My name is Uzoamaka Silva Azuh. As a legal practitioner focusing on litigation, arbitration, and property management, I’ve spent my career advocating for justice and well-being. Over time, I developed a deep interest in holistic wellness, leading me to pursue a new path—mental health and addiction counselling. My humanitarian work through the Wholesome Wellness Advocacy Foundation fueled this passion, as I sought to provide meaningful solutions to those facing life’s challenges. Enrolling in CLI College’s Mental Health and Addiction program became a natural step toward expanding my ability to make a lasting impact.
Journey Into Mental Health and Addiction
Choosing to study mental health and addiction counselling wasn’t accidental. Growing up, I witnessed friends and family struggle with life’s injustices. My legal career allowed me to support people, but I often encountered clients grappling with mental health issues that went beyond the legal realm. Offering emotional support alongside legal advice revealed gaps in my ability to address these challenges fully. Meanwhile, societal awareness around mental health was growing, and the stigma was lessening. I knew I wanted to contribute to this movement and help people in a more profound way, and this desire led me to enrol in CLI College’s program.
Growth Through the CLI College Program
The Mental Health and Addiction program at CLI College has been transformative, both emotionally and professionally. The curriculum provided a deep understanding of mental health and addiction, coupled with practical tools for helping individuals in real-life situations. My training has helped me approach cases with sensitivity, empathy, and honesty. I’ve gained evidence-based strategies for mental wellness, counselling, and therapy that I now apply daily. This program has not only enhanced my professional skills but also empowered me emotionally, equipping me to handle delicate situations with greater understanding.
A Pivotal Encounter
During my training, one case left a lasting impact on me. A young woman, struggling with mental health issues following a difficult divorce, had been labelled as mentally unstable and was under the influence of a new acquaintance. Her family sought legal intervention, and I was called in to handle the case. However, through my mental health training, I saw deeper issues at play—trauma, addiction, and emotional isolation. Rather than proceed with a strict legal approach, I advocated for a more humane resolution. We opted for arbitration, which saved the woman from further emotional damage and helped her find a sense of purpose and healing.
In subsequent sessions, she revealed deep-seated feelings of loneliness and resentment toward her family. Through the counselling techniques I learned at CLI College, I could offer her the space to feel heard and understood. Her emotional breakthrough, accompanied by her tearful statement, “For the first time in years, I feel heard,” was a powerful reminder of why I pursued this path. That moment gave me a profound sense of fulfilment, knowing I had helped someone not just legally, but emotionally as well.
Advice for Future Students
For anyone considering the Mental Health and Addiction program at CLI College, my advice is simple: be ready to learn, unlearn, and grow. This program will challenge you emotionally and intellectually. You’ll learn to empathize without judgment, confront your biases, and offer practical support to those in need. Personal vulnerability will lead to professional growth, and in the end, you’ll leave the program equipped to transform lives, including your own.
Conclusion
My journey through CLI College’s Mental Health and Addiction program has been transformative. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained have empowered me to make a lasting difference in the lives of others, offering support and solutions that go beyond legal advice. As mental health continues to gain recognition as a crucial part of overall well-being, I’m grateful to be part of this movement. For those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, this program will not only equip you with the tools but also the heart to do so.
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