"We All Have a Story": Sasha's Story Led Her to Become a Counsellor

"It’s more than a job for me, it’s my passion."

This post is presented in partnership with Peel Youth Services.

One of the toughest parts about leaving school is undoubtedly having to decide what career pathway you’d like to undertake. While many students feel unsure about what job they would enjoy doing, there are those lucky few who have had a clear occupation in mind for years.

Take Peel Youth Services counsellor Sasha Dargaville, for example. As Sasha tells Student Edge, she knew she wanted to help people from a very young age.

"Coming into this industry was something that I always knew I wanted to do," Sasha says.

"From the age of 10, I knew I wanted to do something to help people."

Sasha says she was basically counselling her friends before she was even in high school.

"I was that kid who—it didn’t matter what was happening in my life—I was the 'go-to' for everyone. That sort of extended into high school and all the rest of it."

As Sasha explains, her career aspirations were inspired by her own life experiences.

"We all have a story, and sometimes that can lead us into a career that will enable us to empower and inspire others," she says.

"I’ve walked my own sort of journey and pathway, and I wanted to use what I learned from my own experiences in a way that could touch another person’s life."

Pictured: Peel Youth Services staff (supplied).

Despite knowing what industry she wanted to enter from an early age, Sasha still faced a number of obstacles to becoming a counsellor. Living in New Zealand at the time, she started out doing social work once she’d finished her studies.

After working with a 15-year-old girl, Sasha discovered that she wanted to focus her attention on helping young people.

"I decided I wanted to be the person who is actually working with that young person to better their life in a more connective way," she says.

In 2008, Sasha moved with her husband and children to Australia. Although she found not knowing anyone difficult at first, that all changed when she was introduced to the team at Peel Youth Services.

"I started off as a volunteer for about three months or so, and then they offered me a position as a counsellor," she says.

"I’ve been with Peel Youth Services now for about seven years, and I haven’t ever thought of transitioning anywhere else."

As Sasha tells us, she appreciates working with such compassionate people.

"Everyone here has the desire to make a difference in a young person’s life. It’s different, it’s like a family system," she says.

"We walk beside young people to empower and support them with whatever they are going through to reach their potential and goals, whatever that looks like for them."

Now, Sasha has had time to reflect on why being a counsellor is so important to her.

"It’s more than a job for me, it’s my passion," she says.

"I’m an empath, so I think I’m right where I need to be. I’ve always thought about others before myself, and I’ve always been interested in being proactive around helping people.

"It is their journey, not mine. As a youth worker or counsellor, we support young people on their journey without judgement, and we're always ready to listen."

In saying that, Sasha recognises that being a counsellor is not always easy. That’s why she believes it’s crucial for youth workers and counsellors to take care of themselves as well.

"Obviously, there are times where you come across situations that can be quite heavy," she says.

"If someone was going to come into this industry, I would say that self-care is the most paramount thing, and it has to be a priority because of the serious issues people in the industry can face."

However, Sasha holds that counselling is one of the most empowering and rewarding careers out there.

"I feel so grateful that I have a job where I can work with someone over months and years, and watch them grow and develop into the person that they want to be," she says.

"It’s empowering for me, and it’s empowering for them."

This world is a better place with you in it. Find out more at peelyouthservices.org.au.

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Header Image: Supplied