20/04/2026
My friend Ivy with her degree paper "Master's of Counselling". In my messy living room, without any dress up or ceremony.
She said she has gained enough through the journey, so there's no point bragging about it. Plus she didn't think anyone would care.
Now hear me out, you don't choose this profession to make money, there's plenty of other much much easier ways to do that. This is a narrow path, forcing you to face yourself, your hurt, flaws and failures, then discover your strength and hope by tuning in, not zoning out. You need to be brave enough to choose emotional healing yourself, and faithful enough to endure all that comes with it.
What does it take for her to obtain a Master's degree of Counselling, committed to be a person-cenred humanistic counsellor, and become a Level 4 registered member of Australian Counselling Association?
• Over 150 hours of professional supervision;
• Over 1500 hours of client contact hours;
• Over 10 years of formal education with theoretical essays, roleplays, case studies, live session recordings and evaluations.
• Studied theories, modalities, researches over the past 100 years.
• Mandatory ungoing professional development to sharpen skills with current research, evidence and practices.
And what makes a good counsellor and therapist? I say she definitely is one:
• Active ongoing reflection of her own life, working on her own trauma and triggers to prevent projection and countertransference towards her clients;
• Learning to give, nurture, practice unconditional love and acceptance, while setting boundaries and making assertive and sometimes tough decisions.
• Grief, self-doubt, forgiveness, compassion, persistence and faith. Even more, spiritual surrender and be in awe. Go through them, there's no way around.
• All these while actively trying to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, friend and running a small business.
The connection and healing we experience with another human who's walked a human journey with the same limbic system to you, is not something artificial intelligence can ever replace. Because that's how we are designed to function and thrive. That's precisely why our Creator even came to us in a human form.
As for me, Ivy is one of a kind. A rare friend who is capable of holding space for me. Never quick to judge or to give advice, always present with loving acceptance and listening ears. Strong enough to not shy away from vulnerabilities, yet humble enough to always pursue personal and professional growth. A woman of faith and a role model to many. The depths of our conversations and her faith is not what a mere post like this can measure.
