My personal journey
My journey began as a client, facing the same challenges many of you might be experiencing now. Through my own recovery from addiction and mental health challenges, I discovered the transformative power of counselling. This personal experience has given me a unique perspective and deep empathy for those seeking support. I understand firsthand the courage it takes to ask for help and the challenges of the recovery journey.
Growing up in a household with five siblings and an alcoholic father, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact addiction can have on a family. My mother worked tirelessly to keep our family together, often going without herself to ensure we had what we needed. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of struggle, resilience, and the complex dynamics of family life affected by addiction.
My own personal battles with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and mental health challenges have been both my greatest teachers and the foundation of my authentic approach to counselling. I've walked the difficult path from chaos to recovery, experiencing the depths of despair and the transformative power of proper support and guidance. This journey wasn't just about overcoming addiction; it was about confronting the underlying pain, trauma, and mental health issues that fueled my destructive behaviours.
These lived experiences have gifted me with a deep, genuine empathy for others facing similar struggles. When clients sit across from me, they're not just meeting a professional counsellor with certificates on the wall - they're connecting with someone who truly understands their pain, fears, and hopes. I know what it feels like to be in that chair, to take that first scary step toward change, and to navigate the challenging path to recovery.
Today, as a counsellor and clinical supervisor with over 15 years of experience, I combine my professional expertise with my personal journey to offer hope and practical support to others. My role at ASCERT as Clinical Lead Counsellor isn't just a job - it's a calling born from my own transformation. Whether I'm working with individuals struggling with addiction, supporting families affected by substance misuse, or supervising other counsellors, my lived experience informs every aspect of my practice.
I believe that our wounds, when healed, become our greatest sources of strength and wisdom. My personal journey through addiction and mental health challenges hasn't just made me a more effective counsellor - it's made me a more compassionate human being. I understand that recovery isn't just about stopping destructive behaviours; it's about building a life worth living and finding purpose in our pain.
This is why I'm passionate about sharing my story. It stands as testament that change is possible, that our past doesn't define our future, and that with the right support, anyone can transform their life. When clients share their struggles with me, they're met with understanding rather than judgment, hope rather than shame, and practical guidance grounded in both professional knowledge and personal experience.