Values

🪷 Counselling is so much more than a service or a transaction. Counselling is built on trust and relationship. 🪷

It's important to find the right fit of therapist, especially when you're bringing your most vulnerable self. You don't open up to just anyone, you need to feel safe, and supported, and like the person sitting in that chair opposite you might understand and be worthy of sharing your story.

It's why I choose to share my face and a bit more about myself on this website, or on my social media accounts (despite how clunky or cringeworthy this might feel at times). I want you to know how I work, who I am, and get a sense of what it would be like to meet with me at Grief Guide. A part of that is around sharing what values drive me.

I facilitated a small session with colleagues recently where we explored our values; what is important to us, what underpins our decisions, the work we do, and the ways we show up as professionals and humans. What are the values that enable us to do this work, and perhaps get impinged upon in the process? We whittled down a long list of values into those less important to us, somewhat important, and most important, and continued to refine these to come up with a top 4.

Now, these will change over time, and in different contexts, but these were my top 4 in recent weeks. These are core to who I am as Ali, as a Specialised Grief, Loss, and Bereavement Counsellor, Mum, and friend. I would like to think that the people who have come across me in different contexts would agree.

Clarifying our values can be an incredibly rewarding experience; it allows us to delve deep into the core of our beliefs and understand the motivations behind our feelings and actions. When we take the time to reflect on our values, we engage in a process of self-discovery that can reveal not only what is important to us but also why those aspects hold significance in our lives. This introspection can lead to a greater sense of purpose and direction, as we align our daily choices with our fundamental principles.

Moreover, this exploration of values is not merely an exercise in self-reflection; it can also be aspirational. By identifying the values we hold dear, we can set goals that resonate with our true selves. This alignment between our actions and our core beliefs can inspire us to strive for personal growth and improvement. For instance, if we recognise that compassion is a central value in our lives, we may feel motivated to engage in acts of kindness, whether through volunteering, helping friends, or simply being more empathetic in our interactions.

Furthermore, clarifying our values can have profound implications for our relationships and communities. When we articulate what we stand for, we can connect with others who share similar values, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. This shared foundation can strengthen our connections and create supportive networks that encourage us to live authentically and courageously. In essence, the journey of clarifying our values not only enhances our personal lives but can also ripple outwards, positively impacting those around us.

In conclusion, the process of clarifying our values is a multifaceted journey that enriches our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. It challenges us to confront our beliefs, inspires us to live by them, and ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. Engaging in this reflective practice can be a transformative experience, one that empowers us to navigate life's complexities with clarity and confidence.

If you join me in session, know that these values will inform my side of this therapeutic relationship.

🪷 I wonder, which 4 values of yours will be joining us? 🪷