One Man’s Journey
Initially this client requested an appointment for himself due to problems in his relationship. His
partner had given him an ultimatum; seek help or the relationship would end. The client indicated
at his first session that he was about to lose his business and that he was facing bankruptcy. He had
history of depression and had been diagnosed as a diabetic as a child. His father had left when he
was 10 years old and he had cared for his diabetic mother up until her death when he was 14 years
old. He then went to live with his grandparents. His father had been physically and emotionally
abusive and then had rejected him.
Throughout his counselling sessions it became apparent that early childhood trauma and grief
affected his current relationship. The counselling journey involved supporting him to be able to
nurture himself and attend to his own needs. He had never done this in his life, nor had he learned how
to start the process. He was unable to have children, so he and his partner mentored the teenagers
of family and friends, with them living with the couple at times. He connected to nurturing himself
through the lens of what the adolescents needed from him to thrive.
The client initially came into the centre in a black trench coat and could not engage with the staff.
In time, he was able to show the Client Service Officer’s photos of his animals and engaged in
conversations. On his last visit he stated his relationship was better and there were less arguments
and resentment. He said he was working from home after his business had folded and that he had
been camping on the weekend and felt better about his life and had hope again.
His last comment was:
“
I wouldn’t have come here if I had to
pay, I was broke and embarrassed. You
guys saved my life. I did have a plan; I
even knew the tree that I was going to
ride my bike into.
”
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