I decided to become a counselor, after growing up in a traumatic dysfunctional family. Moved to the other side of the world to escape it, only to discover that it resided within me. You can run away and deny your trauma, but eventually it will come back, when you are at your lowest. I struggled with depression in my late 30s to early 40s, during major life changes, and depression felt like emotional death. After receiving EMDR for long-term, childhood PTSD, my mental health was on the mend. This started me on a journey of figuring out the nature/nurture, and mind/body connection. Counselors saved me, now I am a counselor, helping others work through their life struggles.

I haven't found my niche client yet. I enjoy working with a wide arrange of clients from late teens to the elderly.

Clients that are motivated to change their current mental health issues are exciting to work with.

Wish that all clients knew mental wellness is a real thing, that their mind and body are connected. Many people don't understand that mental disorders are connected to their body and chemistry. Their minds are not just their thoughts and emotions, they are developed by their brain. Part of their physical self, we are an integrated physical, emotional, and spiritual being.

I had applied for Thriveworks, when I became an associate, but they didn't employ associates at that point in time. I like Thriveworks business acumen. They treat counselors and clients with respect.

After working in a psychiatric hospital, I got very excited seeing positive mental health changes. Often patients came in broken, many left with a smile, and hope. That is what kept me going, and gave me hope. Moving into individual therapy, you get to see people transition from existing and just surviving, to living their life with purpose.

The first session is about getting to know your client. I need to find out why they came to see me, what are their current triggers, what are their symptoms. Current living situation, and relationships are important to know. I need to find out about their mental health history, and whether they have seen, or are seeing another therapist/psychiatrist/psychologist. I want to know about their early life, and past traumas, and how their life post trauma. I want to find out what they are expecting from therapy. They in turn, will learn about some boundaries of counseling, and some expectations e.g. doing homework.

First session is about building a relationship, otherwise they won't come back. This includes, listening to the client discuss their background, current situation, symptoms, what sort of mental issues they are struggling with. Getting paperwork signed, discussing some expectations, setting the groundwork for future sessions.

My job as a counselor is not a job, but a calling. I care, and want to help them change their lives to become their best self.

When I have time off I like to spend time with my pets, walk the dogs, go to the gym, crochet and knit. Sometimes I like to go and walk with friends and catch up. When I go on holidays, I prefer a beach holiday.

One thing that defines me, I am creative. You can never be bored if you are constantly creating.

My hoarder client and I have been working together for about a year. She was horrified that I wanted to meet weekly at her home, due to the condition of her home. When we started, her place was packed and we had to clear a space to sit. Now, she can use her bed without impediment, her kitchen and bathroom are fully functional, and her family room is almost fully functional, not packed to the ceiling. This week, we need to change her regular session time because she got a job after we discussed her current financial dire straits. She connected her boredom leading to her wanting to shop and buy to fill the emotional void. Progress!