Top 3 Things I Learned During My Counselling Training

I thought I’d take a moment to share some of the big lessons I learned during my counselling training. Whether you’re considering counselling for yourself or curious about what the journey is like if you’re thinking of becoming a counsellor, I hope these insights give you a bit of an idea of what to expect.

1. I Don’t Have to Know It All – And Neither Do You

Here’s the thing: it’s easy to think that as a counsellor, I’m meant to have all the answers. That I’m supposed to be the one with all the wisdom and knowledge. But the truth? I don’t have everything figured out – and that’s actually a good thing.

When I first started out, I realised that there can sometimes be this expectation that as the “therapist,” I’m supposed to be the expert, and that you, as the client, might feel like you have to be “the one with the problem.” But honestly, that’s not the vibe I want to create. My job isn’t to tell you what to do or fix you – it’s to provide a safe, open space where we can explore things together.

What I’ve come to realise is that you’re the expert in the room. You have the insight into your own life, and I’m here to help you discover it in a way that feels right for you. I’m not here to be all-knowing – I’m here to listen, to support, and to ask the questions that might help you find your way forward.

2. Theory is EVERYTHING (But It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All)

Theory in counselling isn’t just some dry, textbook thing we learn to tick a box. It’s a huge part of how I work, and I really believe it makes all the difference. I’m trained as an integrative counsellor, which means I’m able to pull from a wide range of different theories and techniques to best meet your needs.

What that means is that I can adapt my approach based on what’s going on for you. Some clients respond better to one method, others to another – and because of my training, I’m able to tailor the way I work to suit your unique situation. Some theories I really resonate with, some less so, but they all give me a solid foundation to be flexible and responsive to what you need. It’s not about giving you a one-size-fits-all solution – it’s about finding what works for you and ensuring you feel supported in the way that’s best for you. 3. A Support Network Is Non-Negotiable

Training to be a counsellor isn’t just about learning techniques or theories. It’s emotional. It’s intense. You’re constantly unpacking your own experiences, feelings, and all the stuff you don’t always think about. It can get heavy, and sometimes, you need to lean on others for support.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a solid support network. Whether you're in training, a seasoned pro, or just someone who’s navigating life, it’s essential to have people around you that you trust. Throughout my training and to this day, I leaned on peers, tutors, and professional supervision to make sure I was looking after my own wellbeing. And outside of work, friends and family played a huge part in helping me stay grounded.

If any of this resonates with you, or if you're curious about how counselling in Basingstoke could help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether you're ready to start your journey or just want to chat about what it’s all about, I’m here to help. Drop me a message to take the first step 💬.