Adams Story

Adam's Story

''Make today's challenges tomorrows strengths''

17th October 2024 marked a monumental day in my life.

After four long years of hard work and perseverance, I finally graduated as a fully qualified counsellor. The journey was anything but easy – physically, mentally, and emotionally. The final year, in particular, pushed me beyond my limits, forcing me to face challenges I had never encountered before.

But I made it!

In truth, this journey didn’t just begin four years ago. It started many years before, shaped by the trials and struggles I faced in life. I’ve battled addiction, trying to numb the deep pain, emptiness, and lack of purpose I felt. I’ve been homeless, sleeping in my car, on friends' sofas and even between two garages. I’ve endured difficult relationships with others and, more importantly, with myself.

I found myself stuck in dead-end jobs where I wasn’t respected or treated well, all while grappling with my own mental health – a reality that was hard to comprehend but explained why I tried to shut out the world and my own desires with substances.

The hardest part to admit is that, on a number of occasions, I wanted to end my life. But I feel my faith in God was the anchor point for when I felt powerless, helpless, and hopeless.

Also, I’m deeply grateful to those who offered me the chance to attend a particular spiritual retreat which transformed my life by showing me my value, my purpose and a direction I so desperately needed.

Today, as I stand here as a counsellor, I’m filled with gratitude for this journey – the pain, the growth, and the people who helped me along the way. I look forward to using my experiences to help others find hope and healing, just as I have found mine.

I selected Basildon Mind after the ‘Mind’ name stuck out on a list of agencies to apply for my Student Counsellor placement. I did some research them fell in love with the charity. Counselling to help those struggling with their mental health really resonated with me after what I’d been through. I phoned their ‘Helpline’ and the lady who I spoke to was so lovely and happy to help: she gave me a really good feel about what Basildon Mind is like.

I started my placement in July 2023 and finished a year later. I continue to counsel because I love the family feel which offers a tremendous amount of support and huge diversity of experience. I want to continue to benefit from this experience and support.

My advice to Student Counsellors considering a placement at Basildon Mind is you will be very much welcomed and learn from a tremendous amount of experience. If you want to grow and progress counselling in a family unit, Basildon Mind is the place for you!