The following testimonies are from real people. Their names have been changed to keep their identity private and confidential.
My name is Olivia, and I would like to tell you a little of my story and how counselling sessions at Insight Life services changed the direction of my life.
In the summer after my HSC, I decided to go on a diet. After losing a couple of kilos, people began complimenting me, and what began as controlled weight loss quickly spiralled out of control.
Before I knew it, I had relapsed and my second struggle with anorexia nervosa consumed me. I became so depressed that I hardly left my room. I sat there, doing nothing, obsessing with kilojoules and how fat I looked in my mirror.
After months of trying to support me, my friends and my mentor were all strongly suggesting counselling. I refused as I thought counselling was for complete mental cases and I was sure I was strong enough to get better.
Finally, my parents insisted that I go. My mentor gave me the phone number of Insight Life Services, the first session was booked and I felt like all my choices had been taken away.
For the first three or four sessions, I couldn't even talk. All I did was cry. My counsellor handed me tissues and struggled to get a few sentences out of me. Gradually we developed a relationship that got me through each week. She gave me information on eating disorders and helped me through my overwhelming guilt that this was outside of God, a sin I insisted on allowing to control my life above His will. Eventually I reached a stage where I was so proud each time I gained a kilo. The weight was so hard to put on at first and though I still thought I was fat, I knew I was finally beating this disease that cost me so much.
It's been a year since then. A year in which I have maintained a healthy body weight, a healthier body image and a stronger relationship with God. I have even changed degrees and am now studying counselling in the hope of one day working with people struggling with eating disorders. I believe this is the reason God saved me not once, but three times, and I am so excited about living my life for Him.
Emma, a 26 year old female, states how counselling has been helpful for her:
I found counselling practical, helpful and encouraging, and I recommend it to anyone who is struggling with the complexities of life.
I have battled privately with anxiety and depression since my late teens and, finally, in the midst of a particularly stressful time, I was able to go to counselling. At first it was hard to communicate how overwhelmed I felt, but it was comforting to have someone there to listen objectively, without judgement, in a safe environment. I was able to talk things through and felt validated and more focussed over time. The guidance was practical and the access to related resources was also beneficial.
As a Christian it was important for me to be able to address issues in the context of my faith, and it was awesome to be able to pray together, to have someone articulate and share my needs in prayer. I am grateful for counselling as an opportunity to build character and further develop as an individual with purpose. There are no quick-fix solutions, but to share the journey with someone who understands and loves regardless is invaluable.
