ACA Member Catherine Chen has agreed to share her journey with all ACA Students Members as she embarks on her first year after graduation. Catherine completed her Masters of Counselling in December 2023 and is now exploring her next phase. Catherine will be sharing her journey monthly with students as she ventures into the world after study.

By Catherine Chen

After dedicating two years of hard work, completing the final unit of the Master of Counselling course was a surreal and rewarding moment. Following a month filled with celebration and travel, I entered a reflective space, intentionally slowing down to acknowledge my tendency to rush into the next chapter without appreciating the present. Taking a moment to genuinely celebrate my achievements, the decision to pivot from a career in finance to embrace the counselling path wasn’t merely a change—it was a courageous leap of faith. It meant stepping into the unknown and reconnecting with the authentic self I’ve always aspired to be. Honestly, it feels like I’m answering a calling—a realisation of who I am meant to be.

Returning from the break in the new year, the reality set in as I received the Level 2 membership card from ACA, signifying the celebration of my achievement. While it symbolises accomplishment, there’s also an honesty in admitting that it stirs a sense of being a bit lost – where do I go from here? Rather than resisting the uncertainty, I found it helpful to acknowledge it. Embracing this uncertainty has given me the strength to view this phase as an opportunity for personal and professional development. I am determined to navigate the unknown with resilience, curiosity, and an open heart.

I’m also genuinely thankful for the overwhelming support from those around me. A former colleague, with whom we shared a placement experience in private practice, generously offered to meet weekly on Zoom calls, providing invaluable support throughout this transitional journey. Our conversations delved into crucial aspects like resume writing and supervision. Motivated by this encouragement, I dedicated my spare time to pursuing additional Internal Family Systems (IFS) training through PESI AU, leveraging the ACA member discount, and earning professional development points for the upcoming year.

Under the university career counsellor’s guidance, I developed more detailed plans for the job-hunting process and enhanced my LinkedIn profile. Proactively, I also reached out to reconnect with select academic teaching staff from the Master of Counselling course, seeking their guidance in navigating this transitional period. Their support is precious during this phase of growth and exploration.

Remaining informed about current legislation, especially how counsellors are recognised as mental health practitioners in Victoria with the help of ACA, allows me to be receptive to job opportunities that may not have the title of a counsellor but involve a counselling role. This awareness broadens my horizons and will enable me to identify relevant positions aligned with my expertise and passion.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I sought support from family and friends, drawing strength from their love and encouragement. It’s important to remember that the lack of a response from a ‘perfect job’ doesn’t shape my identity; it merely indicates that it may not be the right fit. Instead, it serves as an opportunity for self-discovery and the courage to explore new possibilities.