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Wanna Be Counsellor
14th March 2009, 02:43 PM
Thought I'd start in the right place before I browse the board. :)

I'm a 37 year old, born in london, moved around Britain a little, now settled in SW Wales. :)

I don't know how much to tell you here, but will say briefly I survived an abusive childhood, depression and suicidal tendancies in my teens. In honesty I was still 'there' mentally till I was 22 or so.. a time of great shock and realisation to me when I realised that walking down the street one day.

I took charge of my life, and made massive changes. I don't know at what point I 'switched' from victim to survivor but I did - Thank goodness.

I had counselling (CBT) through a study, never actually sought it directly, and was amazed at how much work I had successfully done 'myself' but also at the further steps I made in that time.

I am now (years later) finally starting on the aftermath of that counselling, in undertaking counselling studies myself. It's very very early days, but I really feel that I can put my strengths/experiences etc toward being an effective counsellor.

Currently I'm a foster carer, and have been for nearly 5 years now. :) My husband and I have 2 girls of our own aged 10 and 4. We're animal lovers (me more than hubby) and have a menagere of animals.

I look forward to finding my away around the board and getting to know you all. :handinhand:

Jenny
14th March 2009, 04:19 PM
:wave: Welcome to the forum Jane

I'm really glad that you've found us as it sounds like this could be a useful forum for you. You've certainly been through a lot in your life and seem to have done a lot of 'work' on yourself to get to the place you are now.

The CBT study sounds really interesting.. and wow to you for fostering. I'm sure that's a challenging but rewarding thing to do. From what i see just in this post alone i feel you're a really caring and empathic person.. great strengths for a wanna be counsellor :)

I look forward to seeing you around the forum, until then take good care of yourself
:rose:
Jenny xx

Wanna Be Counsellor
14th March 2009, 05:32 PM
Thanks Jenny :)
Your words mean a lot. I am still a little self doubting as to whether I'll be acceptable to the counselling team at our college for the 3 year course I'm hoping to get onto.
I wonder if my 'history' will affect their decision, but have been honest as I wouldn't want to hide anything. I have been like this through our fostering assessments and indeed in our adoption assessment for our youngest daughter. I just hope if my 'work' has been enough for social services, that it is enough for a counselling team.

I have posted a little more on the CBT study in the CBT section, it was very interesting and I think the uni are hoping it could lead to changes in counselling for weight related issues in the future.

Thanks again for the warm welcome, the forum has a lovely atmosphere.

Daisychain
17th March 2009, 11:31 PM
Welcome to hope at sunrise :)

It's nice to meet you :)

I look forward to seeing you around the forum Jane.

brighteyes
22nd March 2009, 06:34 AM
Welcome to the forum. Good luck on getting accepted to the college counseling team.