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My Journey to Becoming a Counsellor:

Writer's picture: Yasmin WilliamsYasmin Williams

For as long as I can remember, I have felt a deep calling to help others navigate their emotional and psychological challenges. This calling led me to become a counsellor, a journey marked by personal trials, growth, and, ultimately, transformation. My story is one of overcoming adversity, particularly in the context of an abusive marriage where coercive and financial control were my daily reality. 


Counsellor - My Journey to Becoming a Counsellor: From Wounded Healer to Empowered Advocate
Counsellor - My Journey to Becoming a Counsellor: From Wounded Healer to Empowered Advocate

Today, as a counsellor, I draw on these experiences to connect with and support those struggling, embodying the archetype of the wounded healer.


The Early Days: Recognising the Call


My interest in the human psyche began in my teenage years, sparked by my reflective nature and a keen interest in understanding why people behave the way they do. I voraciously read psychology books and articles, finding solace in the notion that there were reasons behind our thoughts and actions and that these reasons could be understood and addressed.

Despite my interest, life took me in different directions. I pursued a more conventional career path, but the yearning to help others persisted. It wasn’t until I found myself amid a profoundly abusive marriage that I truly began to grasp the significance of mental health and the profound impact of psychological wounds.


Life in an Abusive Marriage


Marrying my partner felt like a fairytale initially, but the illusion quickly dissipated. Over time, his behaviour became increasingly controlling. He employed coercive tactics to isolate me from my friends and family, eroding my self-esteem and autonomy. Financial control was a significant aspect of the abuse. He managed all our finances, denying me access to money and making me dependent on him for every financial need.


The constant manipulation and control left me feeling trapped and powerless. I questioned my worth and doubted my ability ever to escape the suffocating grip of my marriage. Yet, a small, resilient voice somewhere within urged me to seek a way out. This inner voice, which I now recognise as my authentic self, became my lifeline.


The Turning Point: Seeking Help and Finding Freedom


The turning point came when I secretly sought help from a local support group for women in abusive relationships. Hearing the stories of other women who had survived similar situations gave me the courage to envision a life beyond my marriage. With the help of these brave women and a dedicated counsellor, I began to develop a plan to leave.


Leaving took work. It required meticulous planning and immense courage. I had to rebuild my life from scratch, securing a job and finding a place to live. But with each step I took, I felt the chains of abuse falling away. The journey to freedom was arduous, but it was also profoundly liberating.


Embracing My Path as a Wounded Healer


Once I regained my independence, I pursued my long-held dream of becoming a counsellor. I enrolled in a counselling program and dedicated myself to learning as much as possible about the human mind and the healing process. My experiences provided a unique lens through which I could understand and empathise with my future clients.


The concept of the wounded healer resonated deeply with me. Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, posited that those wounded are often the best healers, as they profoundly understand suffering and recovery. My wounds had shaped me and equipped me with the empathy and insight needed to help others.


From Surviving to Thriving: Helping Others Heal - Becoming a counsellor


Today, as a practising counsellor, I work with individuals navigating their struggles. My past experiences allow me to create a safe, non-judgmental space where my clients feel understood and supported. I specialise in helping those who have experienced abuse, guiding them through their healing journeys and empowering them to reclaim their lives.


Each client I work with reminds me of my journey and the strength it takes to seek help and make changes. Their resilience and courage continuously inspire me. My role as a counsellor is not just a profession but a profound mission to help others transform their pain into strength.


Conclusion: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment


Becoming a counsellor has been deeply intertwined with my healing. Leaving an abusive marriage and reclaiming my life was a monumental challenge, but it also set the stage for my true calling. As a wounded healer, I can offer genuine empathy and insight to those suffering.


 Through my work, I strive to be a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of healing and transformation. In helping others heal, I continue to heal myself, creating a cycle of empowerment and growth that underscores the true essence of counselling.


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