The Joys and Sorrows of Counseling: Relationships Between People

Joyce Lei

Senior Psychological Counselor

CRPO Registrant

"I really envy you; your job is just chatting with people every day." This was a comment from one of my clients many years ago. Although he meant no harm, I had countless thoughts swirling in my mind at that moment. In reality, counseling is a demanding profession, and it can be hard for others to fully grasp the experiences of being a counselor.

Every day, counselors must be fully focused on listening to others releasing their emotions, often for at least 4 to 5 hours at a time, during which yawning is absolutely not appropriate. When I return to my desk, we still have to respond to endless messages and emails. Balancing the interests between the organization and the clients often requires making difficult choices, and we always worry about making the wrong decisions because the blame often falls directly on the counselor. We also prepare for psycho-education talks, handle urgent cases, and constantly pursue further education and various certifications.

I once stayed with a client until 11 at night because of her emergency situation, and I also had to put up with her dislike afterward. One year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, in addition to receiving greetings from clients, I also received a self-harm photo from another client, all of which made my work very challenging. During my pregnancy, a client asked if she could share her negative feelings with me, worried that it might affect the baby in my womb. Yes, I face tears almost every day; it is part of my work. Having worked in this field for a period of time, I have gradually developed some strange habits, such as always carrying tissues with me. I feel anxious when there are no tissues available because it's a real hassle to be without them in the counseling room. In my daily life, I also strangely insist on being punctual, as starting and ending sessions on time has always been one of my core principles at work.

This morning, I received an email from a former client who had recently moved to another country. She shared with me the changes she has experienced in her new environment and how her transformation feels both exciting and unfamiliar. What struck me the most was when she said, 'I miss those bittersweet moments in life and wish I could experience them once more.' Now, she is finally able to feel love.

Indeed, every profession has its share of joys and challenges. While counseling work involves many unspoken challenges, it is also filled with moments of beauty. It is this genuine connection between people that keeps me dedicated to this profession and allows me to cherish every encounter.

Skylight Couple Resource Center is dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental and physical well-being and personal growth. We offer individual, couple, and family counseling services to support you in facing various life challenges, building resilience, and developing effective coping strategies. Through comprehensive emotional and mental support, we aim to promote community mental health and enhance overall well-being for all.

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