鈥淲hen most people learn that I鈥檓 a counsellor, they get nervous and uncomfortable, thinking that I鈥檓 going to make them tell me their darkest secrets somehow,鈥� laughs Rosemary Fromson, recently elected the National President of the Canadian Professional Counselling Association (CPCA). 鈥淚n fact, more than anything else, I just listen to my clients.鈥�
To counsel is to listen
The simple act of listening to another person鈥檚 problems can profoundly affect their life. Whether it鈥檚 a demanding job, a stressful relationship, or simply a bad day, counsellors help lessen the pressures of life by providing a safe space for their clients to release.
Counsellors know and respect that no two people 鈥� no matter how similar 鈥� are ever the same. Everyone copes with experiences in their own way, and while one person may block unpleasant memories from childhood, another may turn to narcotics for solace. Another may have witnessed pain that came to de铿乶e their personality, which in turn dictates adult relationships or work life.
Renowned therapist and author, Dr. Faizal Sahukhan explains: 鈥淚 had a client who knew from an early age that he was a homosexual, but he got married to a woman due to cultural and familial in铿倁ences. When he came to me, he was depressed and had suicidal tendencies. This is a mature adult who sensed who he was, what he was, but he wouldn鈥檛 admit it, not even to himself. So, after several sessions, when I felt that he was finally ready to accept himself, I placed a mirror in front of him and asked him to share with me who he saw, to which he burst out into tears of joy and said, 鈥業 am a homosexual male.鈥欌��
Counsellors acknowledge their clients鈥� pain and treat them with respect and compassion. They refrain from judgment and offer validation. Whatever their clients have experienced, for them the pain is real 鈥� that is why they are seeking counselling. So, a counsellor鈥檚 goal is to help their clients feel better and move forward in life.
You can change someone鈥檚 life
Stenberg College鈥檚 is thorough and gives students the skills they need to start working immediately. 鈥� has courses that are up-to-date with the ever-changing counselling modalities. With such a comprehensive course, the Canadian Professional Counselling Association will be proud to have these graduates become members of our Association,鈥� Fromson says.
After successfully completing the program, graduates enter the workforce with an open mind, an open heart, and the ability to change lives. the article and learn about therapy for therapists, practicing counselling and more.
