My name is Lorraine Makuvaza, and I work for the Civil Service in the Department of Education, specifically within the Exams and Qualifications Division. I’ve been living in London for the past six years, having moved here from Shropshire, where my family is based. I was born in Zimbabwe, a detail that adds a layer of complexity to my story.
I found out about Richard Barnardo’s counselling services through the Drive Forward Foundation. They recommended this option to me when I expressed a desire to transition from being in care to integrating into adult life. I had already experienced therapy before and understood its potential to be beneficial. At that moment, I wasn’t in a position to afford the service myself, and the support I received from Drive Forward was invaluable.
I’ve been engaging with the counselling service for over a year now. Initially, I was struggling as a postgraduate student who was unemployed, feeling lost and unsure about my future. Being in care often feels like standing at the edge of a cliff, waiting to take a leap into the unknown. Richard’s therapy has been instrumental in helping me process these feelings and navigate this transition. He created a space where I could share my emotions, allowing me to come to terms with my past and appreciate the strength I’ve gained through my experiences.
One of the most significant turning points in my therapy was recognising the collaborative nature of my sessions with Richard. He allowed me to express my thoughts and feelings, providing insights while also giving me the space to reject or accept them. This dynamic empowered me, making me feel like an active participant in my healing journey rather than a passive recipient of advice.
As we progressed, I began to realise that Richard’s role was not just to guide me, but to hold space for my growth. I was initially apprehensive about having a male therapist, as my previous experiences had all been with women. However, Richard created an environment where I felt safe and supported, enabling me to open up about my struggles.
A crucial aspect of our work together has been addressing my feelings of uncertainty. Growing up in the care system, I faced many uncertainties, and Richard helped me find security in that chaos. He equipped me with tools to handle uncertainty in a safe and stable way, fostering a sense of self-love and resilience that I hadn’t fully embraced before.
His guidance helped me acknowledge the traumas I had experienced and allowed me to appreciate my journey more deeply. I learned to celebrate my resilience and recognise that overcoming obstacles, both big and small, is part of life.
To young people across Britain considering counselling, I would strongly encourage them to seek out these services. It has been life-changing for me, providing me with control over my emotions and a sense of agency in my life. In a city like London, where it’s easy to feel isolated, the support of a caring professional can make a significant difference.
My experiences with Richard have reminded me that, even in moments of overwhelming stress, there are avenues for relief and understanding. The connection I’ve built through this counselling journey has been transformative, and I’ve come to value the power of sharing my story with someone who listens, understands, and empowers me to move forward.
Reflecting on this past year, I can confidently say that my journey with Richard Barnardo’s counselling services has shaped who I am today. It has been a path filled with challenges, but through those challenges, I’ve found strength, purpose, and a deeper understanding of myself.
