Shel asked 13 years ago
Hi , I am in a real quandary. I would dearly love to train as a counselor as this has been a long time ambition of mine. However, back when I was 21 (I’m now in my early 40s) I was doing a welfare course. I got involved with a client at the place where I was doing a practicum and we had a four year relationship. During this time we had a beautiful child who is now almost an adult. Needless to say the relationship didn’t work out and we haven’t seen one another for many years. He had some issues with anger and I too had some pretty big stuff going on in my life. A year after we separated I met my husband and we have been happily married with another child. I went on to do a degree in a completely different area. I am now interested in a career change and yet i find myself concerned that my past mistakes should prohibit me becoming a counselor. I really am trying to do some soul searching here. I feel shameful of my past actions. Although ethics weren’t really discussed I did know that it was wrong for me to become involved with him, yet I am thankful for my beautiful son. Should I simply forget the idea of counseling?
Insight Psychological Staff answered 12 years ago
A career switch is a major change in an individual’s life. From your information, it sounds that there has been a significant amount of time that has elapsed since the relationship with the client. Given this, I would see no reason to abandon the idea of a new career. Life transitions can be challenging, but helpful support can ease this process. If you feel therapeutic support will help with your decision making, we have a number of therapists who are able to provide this, depending on your preferences and needs.
Asha
