Liam: How school counselling changed my life

Summary

The speaker recounts a journey from feeling outcasted and lacking confidence during school years to finding solace and support in regular sessions with a school counselor. These interactions helped them stay in school, manage anxiety, and build self-assurance. The transformation is profound, as they transition from a withdrawn child to someone able to participate in social activities, like playing Eugene in a school production of 'Grease,' and develop interpersonal skills to understand and manage their emotions.

Takeaways

• 👶 Early Struggles: The individual felt different and outcasted from a young age, struggling to connect with peers.
• 🏫 School Challenges: Difficulty attending classes due to lack of confidence and feeling of being different led to extended absences.
• 👩‍🏫 Seeking Help: Began seeing a school counselor from the beginning of year 10 to address emotional and social challenges.
• 📅 Regular and On-Demand Support: The counselor provided both scheduled sessions and emergency support, helping the individual cope with immediate crises.
• 🔑 Confidence Building: The consistent support from the counselor helped in building confidence and staying in school.
• 🤯 Panic Management: The individual learned to manage panic and anxiety by seeking immediate help from the counselor.
• 🌟 Personal Growth: The support from the counselor was instrumental in personal development, moving from a scared child to a more confident person.
• 🎭 Overcoming Fears: The individual was able to participate in a school production of 'Grease,' playing the role of Eugene, which was a significant personal achievement.
• 💬 Improved Social Skills: With personal growth, the individual became more capable of making friends and engaging in social interactions.
• 🧘‍♂️ Emotional Awareness: The individual developed a better understanding of their feelings and the ability to manage and control their emotions.
• 🚀 New Opportunities: The personal development allowed the individual to do things they previously couldn't, opening up new opportunities and experiences.

Q & A

How did the individual feel during their early years in school?

The individual felt different and outcasted, struggling to connect with other children and lacking confidence to go outside.

What difficulties did the person face in terms of social interactions?

They had a hard time making friends and felt very isolated, which led to a lack of confidence in social situations.

Why did the individual have to take a break from school?

The struggles with feeling different and outcasted became so severe that they had to take a break from school for a while.

When did the individual start seeing the school counselor and what was the arrangement?

They started seeing the school counselor at the beginning of year 10, with regular sessions every Wednesday and additional meetings as needed for emergencies or when feeling panicky.

How did the school counselor's availability impact the individual's school experience?

The counselor's availability helped the individual stay in class more, stay calm, and develop confidence to cope with their feelings.

What was the individual's experience like when they started to open up to the counselor?

They found it incredibly helpful to have someone who genuinely wanted to listen and help, without feeling judged or uncared for.

How has the individual's personal development been since their early struggles?

They have developed from a scared kid who used to hide away to someone who is able to be outside, make friends, and talk to people.

What significant role did the individual play in a school production of 'Grease'?

They played the part of Eugene the nerd, which was a brilliant and one of the best experiences they've ever had.

How have the counseling sessions contributed to the individual's interpersonal skills?

The sessions have helped them become more capable of talking to people, forming connections, and understanding their feelings, which in turn helps them control their emotions.

What new abilities has the individual gained as a result of the counseling and personal growth?

They are now able to do things they never thought they could do before, such as participating in activities and expressing themselves more openly.

How does the individual reflect on their journey from feeling outcasted to their current state?

They reflect positively on their journey, appreciating the role of the school counselor and the personal growth that has allowed them to overcome their initial struggles.