This week marks three years since I began my private counselling practice.
I don’t often stop to reflect on milestones like this, but this one feels important. And, perhaps unusually for me, I can say that I feel incredibly proud of what I’ve built.
From a young age, I remember feeling deeply for people who were struggling, excluded or treated unfairly. I was always curious about people — about their experiences, relationships and the things that shape who we become.
Many years ago, I spent a short period working within an NHS mental health service in a secure setting. I found myself fascinated by the lives and experiences of the people I encountered, and by the complexity behind human behaviour. I didn’t know then quite where that interest would eventually take me.
Years later, I now have the privilege of sitting alongside people for a living — listening to their stories, trying to understand their world and providing a space in which they can begin to understand themselves a little better too.
It genuinely feels like the work I was meant to do.
That doesn’t mean I feel completely confident all of the time. Far from it! Imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the fear of getting things wrong still make regular appearances. Perhaps that’s not entirely a bad thing. This is work involving real people, real lives and enormous trust, and I never want to lose sight of the responsibility that comes with that.
But alongside those doubts is an enormous sense of fulfilment.
Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredible human beings. I’ve witnessed vulnerability, humour, grief, courage, frustration, insight, resilience and change. People have trusted me with parts of their lives that may have been incredibly difficult to speak about.
That trust is something I never take for granted.
Private practice has also taught me a lot about looking after myself. I love having the autonomy to shape my working week and make space for exercise, rest and the things that help me feel well. I’m learning that protecting that space enables me to be more present for the people I work with — and that a full diary isn’t necessarily the same as a healthy one.
Three years on, my practice is currently at full capacity, which feels quite incredible to say. I’m hugely grateful for how my practice has grown, while also being mindful of maintaining a caseload that allows me to give each client the time, energy and attention they deserve.
Counselling isn’t about having all the answers or telling somebody how to live their life. For me, it’s about creating a relationship and a space where someone can feel heard, understood and accepted enough to explore what is happening for them — and, gradually, find their own way forward.
Three years into private practice, I’m still learning. I’m still developing as a therapist. I’m still occasionally wondering whether I’m getting it right.
But I’m also allowing myself to stop for a moment and recognise how far I’ve come.
To every client who has trusted me with their story — past and present — thank you.
And to my family, friends and partner who have encouraged and supported me throughout the journey, thank you too.
Three years of private practice. I’m proud of this one.