Walking Beside, Not Ahead : The Journey of a Trainee Psychologist

I often get asked, “What made you choose psychology?” And every time, I find myself tracing my journey back to a deeply personal place. My first introduction to the world of psychology wasn’t through textbooks or lectures—it was through the lived experience of a loved one struggling with a mental health disorder. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I knew I wanted to. That desire to understand—why people behave the way they do, how their minds work, and how emotional struggles manifest in everyday life—sparked something within me.

As I began exploring the subject more formally, it didn’t take long for curiosity to turn into passion. Studying psychology gave me the language and frameworks I’d always been searching for. It was no longer just about one person’s struggle—it became about understanding human nature at large, and learning how we can support one another in navigating life’s many complexities.

Throughout my training, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a variety of settings—counselling centres, rehabilitation centres, and even community outreach spaces. Each environment taught me something new. I met individuals facing addiction, trauma, anxiety, and countless other challenges. But more importantly, I saw resilience. I saw the quiet strength people carry, even when they feel their weakest. Being a small part of their healing process, even just by listening, made me realize the true weight and responsibility of this field.

What keeps me going is the belief that everyone deserves to be understood, to feel safe, and to heal in their own time. I’ve learned that therapy isn’t about “fixing” someone—it’s about walking with them, without judgment, until they feel ready to move forward on their own. That process—of building trust, of creating space for vulnerability, of witnessing growth—is deeply rewarding.

As a trainee psychologist, I still have so much to learn. But I know I’m in the right place. Every new story I hear, every session I sit through, every tear and every breakthrough—it all reaffirms my purpose.

Mental health is not just a subject to me—it’s a calling. And I’m here to keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep showing up for those who need someone to walk alongside them.