Tammy *, 31, is a Senior Social Worker whose work centres on supporting others through casework, counselling, staff supervision, and leadership responsibilities. While helping others came naturally to her, navigating mounting pressures at work eventually led her to realise that she, too, needed support. In this interview, Tammy shares how counselling helped her gain perspective, establish healthier boundaries, and rediscover the importance of caring for herself.
What led you to seek counselling?
Tammy:
I’m a Senior Social Worker. I do casework and counselling, supervise staff, and manage other portfolios.
It took me a while before I decided to go for counselling because I wasn’t sure if I had the bandwidth. On one hand, I knew I needed support for what I was going through at work. I was facing a lot of challenges with a supervisee who was very persistent and set in her own ways. She wasn’t open to hearing views from me or other colleagues, and our sessions often led to heated debates and personal attacks towards me.
At the same time, I hesitated because I wasn’t sure if I had the emotional capacity to express myself. After spending eight hours or more each day tending to my clients’ emotions, I thought it would be exhausting to talk about my own. I was also worried that I wouldn’t have the time to commit to counselling sessions.
Eventually, I realised how important it was to make time for myself. My management was also very supportive and suggested that counselling might give me an objective and safe space to express myself. That was when I reached out to EMCC.
What was your experience like during counselling?
Tammy:
From the very beginning, I felt listened to. My counsellor gave me the space and time I needed to feel comfortable opening up.
What I appreciated most was that although the issues I was dealing with were very serious and intense, our sessions remained light-hearted, which was something I wanted as well. It made it easier for me to process what I was going through without feeling overwhelmed.
What were some of the biggest lessons you took away from counselling?
Tammy:
One of the first things I learnt was that I cannot control how other people choose to behave, only how I respond to them.
For example, if my supervisee chose to react in a certain way, that was outside of my control. What I could control was my own response. Learning this helped me let go of negativity instead of dwelling on it.
We also spent time talking about personal space and building healthy boundaries. Before counselling, I found myself engaging clients beyond working hours because of the nature of their concerns. I was also trying to manage difficult situations at work alongside all my other responsibilities.
Through counselling, I learnt that it was okay to say “no”. Although that may sound negative to some people, saying “no” has helped me clarify my boundaries and value myself more.
How has counselling changed your life today?
Tammy:
One of the biggest changes is that I no longer work on weekends just to clear my work before Monday. I’ve come to accept that if I’m given a certain amount of work, it should come with realistic timelines.
Learning to say “no” tactfully has helped me protect my emotional well-being, and I find myself feeling much more relaxed.
I’ve also realised how important my relationships with family and friends are. I’ve started making more time for them, whether it’s going out together, having game nights, or simply calling to check in on one another.
As much as work can take up our time, our relationships need to be preserved and valued too. Now, I focus more on self-care and being fully present, both physically and emotionally, for the people who matter to me.
What would you say to someone considering counselling?
Tammy:
One of my biggest takeaways from counselling is that I need to be kind to myself and give myself the same love and time that I so freely give to others.
For anyone who spends their days caring for other people, it’s easy to forget that we need support too. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish. Sometimes, it’s exactly what you need to keep moving forward.
Through EMCC’s counselling services, individuals are given a safe and supportive space to explore their experiences, gain clarity, and take steps towards healing and growth. If you need support, we’re here to journey with you. Reach out here.
If you are a helping professional, we also offer subsidised counselling sessions under our Care-to-Care programme.
*pseydonym used to protect our client’s privacy.
