Support for New Counsellors

You've Qualified as a New Counsellor. Now What? Navigating the First Steps.

You’ve done it. After years of intense training, personal development, and hard work, you’ve finally qualified as a counsellor. It’s a huge achievement, but for so many, the feeling isn't just relief; it's a wave of "what now?". The gap between the structure of your training course and the reality of practice can feel vast and a little terrifying.

The imposter syndrome is real. The questions are endless. How do I find clients? Am I good enough? Am I doing this right?

If this is you, please know this: every single experienced therapist has stood exactly where you are now. Feeling uncertain is not a sign you’re going to fail; it's a sign you’re at the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.

From Theory to Reality: The Challenges We All Face

Training prepares you to be in the therapy room, but it doesn’t always prepare you for the realities of building a career. I’ve been a counsellor for more than 20 years, and I still remember those early days vividly. As well as founding Explore Heal Grow, I also own and run Bucks Family Network, so I understand the journey from both a therapist's and a business owner's perspective.

Some of the biggest hurdles for new therapists are:

• Finding Your Therapeutic Identity: Moving beyond the models you learned and finding your own authentic way of working.

• The Practicalities of Private Practice: From setting fees and writing contracts to marketing yourself ethically.

• Managing Self-Doubt: Handling those moments of panic when you feel out of your depth with a client.

• Working in Isolation: The shift from being in a supportive cohort of fellow trainees to working on your own can feel incredibly lonely.

Why Good Support is Non-Negotiable

This is why supportive, high-quality clinical supervision is the most important investment you can make in your new career. It’s more than just a requirement; it's your professional lifeline.

A good supervisor doesn't just ask you about your clients. They create a safe, non-judgemental space for you to:

• Build Your Confidence: To talk through your fears and uncertainties and be reminded of the skills you already possess.

• Develop Your Skills: To gain new perspectives on your client work and grow as a practitioner.

• Process the Impact: To look after your own wellbeing and prevent burnout before it starts.

• Navigate the Business Side: To get practical advice on building a sustainable and ethical practice.

How I Can Help You

My passion is supporting new therapists as they find their feet. Drawing on my two decades of experience working with children, families, and adults, and building a successful therapy network from the ground up, I can offer a supervisory space that is both nurturing and practical.

We can work together to build your confidence, refine your skills, and navigate the practical steps of establishing yourself as a professional. This is your space to ask all the "silly" questions, to celebrate your wins, and to feel truly held as you begin this incredible work.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

You have everything you need to become a brilliant therapist. Sometimes, you just need a guiding hand to help you see it. If you're a newly qualified counsellor or therapist looking for a supportive space to grow, I invite you to get in touch.

Find out more about how I cam support you