From Redundancy to Resilience: Sam Monaghan’s Journey to Becoming a Counsellor

When life presents unexpected challenges, some see them as setbacks, others, like Sam Monaghan, turn them into opportunities. Sam, a Brisbane-based counsellor, knows firsthand how career shifts can redefine purpose and passion.

After over a decade of working in child protection and frontline support roles, he faced a sudden career crossroads. But rather than stepping away from the sector he loved, he found a new path forward through the Diploma of Counselling at AIPC – a move that marked the beginning of his career change to counselling.

“I wanted the flexibility to support the most vulnerable in my community while working one-on-one with individuals to help them grow and actualise into their best selves.”

A Career Built on Compassion and Experience

Sam’s professional background is as diverse as it is impactful. Over the years, he has worked in emergency medical dispatching, child protection, youth work, and even film production, each role adding to his deep well of knowledge and skills.

These experiences shaped his ability to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and support individuals through crisis– essential qualities in mental health support careers.

Working in emergency medical dispatch honed his ability to think quickly and remain composed in high-stakes situations.

His time in child protection and frontline youth work gave him firsthand experience supporting vulnerable individuals and navigating complex emotional challenges.

Even his involvement in film production played a role, teaching him storytelling techniques that now help him connect with clients and guide them through their personal narratives.

However, in 2024, his entire department was made redundant, a moment that could have been a devastating setback. Instead, Sam saw it as an opportunity to create something of his own.

He used his experience, resilience, and drive to launch Sam Monaghan Counselling & Coaching, where he now supports individuals through life’s most challenging moments.

“Every role I’ve taken on, whether it was entry-level or leadership, taught me something valuable. From crisis response to case management to storytelling, all of it has come together in my counselling practice today.”

The Rewards of Counselling

Now, Sam finds deep fulfilment in the personal transformations he witnesses in his clients.

“One of the most rewarding moments is when a client has that breakthrough, a moment of clarity where they see an issue in a new light. Watching their growth, celebrating their wins, and seeing their transformation over time is incredibly fulfilling.”

His approach to therapy is grounded in building trust, being present, and fostering a strong therapeutic alliance.

Early in his practice, he struggled with imposter syndrome, often questioning whether he was making a real difference. But a key piece of advice from a supervisor helped shift his mindset:

“Validate, normalise, and leave your client feeling professionally cared for– that’s a good session.”

This philosophy has guided Sam in his work, reinforcing the importance of creating a safe space for clients to open up and heal.

Lessons in Balance and Growth

Starting a private practice isn’t just about counselling, it’s also about learning to manage a business, maintain boundaries, and prioritise self-care.

For Sam, one of the biggest lessons was learning to pace himself.

“I had to recognise when I had enough clients to cover my bills and when I needed to slow down. I wanted to dive in and help as many people as possible, but I also needed to focus on refining my practice and maintaining balance.”

This wisdom, combined with his background in child protection, reinforced the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to avoid burnout.

He actively schedules time for personal interests and hobbies, ensuring he has the energy to be fully present for his clients.

Looking Ahead

Sam’s journey is far from over. Alongside running his practice, he is completing his Bachelor of Psychology and developing innovative therapy methods, including tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) as a therapeutic intervention.

His work continues to evolve, blending his skills in storytelling, psychology, and counselling.

“The best advice I can give to anyone studying counselling is to be proactive, disciplined, and realistic about your schedule. And above all, don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.”

For those considering a career in counselling, Sam’s journey is a compelling counselling course success story. One that proves change can lead to meaningful new beginnings and highlights how AIPC training empowers students to make a real-world impact.

His resilience, passion, and dedication to making a difference embody what it means to be an AIPC graduate.

Start Your Counselling Journey with Confidence

Thinking about a future in counselling? AIPC offers flexible, practical training designed to support you at every stage.

With real-world skills, expert guidance, and a nationally recognised qualification, the Diploma of Counselling can help you take the next step toward a meaningful career.

Request your free course guide to see how counselling could be the right path for you.

About Sam

Sam Monaghan is a Brisbane-based counsellor and founder of Sam Monaghan Counselling & Coaching. Sam brings a wealth of experience from diverse roles in child protection, emergency medical dispatch, youth work, and creative media. His unique background informs a calm, compassionate, and client-centred approach to therapy.

Sam is passionate about helping people navigate life transitions, build resilience, and reconnect with their personal strengths. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology and exploring the integration of creative modalities, such as therapeutic role-play, into mental health practice.

Sam works one-on-one with individuals across a range of concerns and continues to grow a practice that’s grounded in authenticity, trust, and transformation.