🌈 A Day in the Life of a Counsellor at The Centre Place

Ever wondered what a counsellor actually does all day?Or what it’s like to talk to one?Here’s a peek into what my days look like as a Counsellor at The Centre Place working at the RNN Group — and what it’s really like being the person on the other side of the room.

"Hi, My name is Kristie, I use she/they pronouns." I am a queer, Neurodivergent Counsellor & Art Psychotherapist"

🌅 My Morning

First things first: I wake up and feed my dog. Then I make breakfast, because food = life.

When I get to work, I grab my name badge, unlock my room, and set everything up — art materials, fidget tools, cards, tissues, and all the things that help make the space feel safe and comfy. I check messages, open my laptop, and get myself grounded before seeing anyone.

🎨 What I Actually Do

A lot of people think counselling is just talking. But in my world, it can also be art, creativity, movement, or just being in a calm space.

Here’s what my day usually looks like:

• travel to whichever college I’m working at

• set up the room so it feels warm and welcoming

• have sessions with clients

• write notes after each session

• reflect (sometimes by making my own art!)

• keep up with paperwork

• pack everything up and travel to the next college if needed

Every day is different — which I love.

❤️ The Most Important Part

Being fully present for the young person in front of me. Listening. Being real. Making sure you feel safe and supported. And taking care of my own mental health too, so I can show up 100%.

✨ What I Love About This Job

Sitting with young people in whatever they’re feeling — whether that’s confused, sad, excited, angry, overwhelmed, numb, or anything else. I love hearing about people’s lives, exploring what’s going on for them, helping them figure out coping strategies or new ways of thinking, or just offering a place to breathe.

Sometimes the session is big and deep. Sometimes it’s chill and creative. Both are okay.

🧠 My Personal Struggle

Imposter syndrome. Yep — counsellors get it too.It’s that annoying voice that says “You’re not good enough.”It still pops up, but I’m learning to keep going anyway.

🔋 How I Stay Motivated

Snacks. So many snacks. Also:

• movement breaks

• fresh air

• making art

• looking at therapeutic cards

• reading something interesting

Little resets make a big difference.

🪴 If You’re Thinking About Becoming a Counsellor

Be ready to:

• sit with the unknown

• reflect and understand yourself

• learn constantly

• feel both challenged and rewarded

Sometimes you grow. Sometimes your clients grow. Sometimes you both grow at the same time.

🕵️ Hidden Parts of the Job

There’s loads of behind‑the‑scenes stuff most people don’t see — like:

• reflecting on sessions

• doing research

• reading about mental health

• developing my skills

• going to my own therapy

• noticing when my own life/stuff pops up

Good counselling means doing the inner work, not just the outer.

💛 The Best Part of My Day

Giving someone a space they might not have anywhere else.

Watching trust build over time, noticing the little changes in someone’s voice, body language, or confidence — those moments mean everything to me.

🌀 When Something Unexpected Happens

At work: I try to stay calm, take a breath, think things through.

At home: Honestly? I don’t always stay calm.I like routines and clear communication, and if things suddenly change I can feel overwhelmed and sometimes have a meltdown. I’m a human being too — therapist hat off, just me.

I wanted to share this because young people often think adults “have it sorted.” We don’t. We’re learning too.

🧰 Things I Can’t Work Without

• visuals

• my diary

• my training and knowledge

• support from people around me

• (and yes…) my own mental health journey

It all shapes how I show up for clients.

🍫 Snacks, Habits & Other Little Things

Go‑to snack: chocolate or fruit Favourite drink: juice or water How I focus: slowing down on purpose and writing lists. Three words to describe my day: different, creative, organised

💜 Why I Love The Centre Place

Every day is new — some days I’m at two colleges, some days one, some days in the office. It keeps things fresh.

But my favourite part?The team.They’re warm, welcoming, and they made me feel like I’d been folded in like cake batter from day one. Being around them makes the work brighter.