You Don't Have to Feel Alone
Stowmarket counsellor Vicky Godfrey shares her personal journey into the profession, the feelings she sees again and again in her clients, and the wealth of mental health support available right here in town.
Sitting here at my computer, I'm trying to find the perfect words to start this story. I'm worried about how it might sound, how people might perceive me, the judgement that might come. It's not lost on me that many of my clients must have similar feelings when they first sit across from me in my counselling room. So I'll try to do what I encourage them to do — just go for it and be brave.
It might help if I start with the basics. My name is Vicky and I'm a counsellor practising in Stowmarket. It's my privilege to sit with people within the community who might be finding life or relationships difficult and want someone to talk to.
My route to becoming a counsellor wasn't a straightforward one. I originally had a different career, but at one point I decided I wanted to change to a path where I felt more fulfilled — somewhere I could make a difference. Counselling came to mind because I love people. I love their stories and I love listening to them. I had seen the impact of mental health difficulties on people I knew and loved, and the difference that counselling had made to them. So I took the plunge, signed up for the training, and haven't looked back since.
One of the things I love about my work is seeing all sorts of people from a variety of backgrounds and ages. But there are many common feelings that come through, and I wonder if you might relate to some of them.
You might feel that your anxiety is starting to feel overwhelming. You might have suffered a bereavement and not know how life can carry on without your loved one. You might have a deep sense of not feeling good enough because of being put down or bullied in childhood. You might have a diagnosis of neurodiversity — or suspect that you might be neurodivergent — and carry a feeling of never quite fitting in, as though the world wasn't designed with you in mind. In all of these cases, your self-confidence and self-worth can feel as though they've hit rock bottom.
I think a lot of people feel very alone with their feelings. Even if you have the most incredible friends and family around you, you can still feel that you don't want to burden them. That's where speaking to a counsellor can help — as daunting as it might feel to open up to a complete stranger at first.
We are really lucky in Stowmarket to have some wonderful counsellors. I'm one of a group who share a counselling room at Stowmarket Osteopaths. There are also counsellors based at Red Gables and others working independently from different locations — and many of us offer online sessions too. If you're struggling with your mental health, speaking to your GP is always a good starting point.
If you need to speak to someone more immediately, the Samaritans are available on 116 123, or you can contact SHOUT, which gives support via text, on 85258.
My hope for everyone in the community is that they don't have to feel alone. Stowmarket is an incredible place, with people and organisations here to support you. If you feel that talking to someone might help, please do reach out.
Vicky Godfrey MBACP
www.clearlightcounselling.co.uk
vicky@clearlightcounselling.co.uk | 07918 395048