Day in the Life of Elaheh

What is your role?

I work as a Behaviour Support Practitioner and Counsellor. My role focuses on supporting clients through emotional challenges, helping them develop healthier coping strategies, and empowering them to grow. I provide one‑on‑one sessions, therapy planning, and behavioural interventions tailored to each person’s unique needs.

What is a fun fact about you that people may not know?

A fun fact about me is that I once volunteered at an orphanage specialising in caring for children with physical disabilities. I spent my time teaching them, supporting them with daily routines, and taking them on small adventures – to the park, to cafés, or simply out in nature. Those moments were heartwarming and incredibly eye‑opening. They taught me the value of patience, the simplicity of joy, and the tremendous power of human connection.

Why did you choose to work in this industry?

My interest in psychology began when I was a child. My father was studying educational psychology at university, and I used to accompany him to classes, playing with his books while he studied. Even at that age, I was fascinated by the idea that people could learn how to better understand others and help them grow.

That early exposure planted a seed. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a deep passion for understanding human behaviour and emotional wellbeing. It eventually led me to pursue a degree in Psychology and Counselling – with the hope of making a meaningful, positive difference in people’s lives, just as I saw my father and his peers strive to do.

What do you love about your role?

What I love most is being able to walk alongside people during some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives. Creating a safe, supportive space where someone feels truly heard and understood is incredibly meaningful. I enjoy helping clients build resilience, self‑awareness, and healthier ways of coping. Every person’s journey is unique, and it’s an honour to be trusted with their stories and growth.

What does an average day in your role look like?

No two days are exactly the same, but my mornings generally start with reviewing client notes and preparing for upcoming sessions. Throughout the day, I meet with clients either in person or online for counselling and behavioural support.

Each session is different – some focus on emotional wellbeing, while others involve working through challenges such as anxiety, trauma or relationship difficulties. Between sessions, I update notes, develop therapy plans, and follow up with clients or other professionals. I also attend supervision or professional development workshops to strengthen my practice. The variety keeps my work engaging, purposeful, and continuously rewarding.

Can you recall a time when you helped make a difference in someone’s life?

I once worked with a 12‑year‑old student experiencing severe school and exam anxiety. His anxiety stemmed from a deep fear that if he went to school, something terrible might happen to his parents. He worried constantly about who would care for him and his younger brother if anything happened to them.

In our sessions, we explored these fears gently and safely, uncovering the thoughts behind them and reframing them step by step. A turning point came when I encouraged him to talk about his dreams for the future – what he hoped to become and what kind of life he imagined for himself. Shifting his focus from fear to possibility helped open a new perspective.

Together, we developed practical coping strategies for school and exam periods, helping him regain a sense of control. Over time, his confidence grew, and he began attending school more consistently and with far less distress. Watching him transform from fear to motivation was incredibly uplifting and a powerful reminder of how counselling can help children rewrite their narrative.