In this series, counsellors share with CA their professional journeys and the things they have learned along the way. Counsellor and behaviour practitioner Sharon Marshall tells CA what she wishes she knew in the prelude to her career. As featured in the Counselling Australia Journal Autumn 2023, Volume 24 Number 2.

Sharon Marshall Diploma of Business, Diploma of Counselling (ACA membership), behaviour practitioner, registered counsellor, specialist support coordinator. My company is Boutique Caring and we are located in Brisbane.

Looking back to your final year as a student (before starting your counselling career), what are the top three pieces of advice you would give?

• Be true and honest to yourself
• Follow what you want
• Reach high and hard

Would you change your decision to be a counsellor or psychotherapist? Why or why not?

No. I studied Psychology for three years and regretted wasting HECS on that, so I deferred. I felt it was too orientated around research and statistics and there was not enough emphasis put on the holistic person-centred approach.

How do you describe that work that you do?

My day consists of assisting people to find the best that they are and can be. I show them techniques to assist them to dig deep and delve into their trauma. As hard as it is to confront those demons, I am fortunate to be able to assist people and have an impact on their recovery or journey. To do this, it is necessary for me to have a thorough understanding of the impact of the trauma on the client’s life. Therefore, I spend a lot of time in conversation, or with children in play therapy (I love this). I often say that they are the flower, and I am just watering it and one day it will bloom.

Do you love your work? Why?

About 10 years ago my life took a dramatic turn. Imagine a ball rolling down a hill, gaining momentum and pulling everything into the vortex with me. My brain was on overdrive and I had a complete breakdown. I took a massive overdose with the intent of dying. I had said my goodbyes to my children and husband and then died. But there were other plans for me. After a long rehabilitation in Belmont Private Hospital (my first admission was over 10 months and then two admissions after that), I bounced back and I said, enough is enough, no more of this medication and ECT. I took control of my life and now I am teaching, navigating, encouraging people to take control of their lives. I love my work as I do make a difference in someone’s life. I am very good at what I do because I have lived experience and I can totally relate to people’s mental health and their challenges. I have empathy and I learned at the very beginning that we have two ears and one mouth, therefore listening is often all people require. My company has just started a therapy centre where people – either NDIS or private – can join in activities. They can learn how to cook, make candles, make cheese, do a resin board or restore some furniture. The therapy centre is also a place of sanctuary and safety; they can just sit in the beautiful lounges and have a coffee and read a book.

What is your ACA level?

As a professional counsellor, I focus on upgrading my knowledge by undertaking courses, such as BPD and training, as my passion is understanding them. I am completing my Master of Counselling, which is inspiring and has a steep learning curve.