Question 1

Why did you decide to become a counselor?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a counselor was something that I first talked about as a young adolescent! At the time, I could not explain why I wanted to pursue it. I wasn’t thinking about any specific role model for example. But I had a sense of confidence about it. I believe that it is through having a connection with supportive others that we are able to overcome any emotional risks we may feel and take steps toward healing or making positive changes in our life. After years of working in the human services, and never tiring of learning about individuals' struggles and achievements, I am still confident that it is the right profession for me.

Question 2

What types of clients do you work with best?

Accepted Answer

Clients who are open to the ups and downs of self-exploration and sorting through problems, and experimenting with new ways to think, feel, and be.

Question 3

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

Accepted Answer

Clients who are searching for ways to better their lives, or perhaps need to heal, and are ready and open to self-exploration, even if it's hard, even if it takes time.

Question 4

What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?

Accepted Answer

It can be freeing to understand your internal world more fully, even when it is a painful or a complicated process.

Question 5

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?

Accepted Answer

Thriveworks provides the support and professional community for me (and others) to grow the practice, to continue building on and developing therapeutic approaches, and to be confident in providing quality counseling services.

Question 6

What inspires you?

Accepted Answer

Helping people to feel empowered to make a change - whether it's internal or external, a small or big change. It is often small changes that can be most meaningful or make a significant impact in one's life.

Question 7

What can clients expect in their first session with you?

Accepted Answer

I will be highly interested in meeting with them and learning about what brought them to counseling. I will start by reviewing the ‘nuts and bolts’ of our counseling services. This will provide a common understanding for what to expect in counseling, before then using the remaining time to gather information from the client on what brought them to therapy, conduct an assessment and make initial recommendations.

Question 8

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

Accepted Answer

I want the individual (or couple) to leave the session feeling at least a little better, or to have a new understanding, or perhaps a new idea or strategy for moving forward and experiencing some emotional relief.

Question 9

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

Accepted Answer

I spend time with family and friends. I like to be outdoors no matter the weather. I read, watch movies, cook, and garden.

Question 10

What’s one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?

Accepted Answer

I am a lifelong learner, always open to new ideas.

Question 11

Accepted Answer

Marcia Hughes