My first year in private practice

Over the last year, my life has been turned on its head. For twenty-five years I knew exactly who I was. My career wasn't just my job; it was part of my identity. I knew what people expected of me, I knew what success looked like, and I knew where I was heading. Walking away from that certainty was one of the biggest decisions I've ever made. It took a huge leap of faith.

I pursued a career for twenty-five years and was really good at what I did, I had respect, a good reputation, drive and an amazing work ethic. Over time though, I realised I was spending more energy trying to fit within a system that no longer reflected my values. I cared deeply about the people I supported, but I found myself having less influence over what actually I cared about. Eventually, I reached the point where I knew something had to change.

I knew I wanted to start my own counselling practice, so I thought, "Let's go for it." Whilst my practice is still in its infancy, I believe in myself and what I am building. It's a piece of me.

What surprised me most wasn't learning how to be a counsellor; I already knew that part felt right. It was learning how to run a business. Websites, SEO,  social media, networking, taxes... none of that came naturally. There have been plenty of mistakes and more than a few moments where I've questioned whether I was doing the right thing. But every mistake has taught me something, and slowly everything came together.

I have been so blessed with the clients I have worked with. Every one of them has been different, and every one has taught me something. Initially, I wasn't sure about niches or marketing, so I lacked focus. But over time I found my voice, and with that came clients who genuinely fit my practice and the way I work.

In my clinical supervision last week, I spoke about how I'd gone rogue a few times, and surprisingly it worked out. Not because of luck, but because I'm in tune with my instincts, when I feel a client needs something a little unconventional or outside the box, I trust myself to respond thoughtfully.

There have been times when I've stepped outside the textbook. I've offered a little cheerleading when someone needed to borrow belief in themselves. I've been direct with clients when it felt right. I've even shared a hug where it felt genuinely human, and appropriate. Every decision has been grounded in the relationship and made with the client's wellbeing at its heart.

The biggest lesson this year has been that authenticity is exhausting when you're trying to fit yourself into a role, but incredibly freeing when you simply allow yourself to be who you are. I've stopped trying to fit into other people's expectations and started trusting my own judgement. And, that's made me a better counsellor and human.

I'm happier, more confident and more authentic. I'm living life on my own terms and have so much more to give because of it. I feel more present as a wife and mum. Self-care is no longer something I have to schedule—it has naturally become part of my everyday life. Starting a business is hard, but it's also one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.

So this blog is really a thank you. To every client who has trusted me with their stories. To everyone who has recommended me, shared a post, mentioned my name or simply asked how things are going. To my friends and family who believed in me, even when I was doubting myself. You have all played a part in helping me build something that genuinely feels like mine.

A year ago I took a leap into the unknown. It was terrifying. Looking back now, I'd do it all over again.