. Today’s counselling psychology class was way more entertaining than expected, ☺ mainly because instead of reading a PDF, we watched a short film called David. And let’s just say, it was one of those moments where you’re learning and laughing at the same time. 👻
The film made one thing very clear: counsellors do not have their lives perfectly sorted out. The counsellor had zero work–life balance, and his personal life clearly spilled into his professional space. Watching a very serious counselling session turn into a mini-WWE match was honestly unexpected, and the entire class couldn’t help laughing. This didn’t mean he was bad at his job, it just showed that he’s human. But it also made me realize how important clear boundaries are between a counsellor’s personal life and the counselling space. The film showed that a counsellor doesn’t need to have life completely sorted out, but they do need to protect the counselling space. That room is supposed to be safe and focused, not chaotic.
What really stood out to me was the relationship between the counsellor and David. There was honesty between them, and that only happens when the client feels safe. David openly shared that he was having suicidal thoughts, and that moment showed how strong the counselling space was. You don’t say something that heavy unless you trust the person sitting across from you.😊
From the counselee’s side, David already walked into counselling carrying a lot of emotional weight and suicidal thoughts. When the counsellor and his son started fighting in front of him, it must have felt confusing and uncomfortable. At a moment when he needed calm and safety, the space suddenly became chaotic, and he seemed to quietly absorb it all instead of reacting. Imagine opening up about your pain and suddenly being stuck in the middle of someone else’s chaos.
For David, that moment probably made him feel invisible, overwhelmed, and maybe even more alone than before. When the counsellor’s son began crying, David hugged him. Even while struggling himself, David showed empathy and care. That moment reminded me that people who are hurting are still capable of kindness.
The counselling process in the film was honestly a great example of how NOT to do counselling. 😐😭 Instead of a calm, private space where feelings are unpacked, it turned into a mix of interruptions, yelling, and an unexpected father–son wrestling match. At that point, the counselling session had fully left the chat.
It felt less like therapy and more like being stuck in someone else’s family drama when you didn’t even ask to be there.😶 David came for emotional support and instead got front-row seats to a breakdown that was not his own. Safe space? Gone. Privacy? Gone. Boundaries? Missing. But as frustrating and funny as it was to watch, it actually made the point very clear. Counselling cannot work like this. The space has to be protected because the client deserves attention, safety, and respect.
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