Elizabeth Backshall: A Journey of Faith and Healing in Counselling
Elizabeth Backshall’s path to becoming a Christian counsellor is a testament to God’s leading and the power of faith in both personal and professional growth. A mother of three, Elizabeth transitioned from running a bustling pizza bar with her family to pursuing her true calling as a counsellor after feeling a deep sense of purpose from God. As she prayed and sought guidance, doors opened, leading her to study counselling at Tabor College of Higher Education.
Graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor of Counselling and now continuing her studies with a Masters, Elizabeth has embraced every step of her journey with faith, knowing that God has guided her along the way. “Every step I took was affirmed by others or through visions or thoughts that told me this was the path God wanted for me,” Elizabeth shares.
Her counselling journey took an unexpected turn when a close friend, a GP, asked her for help at his medical practice. Initially hesitant about private practice, Elizabeth trusted God’s timing and quickly found herself working with clients who needed a female counsellor. What followed was a beautiful testimony of God’s provision, as Elizabeth now operates out of two locations: a medical practice and Lifewell, a Christian-based counselling centre in Adelaide.
Faith is integral to Elizabeth’s work. “I always pray for my clients before they come in,” she explains. “I trust that God will guide me to speak the words they need to hear.” This commitment to bringing God into every session has allowed her to witness powerful moments of healing where clients experience profound breakthroughs. “I don’t know how people manage without faith in this work,” Elizabeth says. “God steps in when I don’t have the resources. He takes over.”
Elizabeth’s involvement with CCAA has also played an essential role in her professional journey, particularly through their specialised professional development courses. “The Christian thread in the training is so valuable,” she says. “It’s a space where I can bring God into my counselling and grow in my ability to help others.”
Elizabeth’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and purpose, and it’s clear that God is using her to make a powerful impact on those she counsels.