It was commented on that I use Buddhist imagery on both my blog and my business cards, and that this might put off potential clients. I confess, I’d not thought of this before but can see that some people of other faiths may find it off putting. I myself can’t claim to be Buddhist, so why the imagery?
Back in 2010 I was going through a difficult period and was resolved to do something about it. At the time I was able to find a Zen Buddhist group that would meet to meditate on Saturday afternoons. This became a fixture of my week, a regular place and time that I was able to spend some time on myself. In a way, meditation became my counselling – it was a place to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with myself at a deeper level.
These days I struggle to make meditation a regular part of my life but I use guided meditation in counselling sessions with my clients. Even five minutes of sitting quietly and focusing on the breath can help centre one’s self enormously. My point is that meditation has come to be seen as something that is tied to Buddhism and yet it doesn’t have to be. We live in a health conscious age where people think nothing of going to the gym two or three times a week. If we can give three hours a week to our bodies why don’t we do the same for our minds?
Now when I see a buddha it reminds me of a time when I was able to spend time by myself, for myself, and come through a dark time and become a happier more productive person. Counselling, like meditation, is open to all: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, atheists, agnostics, and Buddhists, of course.
Holding on to Hope Counselling 