Embracing Perfectionism and Procrastination: My Journey and How Counselling Can Help You Break Free.

From Challenges to Change: My Journey to Becoming a Counsellor.

Hi, I’m Simone, and I live in the historic market town of Tiverton, Mid Devon, in a terraced house. I share my home with my hubby and Kaos, our fluffy cat (whom we inherited from our daughter and her fiancé when they moved to Australia). Until recently, we were also joined by our gentle whippet Honey, who, though no longer with us, will always be a part of our journey and hold a special place in our hearts.

That’s a little snippet of my home and family life. As for the other parts of my journey, my professional background has been shaped by a variety of experiences—from working as a building labourer and bookkeeper to having a fulfilling career in charity work with Age UK Mid Devon.

The Turning Point: A Career Shift.

When COVID-19 disrupted everything, it led the trustees of Age UK Mid Devon to make the painful decision to close the charity I worked for and the Day Care Centre I managed. I found myself at a crossroads. Reflecting on my time at Age UK, where I gained invaluable experience in client-centred care and promoting health and wellbeing for older adults, I realised I wanted to help people on a deeper level. This insight inspired me to become a counsellor and deepen my ability to support others.

Overcoming Perfectionism and Procrastination.

Perfectionism and procrastination have been recurring challenges in my life. You might wonder, how does this relate to being a counsellor? The truth is, more than you might think. I used to get stuck in the cycle of needing everything to be perfect, and if I couldn’t get it "just right," I would put it off. This created a lot of unnecessary stress and delay.

During my counselling training, I faced these same struggles. Life’s distractions got in the way, and the pressure to be perfect often stopped me from progressing. But I pushed through. It wasn’t easy—there were moments when I doubted myself and thought, “What if I’m not good enough?” But I realised that perfection is not the goal. Growth, learning, and connecting with others are what truly matter. And that's exactly what I bring to my practice.

Facing the Fear of Putting Myself Out There.

The biggest hurdle? Putting myself out there. Building my website, joining directories, and sharing my work on social media felt like exposing myself in ways I wasn’t used to. The fear of not being perfect crept in again. I honed the skills I developed through my training, and as I embarked on the new chapter of building my private practice, I reflected on how to apply these skills in this next phase of my journey. My role as a counsellor is to walk alongside my clients, understand their struggles, and create a safe, supportive space for them to explore their feelings and challenges.

My Next Steps: Moving Forward.

I embraced the process, took a deep breath, and launched my website. I began writing a blog, and composing my first post (this one!) marked a significant milestone. Now, I am here, prepared to assist others in overcoming their challenges, whether it be perfectionism, procrastination, or any other obstacle impeding their progress.

"Does this resonate with you?"

Are you struggling with perfectionism or procrastination? Or perhaps you’re curious about how counselling can help you navigate these challenges and find your path forward? If so, reach out for a free consultation. Let’s explore how we can work together to help you overcome barriers and move toward a more fulfilling life.