But you're a Counsellor, Why do YOU have a Counsellor?

I recently met a friend for a catch-up, and they asked how I had been. I replied, light-heartedly, “I saw my counsellor this morning, so I’m good!” They looked surprised and said, “Wait, you have a counsellor? Isn’t that a bit like being a mechanic and paying someone else to fix your car?”

I can understand how it might seem that way at first. However, for me, having my own counsellor is not only helpful, but essential.

Despite being a counsellor, I don’t have life all figured out. Like anyone else, I encounter challenges that require time, space, and reflection. Personal counselling offers me a safe and confidential environment to explore these experiences honestly, rather than ignoring or minimising them.

I also view this as an important aspect of professional practice. If my mind is preoccupied with my own thoughts or difficulties, I cannot be fully present for my clients. Knowing that I have a dedicated space to process my own experiences allows me to “park” them, so that when I am working with others, my attention remains where it should be, on the client.

Working as a counsellor involves supporting individuals through emotional distress, trauma, and personal challenges. While the focus is rightly on the client, it is equally important to consider my own wellbeing and self-awareness as a practitioner. Engaging in my own counselling helps me maintain this balance.

Through therapy, I develop greater self-awareness, reflecting on my thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences, and how these may influence my work. This ongoing process reduces the risk of unconscious bias or projection and enables me to remain more attuned and present in sessions.

Personal counselling also supports my emotional wellbeing. The nature of this work can be demanding, and without appropriate support it can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue. Having my own therapist allows me to process what I encounter in my work, manage stress, and maintain resilience, ensuring I can continue to practise safely and effectively.

In addition, being in the client’s seat is a powerful reminder of what it feels like to be vulnerable and to place trust in another person. It strengthens my empathy and reinforces the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space. This perspective enhances my ability to build meaningful relationships with those I support.

Many professional frameworks emphasise the value of personal therapy as part of ethical practice. It reflects a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, as well as accountability in ensuring that my work remains client-focused and safe.

Ultimately, attending counselling as a counsellor is, in my view, a vital aspect of effective practice. It fosters self-awareness, supports emotional wellbeing, enhances empathy, and upholds ethical standards. By continuing my own therapeutic journey, I am better equipped to provide compassionate, thoughtful, and professional support to my clients.