Thursday, March 25, 2021

Get to know your local Langley counsellor, Alex Gheorghe

Alex completed a Bachelor of Arts at SFU, majoring in sociology and psychology. She began her career as an Addictions Counsellor at an outpatient treatment centre, whilst also gaining experience in an acute hospital setting as a Registered Social Worker. Wishing to further advance her clinical knowledge and skills, she completed her Masters of Social Work at UBC in 2020. She started here at Stasis Rehab back in March, and we sat down to ask her a few questions about clinical counselling and what she loves most about her job!

What made you decide to study in the field of social work?

This is a good question and one I often struggle with a bit whenever someone asks me. I don't recall there being a pivotal moment when I decided I wanted to get into the field. I had challenges as a teenager and young adult and benefited greatly from therapy myself. I remember thinking throughout my experience in counselling that I wanted to do something like this (supporting people through challenges) one day. I originally did a degree in Sociology and thought I wanted to become a Sociology professor, then realized I really don't enjoy research, haha! I love how social work school provides you with ample opportunity to learn both about yourself and other people.

What is your favourite part of clinical counselling?

My favourite part about being a counsellor is building true connection and relationships with people. I'm an undeniable extrovert; I love being around people, having meaningful conversations, and learning from others. That last point there is a big one, and one that I don't think many clients may realize – I often learn from my clients just as much (if not more!) than they learn from me. Humans heal within relationships, the whole process of counselling is a reflection of the need to emotionally attach and process in relation to another living soul.

What is the biggest myth people believe about counselling?

The biggest myth I have come across in my counselling career so far is that counselling is there to provide you with the right answers or to “solve problems." Sure, this may be true to some minor extent if you were doing a brief solution-focused session. However, for most people counselling is a longer and much deeper journey. I would argue that people hold the answers within themselves and that the counsellor's role is to support and extract these already held resources.

If you could give one piece of advice to all your patients, what would it be?

Hard to say because I think everyone's situation is so unique. However, I think learning to let go of control is a big one for many people. When we feel very out of control we try to look for ways that we can control our environment, and they often fail. This can lead us to feeling distressed, angry, upset… the list goes on. Learning to release control over things that we have no control over can be a freeing and relieving experience. Learning to lean into the discomfort of not knowing and putting our faith in the universe is something that many of us can benefit from. Disclaimer – it's not easy.

Book in today to see Alex by calling 604-455-7772 or on www.stasisrehab.ca!

Posted at 12:51 AM