Member Spotlight: Mike Carroll

Meet Mike Carroll, CEO of MC Counselling

Each month we spotlight an ACA member in the ACA Monthly Bulletin, our monthly newsletter. The Member Spotlight is designed to showcase the work of our members to you! We hope their stories inspire or spark interest. Let’s share our experiences within our counselling community.

What motivated you to pursue a career in counselling?

This occurred during my previous career.

I was a commercial radio announcer for a network on FM radio stations spanning from Newcastle to Alice Springs where young people called to tell me about sexual abuse, addiction and other areas I didn’t know how to respond to. I wasn’t asking for this information, (I was giving away CD’s, – it was early 2000’s) however these young people had nowhere else to turn. I wanted to respond appropriately to these young people and started a module in counselling. This turned into a Diploma of Counselling and I moved interstate –  NSW to Victoria to start a new career in counselling. I worked at youth specific AOD agencies alongside on-air shifts at Nova 100 and reporting traffic for Melbourne radio. 

What specific areas do you primarily work within?

My main focus is addiction and mental health, more recently I have also been specialising in anger management and relationship counselling. 

Can you share a recent success or achievement in your counselling work that you're proud of?

One of my first clients was addicted to Ice when she first came to see me. She had been living in a series of abusive relationships and over six months of counselling she stopped using Ice. Today she has a three year old and is in a relationship with the father and enjoys a drug-free life and works full-time in childcare.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a counsellor for you?

Clients sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings which they don’t share with anyone else and being given the opportunity to help improve their life.

How do you contribute to the betterment of the profession and your community?

I host/convene ACA’s National Rural and Regional Chapter each month on Zoom, bringing together members in these areas for networking and professional development. 
My service, MC Counselling was predominately a Telehealth service when I started 6 days prior to the pandemic, in 2020. Today MC Counselling is a face to face counselling service, servicing Bairnsdale, Seaspray and Traralgon weekly and Telehealth nationally.

Are there any projects or initiatives you're currently involved in?

Promoting Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) to all I come in touch with. EAP has been a tick box service in the past and today, 4 years after the pandemic people require help and can access this free of charge.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in counselling?

If you love helping people become better versions of themselves, this career is for you.

Is there a quote or philosophy that inspires your work?

“Be the change you want to see in the world”.

Final thoughts

I used to breed South American Conures, I would like to do this again and hand raise the chicks for the purpose of being supports for people struggling with addiction and mental illness.

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