How i became a counselor
I am a counselor. That much is obvious if you’ve made it to this page. What is less obvious is how I got to where I am, which has a lot to do with why I counsel the way that I do. From the time that I was a teenager, I knew that I wanted to work in mental health. My experiences from growing up in a military town (Colorado Springs) taught me the importance of family and the toll that it takes when those families are separated, whether temporarily or permanently. At the time, it became clear how conflict and turmoil have rippling effects that begin to wear on every member of someone’s network. While it was a long trek to get to where I am, every step I took was crucial.
First, I had to have the vision and the goal. Once I landed on mental health, I still didn’t know how to get here. I knew what academic path I would need, but I felt deep inside that there was more to it than that. After all, if I was going to help others with their mental health, I should probably gain a thorough understanding of my own.
As I mentioned previously, support systems and family stood out as clear areas where mental health can benefit or fall apart. I certainly noticed that in my own life. For this reason, the way that you relate to other people is one of the first things that I get into. Taking it a step further, I like to dive into how you relate to yourself. It might sound trite, but how internal relationships function often has a significant impact on how we relate not only to other people but to our views of the world. I know that by identifying and embracing what makes me me, I have been able to work through personal tragedy and growth. I have set my own goals and saw them materialize. Now, I can be the unrelenting support that you will need and rely on in your time of need as well.
In my free time
When I am not in the office, I live for the time I get to spend with my growing family. Whether that means settling in for a quiet evening at home or venturing out for a weekend in the mountains, I want to spend every moment of it with the two most beautiful ladies in my life.
In the moments that I do spend away from them, I am probably trekking deeper into the woods in search of an elk or testing myself physically and mentally. I love the outdoors and the challenges that it holds.
Periodically, I find myself dwelling on stories that I come up with and want to put onto paper. To date, I have written one and a half fantasy novels that I would love to get to print at some point. If for no other purpose, I think it would be fun to be able to show them to my daughter when she gets older.