Carlotta Graham

After an amazing career as a policewoman, only losing it to an accident, I found myself being a stay at home mum again and using all my time for the family and allowing nothing for myself. In my forties, with plenty of time on my hands I found myself becoming increasingly disillusioned with how my life was becoming a dull routine and no longer challenging.

My husband suggested further study into something I was passionate about and that is when I came across the AIPC website. I sat on it for a few weeks before realising it was me that was able to map my life out and make something great out of it because nobody was going to knock on my front door and do it for me. I made the call and spoke with Rob Carrigan who was a wealth of information and encouragement.

I began studying for the Diploma of Counselling in July 2012 and was excited yet a little nervous when my first pack arrived in the mail. I dedicated all my spare time to my studies and the workshops and graduated in July 2013.

The support of the AIPC team was brilliant and I have made some lifelong friends and colleagues. After graduating I held my diploma and thought “Well, what now?” I decided not to wait, because the time would never be just right and instead began networking furiously with other graduates as well as attending short courses on offer from other government and non-government agencies to not only increase my professional development but to also get my name out there and let myself be known to people. I applied for a job in mental health and to my surprise (and delight), won a full time position for a federally funded organisation.

Challenges certainly make life interesting, but overcoming them is what makes our lives more meaningful. I realised that I have a place in the world and it’s my life, so I am doing all I can with it and making it the life I want to live.