contact me today to schedule a free initial consultation or to learn more about how counselling can support your personal growth and well-being. I offer sessions in person, remotely (telephone or online video), or outdoor sessions (women only).

My counselling room is accessible to individuals based in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Handforth, Cheadle, Stockport, Hazel Grove, Bramhall, Hale, Altrincham, Macclesfield, Bollington, Knutsford, Manchester, and the South Manchester area.

Take the first step towards a more confident, balanced, and fulfilled you.