A Counselling Therapist

Up at 06:00hr this morning after a long day yesturday attending the STREET 4N breakfast meeting, looking at another office and sending out brochures to potential clients!

Anyway, as I said, up at 06:00rs produced my invoices for my five clients that i had booked in for today, small breakfast, and then headed off to the office. I really like getting in first and setting my ofice up the way I feel comfortable. I put my lamps on, gentle music, and then make myself a cup of coffee.

09:00hr my first client arrives, and we spend the hour talking about there curent isues and ways in which they might be able to change things.

10:00hrs another coffee and write a few notes from my previous session. reflecting on the process and how I feel about what i,ve heard over the past hour.

10:30hrs. client no: 2. We look at patterns of behaviour and how these are affecting his current relationships. Very interesting session. Alot of self awareness for my client.. and a little for myself!

14:00hrs. Client No: 3. This is going to be along session. we have booked a double session in order to work with the issues that have arisen from our previous meetings. - The time flys. I am sat with some very interesting people listening to their most intimate secrets, desires, fears, and fantasies. Both past and present issues. I experience laughter, and tears, desperation and hope. I'm left feeling incredibly humble.

16:30hrs. Client No: 4. Confusion. My client is in a very difficult space and I do what I can to hold them in that uncomfortable and unsettling place. They feel insecure and helpless. I share their journey and think just how brave they are.

17:30hrs. I spend some time reflecting on my day so far and sharing my experiences with you. I have a couple whom I am going to see at 18:00hrs. I hear so much hurt, pain, and anger. I hear the trauma that individuals have experienced. Some by accidents, some at the hands of other tormented individuals who would also have there own tale to tell.

I feel sadness, and yet I experience great hope. People inspire me. I feel humbled, I feel grateful, I feel honoured and privileged. I feel alive!

Roll on 18:00hr. Clients No: 5. I have no idea what they may bring with them, but I know it will be a wonderful journey none the less.

Client No: 5. Another session of sharing a couples committment for change and positive attitude on how they may achieve those changes.

Notes to write and then start my journey home. A long day at the office, but a great day.

How many people go home after a ten and a half hour day smiling? I feel I have the best job in the world!

Thank you for sharing a day with me, due to confidentiality I am unable to share details, however I hope you found it interesting.

Good to see you online Ian.

What a fab diary Ian - I admire you for your output and yes, I can relate to you when you say you have the best job in the world

Another very busy day.

My first client was at 09:00hrs and I have another one to go (18:30hrs) before I head for home. I have learnt much from my clients today, and find myself contemplating mant things.

"I go among trees and sit still. All my stirring becomes quiet, arounsd me lke circles on water. My tasks lie in their places where I left them, asleep like catle. Then what I am afraid of comes. L live for a while in it's sight. What I fear in it leaves it, and the fear of it leaves me. It sings and I hear it's song"

Another day, another dollor.

04:45hrs and I'm getting ready to head off into the realms of who knows where?

Today I am working in a residential rehab for alcohol and/or drug misuse. The day will consist of me fascilitating an 'Open group' in the morning, and an 'Assertive Group' this afternoon. I will also being seeing aclient for a 1:2:1 counselling session.

After I have left there at about 17:00hrs, I am going to drive to my clinic in weston Super mare to see another client for a 1:2:1 at 18:30hrs.

It'll be around 21:00hrs before I see my home tonight, and hopefuly spend some quality time with my wife.

Rehab work for me is very exciting. The work in extremely demanding, as I can be working on many issues that come come up. These quite often are around abuse (of all descriptions), loss, bereavement, and rape. All of which have had huge impacts on the individual. self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence.

When I see the courage and determination of these individuals who have been so beaten by life and abused , quite often, by those who are most closest too them, I really don't mind getting up at siily O'clock!

I wish all you 4Networkers a very happy day. It's a great day for business, it's a great day to help someone, it's a great day to be alive!

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Apart from WsM 4N yesturday, I didn't do much in the way of working with clients. I had some spare time, so I took it and played for (several hours) some time on my xbox 360. I really needed to have some ME time.

Anyway, back in the office this morning, and another busy day ahead. Six clients booked in. Should be home by around 20:30hrs tonight?

Just completed my first session with a suffer of bulimia nervosa.

Tough for both of us, however, I am once again moved by the courage and committement of my clients.

If your wanting to find out how it went, check out "A Day In The Life Of An Eating Disorder'

Up at 06:00hrs and off to another 4N, Taunton.

Grabbing a quick lunch and then catching up on some paperwork. The side of business that I don't enjoy that much, but it has to be done. Anyway, once it's completed it gives me an opportunity to give myself a strawberry. Those of you who have met me will understand more about that one!

I have a new client this afternoon. Infact, they contacted me just after the 4N this morning. Have manged to book them in this afternoon. Hows that for service!! None of this four months waiting you'd get with the NHS.

I'm hoping to get home pretty early tonight and spend some time with my lovely wife. Several clients booked in tomorrow (I know, it's Saturday!). Then tomorrow afternoon the party starts, it's my birthday on Sunday.

Anyway, thats enough of projecting into the weekend, back to 'here & now', and book-keeping.

A busy morning.

#1 Client: Anger management

looked at their triggers, how they perceive the situation, what feelings this brings up, and what behaviours come from this. e were then able to look at what the client couls have done differently and techniques which will help manage the anger.

#2 Client. First session with a client who has been given a court order to work through their addiction, as this has led them to viewing pornography. Some of which is of a very sensitive nature.

Finding this very heavy, as in order to do my work with this client, I will have to hear some of the content of what they have been viewing!

Anyway, thats enough of work. I've finished for the weekend, and I'm off to start celebrating my BIRTHDAY. Just in case you didn't read it on my other threads? :o)

Well, it's tomorrow, but why wait!

Wow. What a day so far, and it isn't over yet.

07:30 this morning on the phone for a consultation. Really beneficial.

09:00hrs Meeting with a potential client who was representing a workforce of 3,000, YES 3,000!!! On the strength of that meeing they are wanting to put me before their managers and hopefuly use my skills/experience in their workplace.

Later saw a new client whom wants to work with me. I am going to be working with them a couple of times a week initially to help them through some difficult times.

And, I have a client at 18:30hrs tonight.

Should be home by 20:30hrs tonight. Tired but very satified with my life.

I really love my job

Up early for a busy ahead! Off to 4N soon, first time I've visited the sun soaked Costa Del Clevedon.

Then there's the quick drive to Weston-SUPER-Mare, home of WESTON ROCK's 4N, for abusy day of 1:2:1's with clients finishing at around 91:30hrs tonight.

At the moment I feel positive, enthusiastic and motivated about my day ahead ....... will it last?

Check out later, A Day In The Life Of A Counselling Therapist.

Wishing you a happy and enlighteneing day