During a counselling session, it may be that you want to talk about some aspects of your past, if they’re relevant to what’s on your mind. The past isn’t just about those big moments in history, but our own lives as well. It’s often said that we should cherish our precious memories, but what does that actually mean? Are they merely a mental treasure-trove that gradually fades over time, sitting around for us to dip into when things get tough?
Well, they can be, but there’s no reason for them to stay that way, because we can write them down. Whether that’s an account of an unforgettable family day, or something crazy that just happened, make a note of it. That’s because, before too long, life gets in the way. And why stop there? If you’re one of those people who can still remember things that happened when you were four or five, write them down:
“I remember being frightened as my mum let go of my hand. I was led to a table next to another boy and when I sat down, I looked up just in time to see her wave as she left. Our first task was to copy a sentence, or something like that. It was word-related anyway. I think that was the first time I realised how much words can capture your imagination, because for a minute, I forgot I was in a room full of strangers without my mother.”
That’s pretty much all I can remember from my first day at school and at the time of writing this blog, it was the first time I’d ever written it down. It’s important to make a note of the sad times too. Why? You may ask. I’d sooner forget all that stuff! That’s true, but it was the act of writing things down that helped me to grieve and deal with some of my own bereavements.
I lost my mother to cancer when I was very young, and I cherish the few memories I have of her. It was such a traumatic loss for me, and it was only through my counselling studies that I realised that I hadn’t fully processed losing her. I’ve spoken about her a lot in my own counselling and supervision sessions (as counsellors, we need to make sure we’re in good mental shape too!) and think about her every day. As I say on my counselling in Chorley site and to anyone who asks, bereavement is what brought me to counselling, as I wanted to be able to make a small difference to people’s lives.
So, get typing – or even write it down old-school in a journal or diary – and bring those memories to life. Start with today. And if you do find that you need to talk about your loss, just get in touch for a free initial consultation about my counselling in Chorley. I’m here to listen.
Inside & Outside Counselling 