Walking Into a New Chapter

The alarm rings at 6:30 a.m. My first instinct is to roll over and press snooze. But then I remember, today’s class dives into grief counseling, one of the modules I’ve been waiting for. I grab my notebook, tuck my lunch into my bag, and step into the cool Nairobi morning.

Studying counseling in Kenya is more than just attending lectures. At Clarity Counseling & Training Centre, each day is a mix of learning, practicing, reflecting, and connecting. For students enrolled in counseling psychology courses in Kenya, whether a short course in counselling psychology or the full diploma, every moment carries lessons that go beyond the classroom.

This is a glimpse into a day in the life of a counseling student at Clarity.

Morning Arrival – Finding Community in Nairobi

By 8:30 a.m., students are walking into Clarity Counseling Centre. The building, Finance House 13th Floor hums with quiet energy, classmates chatting over tea, flipping through notes, or reflecting silently before the day begins.

Unlike traditional classes, the atmosphere here feels different. There’s less emphasis on rote memorization and more on presence. A student might arrive with personal struggles, and instead of leaving them at the door, those experiences become part of the learning.

For many, enrolling here means balancing family life, work commitments, or another course with training. Some commute across the city, from estates as far as Rongai or Thika Road. Others take time off busy jobs in Nairobi CBD. And yet, despite the challenges, they show up. Because becoming a counselor is not just about gaining skills, it’s about personal growth.

First Session – Building Skills That Matter

The first class of the day often focuses on foundational counseling techniques. Today, it’s about active listening, a deceptively simple skill that forms the heart of every therapeutic relationship.

Instead of a one-way lecture, the instructor asks students to pair up and practice. One plays the “client,” sharing a small personal struggle, like feeling stressed about balancing studies and family. The other listens without interrupting, only reflecting back what they hear.

At first, it feels awkward. But soon, students discover the power of silence, of eye contact, of holding space.

One student later reflects: “I tried this with my younger brother last night. For the first time, he opened up about the pressure he feels at school. I realized listening is more than hearing words, it’s creating safety.”

This is the difference between a counseling psychology course in Kenya and other programs. The learning is practical, personal, and deeply human.

Mid-Morning – The Self-Awareness Journey

Counseling isn’t just about techniques. It’s also about knowing yourself. That’s why every student spends significant time on self-awareness exercises.

In today’s session, the facilitator poses a question: “When do you find it hardest to listen without judgment?” Pens scratch against paper as students reflect. Some realize they interrupt when anxious. Others admit they shut down when emotions feel too heavy.

Self-awareness is often uncomfortable. It requires honesty and vulnerability. But it’s also transformative. As one instructor reminds students: “You cannot guide someone through storms you haven’t faced yourself.”

Lunch Break – Learning Beyond the Classroom

By 1 p.m., students spill out of the classroom, and make their way to a nearby restaurant. Conversations drift easily, from class discussions to family updates to favorite podcasts.

These breaks stitch together a strong community. Many students say they chose Clarity because they didn’t just want a certificate, they wanted a supportive network of peers who understood their calling.

For those seeking counseling services in Kenya themselves, seeing this community at work also builds trust. Parents, teachers, pastors, and professionals become counselors here, and their collective experiences enrich every discussion.

Afternoon Peer Counseling sessions – Role-Plays That Become Real

The afternoon is where learning comes alive. Students step into role-play sessions, practicing as both counselor and client.

Although the morning lecture focused on grief, the peer counselling session reminds us of a powerful truth: no two clients bring the same story. One student begins the exercise with a scripted line about career anxiety. Halfway through, her voice trembles. The class falls silent as she admits the role-play mirrors her real-life fears of being stuck in a job she doesn’t love.

The “counselor” listens attentively, gently reflecting her feelings. The room feels heavy, but also sacred. It’s a reminder: this training isn’t just preparation, it’s healing in itself.

Experiences like this show why therapy in Kenya is so urgently needed, and why training matters. Each role-play becomes a rehearsal for the real conversations students will have one day with clients, from teens in crisis to couples seeking marriage counseling in Nairobi.

Group Supervision – Learning With Guidance

As the day winds down, students gather for group supervision. This is where they share struggles, fears, and small victories with their trainer.

One student admits: “During my first role-play, I was so nervous my hands shook.” Another nods in agreement. The instructor smiles, reassuring them: “That’s how we all begin. Confidence grows with practice.”

Supervision teaches humility. It reminds students they’re not alone on this journey. At Clarity, guidance is not just academic, it’s mentorship.

Evening Reflections – Carrying the Lessons Home

By 5 p.m., students head home. Some catch matatus back to their estates, journals tucked under their arms. Others return to workplaces, carrying with them not just notes but new ways of seeing.

In the quiet of the evening, many students reflect or journal about what they learned. One writes: “Today I realized counseling is a career path that teaches me to be a better friend, sibling, and parent.”

For students at Clarity, the transformation is daily and personal. Counseling isn’t confined to classrooms, it shapes how they live.

Why This Matters – The Bigger Picture of Counseling in Kenya

The need for professional counselors in Kenya has never been greater. From rising cases of depression among youth to marital conflict to workplace stress, counseling services in Kenya are in high demand.

Clarity Counseling students graduate ready to meet this demand, with both practical skills and personal resilience. Some go on to open private practices and Rehabilitation centres. Others join schools, NGOs,  workplace counselling departments, churches, or counselling and rehabilitation centres in Nairobi. Many become members of the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association, upholding professional standards in the country.

Whether through short courses in counselling psychology or full diplomas, the impact is the same: more skilled counselors serving communities in need.

Conclusion – Could This Be Your Story?

A day in the life of a counseling student at Clarity is filled with learning, laughter, reflection, and growth. It’s a journey that changes not only how you listen to others, but how you see yourself.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to become a counselor, to step into a room where vulnerability is strength and community is real, perhaps this glimpse has answered your question.

Counseling training isn’t just about getting a certificate. It’s about stepping into your purpose.

Call to Action – Start Your Journey

At Clarity Counseling & Training Centre, we offer accredited counselling psychology courses in Kenya designed to equip you with practical skills and deep personal insight. 

Whether you’re looking for short courses in counselling psychology, a diploma in counseling psychology, or simply curious about the field, your journey begins here.

Join our upcoming intake and begin writing your own “day in the life in the life of a counselor story.”