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My name is Dan Davis, and I’ve had the privilege of practising as a counsellor for over five years. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, leading me to establish my own private practice, Meta Minds Therapy. Through this practice, I host counselling sessions and offer supervision to other counsellors, helping them navigate their own professional paths.
One of the most critical aspects of running my own practice has been understanding and managing my capacity. Over the past year, I’ve experimented with different client loads, trying to find the right balance that allows me to provide quality care without compromising my well-being. I’ve recently scaled down to seeing around 18 clients a week, working four days a week with Wednesdays dedicated to self-care. This balance has been crucial in maintaining my energy and enthusiasm for the work I do.
Counselling has been a fascinating journey, not just professionally but personally. It has pushed me to become more self-aware, challenge my ego, and continually develop both personally and professionally. The therapeutic alliance, the relationship between counsellor and client, is at the heart of what we do. It’s a relationship that requires ongoing growth and development, something I am deeply committed to.
Running my own private practice has brought a level of flexibility and freedom that I truly value. I have the autonomy to choose the clients I work with and create a schedule that supports my lifestyle. Whether it’s taking a break to go to the gym or enjoying a quiet lunch, the ability to manage my time has been one of the greatest rewards of this journey.
Supervision has become a significant focus for me. I find immense fulfilment in guiding other counsellors as they develop their skills and build their own practices. Having gone through the challenges of starting a private practice myself, I understand how overwhelming it can be. Now, with systems and processes in place, I’m passionate about helping others find their footing and gain confidence in their abilities.
One of the most unique aspects of being a counsellor is the privilege of holding space for someone as they share intimate details of their lives. Often, clients share things they have never told anyone else, and being the first person they trust with these thoughts and emotions is a profound experience. It’s a reminder that we are all on this journey together, trying to navigate life on this spinning rock we call Earth.
The biggest challenge in counselling is self-awareness. Understanding your capacity, recognising when you need to adjust your workload, and ensuring that your self-care is a priority are all essential. This awareness extends to the types of clients you work with as well. Some clients and their presentations can be more draining, and it’s important to identify when a shift is needed to maintain your energy and passion for the work.
Reflecting on my early days as a new graduate, I remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. I knew I wanted to build a private practice, but the path wasn’t clear. For anyone in a similar position, my advice is to start by getting registered with a professional organisation like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). From there, finding a supervisor is crucial. Volunteering can also be a great way to gain experience and build your network while looking for your first job.
Looking to the future, I have a few hopes for the counselling industry in Australia. One of the most significant changes I would like to see is the recognition of counsellors, particularly through Medicare rebates. This would not only benefit counsellors but also make counselling more accessible to clients who need it. I also hope to see more recognition of counsellors in schools, as well as a greater emphasis on positive counselling, similar to positive psychology, especially for creatives. There’s so much potential to empower people in creative fields to not only produce better art but also to become more well-rounded individuals.
In all, counselling has been a journey of growth, both for me and for my clients. I am excited about the future and the opportunities to continue evolving as a counsellor and helping others do the same.
