Beril

Beril started her journey with Cruse Scotland in August 2023 whilst undertaking a counselling diploma placement and now continues to volunteer as a qualified counsellor: 'From the very beginning, I felt deeply moved by every single person I met through Cruse Scotland, clients, fellow volunteers, and staff.'

It was through personal experience of grief that Beril chose to study psychotherapy: 'Although grief is something we often say we should talk about, the reality of doing so can be complex. The path to studying counselling and psychotherapy began with my own grief as a child. Volunteering became, in a way, a way of holding space for my younger self while also being able to sit beside others in their processes.'

Before starting at Cruse Scotland, Beril experienced personal grief: 'It delayed my start, but it also deepened my connection to this work. It became not just a professional step but a personal commitment, a new engagement with myself and with my journey.'

The initial training was where Beril connected with her peers and gained valuable insights: 'Meeting people who had been doing this work for years, hearing how they integrated theory into their practice, and witnessing their unique understandings of grief – it gave me new and more meaningful perspectives. Since then, I have attended Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses on working with suicidal thoughts and on incorporating mindfulness into grief counselling. Cruse Scotland has been incredibly supportive in offering ongoing learning and responding to volunteers’ needs.'

Beril reflects on the challenges: 'Although grief is something we often say we should talk about, the reality of doing so can be complex. Each client brings their own world of emotions, shaped by their unique experiences and relationships. As a counsellor, I have learnt the importance of supporting others while also caring for myself, because holding space for others means also staying grounded and well-resourced.'

Beril finds great reward in volunteering for Cruse Scotland as a counsellor: 'One of the most meaningful aspects of this role is the privilege of being someone clients can open up to; often in just a few sessions, they allow themselves to be vulnerable, to be seen. That vulnerability is powerful, and it comes with a great sense of responsibility. Even the smallest steps clients take can carry deep significance, and it is a privilege to witness those moments.'