eNEWSLETTER
July 2006
Our Mission Statement:
"Providing a range of innovative professional services, empowering our clients to positively address issues affecting their lives."
A Glimpse Into Our World
Welcome to the July 2006 edition of Clayfield Counselling Services e-newsletter. Sometimes people avoid coming to counselling because they’re frightened. They worry about what the counsellor might think of them if they tell the truth about how they feel. Deep down they think if they open up to a counsellor they might be told they’re crazy or hopeless or that there’s something really wrong with them. So this month we thought we’d give you an insight into how it feels to be a counsellor and what we really think of our clients.
One of the things that make Clayfield Counselling Services so special is that all of the people who work here truly enjoy their job. Sure we’re human! We all have days when we’d rather not get out of bed but once we walk into the office we look forward to what the day will bring us. Some of you may have trouble believing this and who could blame you? After all, we spend our day listening to people talk about their troubles. We hear devastating stories of loss, sadness, cruelty and abuse. Day after day we listen to people who are filled with anger and people who are without hope. You could be forgiven if you find yourself thinking our job sounds a bit bleak and wondering what we could possibly love about it.
Growth and Transformation
We enjoy our job so much because every day we are given the opportunity to watch people grow and we feel privileged to think that we had a hand in that growth. Sometimes the transformation in our clients is amazing! The woman, who arrived for her first appointment haggard and hunched over, now leaves our office with a spring in her step, head up and skin glowing. The man, who presented with a scowl on his face, high blood pressure and intense anger is now relaxed and often stops to have a joke with us. The couple that originally came to us to seek mediation through their pending divorce are now holding hands and whispering in each other’s ears like honeymooners. Of course, not every person who comes for counselling is magically transformed but we do get to witness some wonderful success stories.
Why Clients Come to Us
Often, the problem a client will come to see us about is only the symptom of a deeper, unresolved issue he/she is trying to ignore but unless a painful issue is dealt with, it will keep popping up and causing trouble. The only way to make a painful issue diminish is to face it honestly and deal with it. Having a counsellor by your side when you face the things that frighten you the most can help make the really difficult issues seem much less scary.
You don’t need an earth shattering reason to see a counsellor either. Many people make an appointment to see us if they just need someone to bounce an idea off or if they need help in making a decision that’s right for them such as a change of career or address. We often have people come to us as a preventative measure; for example, couples who are about to be married make an appointment to learn the interpersonal skills they need so they are less likely to experience marital problems later.
A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved
Sometimes it just helps to talk. Whether you’ve got a major problem or you’re just concerned about something, having a counsellor to speak to can be invaluable. Sitting down in a room with a person who won’t judge you or betray your trust is very empowering. In fact we have found that just the process of ringing to make an appointment makes some people feel so much better that they don’t bother to keep their appointment (we do recommend you keep your appointment though)!
So if you’re considering making an appointment to see a counsellor but you’re frightened of what we might think if you allow us into your confidence, just remember that we consider it a great honour to be trusted with your innermost secrets. We aren’t shocked easily, we’re great at keeping secrets and listening is our speciality. So you’ve really got nothing to lose except your fear have you? If you think you’d like to experience how it feels to talk to someone you can trust with no holds barred why not give us a call on (07) 3862 6622? We look forward to being a part of your success story.
Some interesting links
Office hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. After hours and Saturday appointments are available on request.
Until next time then...
“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.”
- Mortimer Adler