I Didn’t See Myself Studying A Christian Counselling Course

When two of my sisters were studying aifc counselling courses they would encourage me to enrol in a course. While I was happy for them to be growing, and understood their passion, I told myself, “It’s not for me.  What could I possibly get out of it?”  I was focused on, and equally as passionate about web design, social media, blogging and graphic art.  If I hadn’t had a revelation I most definitely wouldn’t have chosen to study a counselling course.

The Event That Led Me To Have A Change Of Heart

At an aifc conference in Queensland 2016,  Josh Wilkins from One Voice got up to speak. His organisation provides buses known as, ‘mobile showers’ for the homeless where they can safely take their showers in complete privacy away from the dangers of those who prey on the homeless. On the buses they can also wash and dry their clothes. What a great way to serve God giving value and dignity to people who really need it. God loves & values each one of us. Josh reminded us how the homeless children who live on the streets leave behind homes where abuse, addiction and family violence is the norm. All I could think about was how terrible their lives must’ve been to leave the one place supposed to be a safe haven of nurture, love and support.

Then This Happened!

I heard a voice from within me say, “That could have been you.” Questioning it I asked myself, “what?”

Instantly, I had a flashback of myself when I was just 11 years old running away on my pushbike, pedaling furiously while crying in sheer frustration after a massive fight with my mother that took me 2 kms away from home, over the railway tracks to the doorstep of what I thought was a convent. Hoping the nuns would take me in, as I was determined to never go back home, I knocked on the massive wooden door. A priest answered. His eyes were locked-in at the sight of me being so distressed. Ushered in I was taken to a huge armchair that sat on a rather large round rug located in the middle of their busy foyer. Then the priest disappeared into the gathering of men, young and old (some in priestly robes) who were engaged in conversation. Looking around it was obvious that this was really bad timing and funnily enough I was in a monastery.

There, I sat alone for ages shaking and sobbing uncontrollably with tears streaming down my face. The wait was so long that by the time they came around to talk to me, I had worked out that I couldn’t stay there, and that I’d be better off at home with my sisters. At the time I was fearing I’d never see them again. So I got up, still upset, grabbed my bike, thanked the priest.  To my relief he asked if I was going to be alright. Assuring him that I’d be fine with a nod, he let me go.  Arriving at the apartment block where we lived in Sydney, the sight of my two younger sisters playing outside made me smile.

The Impact

Immediately I felt an urgency to be there for God’s children who are hurting, I was grieved for them and began to cry. God’s children are hurting, they need emotional support and someone has to stand in the gap.  That’s when I truly understood that God uses everything in our past for our good and for His Glory. Without a shadow of doubt I also knew what God was calling me to do. That memory of running away from home had been buried deep inside and long forgotten, along with the weight of the pain I had been carrying.

Initially I had doubts about studying full-time.  But, I managed to juggle study, work and my busy life as a wife and mother.

for me the course was challenging and rewarding at the same time. I found the tutors to be really bubbly, upbeat and attentive. At the seminars I’ve met so many people and I’ve made new friends. There’s been an improvement in my communication style which includes; body language, eye contact and posture using active listening skills. Listening patiently doesn’t come natural to me. I have a really short attention span. During this course I’ve learned how to be more alert by taking note of verbal and non-verbal communication.

There’s been a direct impact on my relationships with co-workers, family and friends. The quality of my work has improved and the joy of being part of God’s family has immensely increased by birthing a new passion for all the things God has in store for my life.  I now use what I’ve learned during the course to help me with my work.

Even if you don’t want to be a counsellor, or if you don’t feel called to do this, the benefit to yourself and to those you come into contact with is definitely a worth it, and it will change your life.

I have a renewed heart for people…. and as for my calling, a deep sense of purpose.

Ezekiel 26:36 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Sandra Ciminelli,
Social Media Co-ordinator at aifc.
Cred. Dip.Couns. (Christian)