The Journey Behind Creating My Journal for Trainee Counsellors
Introduction: A Personal Need for Reflection
When I began my journey as a trainee counsellor, we were encouraged to journal. Yet, like many of my peers, I found myself unsure of what to write, questioning if I was doing it “right” and whether it would actually help. This uncertainty kept me from fully embracing the process. I now realise how much value journalling could have brought to my training if I had understood its true purpose.
That’s why I created this journal—to remove some of the mystery and anxiety around reflective journalling and to provide future trainee counsellors with a supportive tool I wish I had.
Why This Journal?
The quote “create the things you wish existed” resonates deeply with me. This journal embodies that sentiment. Like many counsellors, I had to figure out a lot as I went along, often feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of learning and reflection required. I wanted to share what I’ve learned with others, so they wouldn’t have to start from scratch. Let’s face it—there’s enough to think about when training to be a counsellor without adding extra uncertainty!
By offering a structured yet flexible framework, I hope to make it easier for trainee counsellors to journal, encouraging them to approach it from different perspectives and get the most out of their training. I love the idea of someone opening the journal and finding inspiration in one of the prompts, then allowing their thoughts to flow freely.
Personal Growth Through Reflection
During my training, I became aware of certain tendencies, such as people-pleasing, that I hadn’t explored deeply enough. These tendencies drove me to overcommit, ultimately affecting my stress levels. This journal prompts students to reflect on these types of patterns early on, allowing them to address such issues before they see clients. Reflection is not just about professional growth—it’s about becoming more self-aware and authentic in all aspects of life.
A Resource for Trainee Counsellors
The journal is designed specifically for trainee counsellors. I believe that learning the art of reflection during training is invaluable, not only for professional development but also for personal growth. As Carl Rogers said, "It is only by providing the genuine reality which is in me that the other person can successfully seek the reality in himself."
This journal helps students become more reflective about their own thoughts and feelings, providing prompts and activities that encourage them to look inward, even if they’re feeling stuck. By documenting their journey, they’ll have a resource to refer back to when writing reflective assignments or when they’re asked to consider how their personal philosophy has changed.
Bridging Theory and Practice
One of the biggest challenges in counselling training is bridging the gap between theory and practice. While theory provides the foundation, it’s mainly through practice that we truly learn. This journal encourages trainees to reflect on both, helping them navigate the challenges that arise when theory meets reality.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is a big focus of the journal because it’s such an essential part of counselling. Counselling is one of the few professions where we have an ethical duty to take care of ourselves. If we’re running on empty, we can’t give our best to our clients. This journal encourages students to explore what self-care practices resonate with them personally, helping them build a solid foundation during their training.
A Unique and Thoughtful Approach
I’ve put a lot of thought into this journal, reflecting on my own training experience and gathering input from current trainees to ensure it addresses the needs of today’s students. The journal doesn’t impose a specific structure but instead provides prompts and space for reflection, allowing each student to develop their own unique voice and approach.
A Time Capsule for Personal and Professional Growth
One of the activities in the journal acts as a personal time capsule, giving students the opportunity to look back on their journey and see how far they’ve come. I wish I had something like this from my own training—a record of my growth and experiences to revisit and reflect upon. By creating this journal, I hope to provide others with that opportunity.
Looking Ahead
While this journal is designed for trainee counsellors, I’m also working on journals for qualified counsellors. The learning never stops, and as Rogers once said, "There's no therapist but a growing therapist." I hope that this journal will inspire others to create the things they wish existed and to continue growing, both personally and professionally.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Documenting
Creating this journal has been a labour of love, and I hope it will serve as a valuable tool for those embarking on their own counselling journey. Reflection is such a powerful tool, not just for professional growth but for personal development, and I’m excited to see how this journal can support trainee counsellors in discovering their unique voice and approach.
If you’re a trainee counsellor—or know someone who is—this journal could be just the companion you need to navigate the complexities of training with empathy and self-compassion. Ready to start your journey of self-discovery and growth? You can find the journal here.
