We're welcoming Davis to William and Associates as he completes his program through Kelowna College of Professional Counselling. Currently a CCPCP-C candidate, Davis is hoping to make a difference in mental health care in his community. He began his journey to becoming a certified counsellor because of being a constant ear for friends and family throughout his life. His passion to help others - especially those in dire need has grown immensely.
“With my friendly and compassionate nature, I want clients to feel comfortable within the counselling space while having the ability to share their story without judgement.”
I sat down with Davis and got to learn a bit more about his counselling journey and how he thinks counselling can make an impact on our mental health.
Our casual Zoom chat led to some great tips about finding a counsellor, stigmas around mental health, you can read all about it here:
Q: So what do those credentials mean, Davis? Do they change the way that you counsel, or help support people in their mental health journeys?
A: Yeah, so I think it's a little bit different. Because, I mean, I think with people's journeys, I don't think it necessarily changes that it's just more I think, when people are looking up counselors, for example, on either websites or on private practice, there's usually a discrepancy between somebody who has a diploma and somebody who has a master's degree. But with the credentials I am doing the same amount of work. And at the same time, I have all my insurance, I have all the papers and everything to be a counsellor and actually go into a practice.
Q: Starting the counselling journey can be filled with a lot of stigma for some people. Could you maybe break down one of those barriers or one of those myths around counselling?
A: Yeah, the one that I was taught was that going into counselling makes you a weak person. Or if you tell somebody that, I'm going to go into counseling, they would give that stigmatization that you need a lot of help, or you're unwell. But that's not really the case. Sometimes it's more if you're experiencing stuff that's heavier than people can take or your support systems can handle. Then it's something that's good for a counsellor absolutely.
Q: Finding a counsellor can then be the next trickiest part, is there some sort of tip, or something that you could share with people on how to find the right counselor? Or if they don't maybe find the right match, right away? Can they still keep looking for one? What are your thoughts?
A: Psychology Today is actually a really good site to go to, to see what kind of counsellor is right for you, because they put out a really good biography of the counsellor, and what they do and what they specialize in. Going into a consultation is always the best, I know a lot of counsellors who do a 15 to 30 minute consultation. And so if you're finding throughout that consultation that this counsellor is not for you, usually counsellors will refer you to somebody who might be able to help you.
Q: Would it ever hurt your feelings? If someone decided that you weren't the right fit for them?
A: I think in a way it would...I'm not going to say no, it would never. But if they come in to see you, and then they see you in person. They're like, Oh, maybe they're not really the right fit for me. But at the same time, it's also finding the right person for them. It's always about the client. So you're always trying to find somebody who is going to fit their needs. Absolutely.
"I think everybody can benefit from just even having one session of talking with a counsellor."
Q: Why do you believe in counselling? Why do you think that it's a good resource for people?
A: Well, I'm like, now during COVID, everyone is dealing with a lot of mental health, I guess, difficulties. I think everybody needs or maybe needs to try counselling. I think even if it's just one session, I think everybody can benefit from just even having one session of talking to a counsellor.
Q: Have you if you don't mind me asking ever personally been to counselling or experienced therapy of any kind?
A: I actually haven't. But I do have friends that have, and that have benefited from having at least a couple, or even two or three sessions with the counsellor because, you know, for example, I've had a friend who went through university, and they were having some anxiety about, you know, exams and all of this stuff. And like they had more of an anxiety than I think most people. And so they really benefited from two or three sessions. It could take more, sessions it could take less, but I think it really depends on the person.
Q: So if you weren't currently where you're at in the process of counselling and becoming a more certified counsellor, where do you think you'd be? What do you think you'd be doing?
A: I think I'd still be in mental health services and social services. I am currently working at Living Positive Resource Center. So I think I would find myself working here or for another nonprofit organization because I think that's, you know, what I'm made for. At the same time, I feel like I could do other jobs as well, but I feel like nonprofit organizations are really where my head is at.
Q: How do you benefit from the work that you do? Do you go home at the end of the day and think about what you did, you know, the situations that you've gone through, and it inspires you or you know, any kind of little thing like that, that you want to share?
A: I don't want to necessarily bring personal stuff home so when I go to work, it's my work life. But when I go home, I think about, was there any way that it could have been more beneficial for that person? And there's also like, the pros and cons of what could I do, what did I do, right? And what can I do better? And so when I get home, it's usually that process of, oh, maybe I could have done this. Or maybe I could have done this. And oh, I did that correctly. But I could probably do it a little bit differently. So that kind of thing.
Q: And then if someone wanted to meet with you, or do a consultation with you, how would they find you?
A: I am currently an intern counsellor here at William & Associates so just go in the Team tab above and click Intern, you'll find me there. I'm currently going to be here for at least a couple years. If not, maybe more.
To learn more about Davis, you can find a detailed bio and personable questions to help you find the right match on your mental wellness journey. Davis supports low-fee, accessible counselling through The Local Counselling Card (TLCC) Initiative at www.counsellingcard.com.
Have questions for Davis? Reach out to us here: info@wacs.ca.