During the second half of 2023 and the first half of 2024, Kim provided free counselling sessions to members of the public as part of a student practicum (placement). Kim is studying counselling at MIT/Te Pūkenga. The parish is grateful to Kim and Mit for making this practicum available, and to the Justice-Compassion Trust for funding assistance. Kim reflects on her counselling experience:
‘Love one another, as I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.’ See John 13:34-36.
If anyone had said to me a few years ago I would go back to being a student in my 50s in a different area of education, I would have laughed at them. However, that is exactly what has happened. Becoming a student again in a new discipline has been a challenge, not only with one degree but two – counselling and theology when time allows.
So what has it been like on practicum?
Over the last year I have had approximately 25 individuals come through the door from the community, from the Hibiscus Coast to Ranui, ranging from teens to well retired people; male, female and gender diverse and a dozen nationalities. These ethnic diversities bring with them a range of cultural influences shaping their beliefs, values and life, all which need to be meet, respected and worked with. A few have come in with Christian faith, others stating they are Hindu or Buddhist, but for most faith doesn’t come into conversation. It makes no practical difference, as all walks of life come in wanting a place to share, to feel safe and not be judged. You hear stories outside of your own life experiences, some leaving you wondering how this person has managed to survive. At times I have sat there wondering what to say or which intervention to use and questioning what the client is really wanting in this time. Some come in just wanting to talk and be heard; others wanting to make active changes to their presenting issue. Many are very alone and just don’t know what to do or who to turn to for help or guidance.
Being on practicum is challenging and life changing. You hear some deeply personal issues and stories. You learn to look past the outside to the depth of a person. You listen to many things that may challenge your own values and beliefs. It is humbling and a privilege to be trusted and very rewarding when a client turns a corner and makes the changes and connections they desire. It is intrinsically rewarding and a motivator to keep going when a client expresses their gratitude for your time. What it isn’t is advising or telling a person what to do.
I am grateful to OCC for this opportunity. It has meant that many clients have gone away to make changes to their lives at a time when many of them were struggling financially. The support and encouragement from the church has been invaluable to be able to pass this practicum and make a difference. Although the counselling is secular, I would argue that just being there and being present for the client is the greatest thing that can be given. John 13:34-36 instructs us to love one another; providing this space is just that – meeting someone in their time of need.
