Growing up, I was surrounded by people who were always helping others.

It started with my grandparents. As I grew older, I’d see my dad help the homeless – at times offering what he had out of his own groceries, just so someone else could eat. My mom also has a big heart, at times to a fault, but nonetheless always giving.

I started going to school for Psychology. My first semester was a lot of general ed courses and the psychology classes I took, well let’s say, a fire wasn’t sparked. A friend suggested accounting classes – they’re “interesting” “fast paced.” Thinking,

“I can do this, I’ll make a good living.”

That didn’t last long. I then tried computer science. (yea…I don’t know why) Well that was almost as bad as the accounting classes. I couldn’t talk to anyone. All that coding and staring at the computer for hours just DRAINED me.

I went back to general ed, and enrolled in another psychology course, and guess what! It’s like a fire lit, not just a spark. I wanted to know more.

Being a therapist was the path for me!

It gave me the interaction I naturally craved. Not only did I get to help people, but I got to pass on the knowledge I learned and continued to learn. I saw results. I found it was a calling, I work well with people, and developed working relationships that brought out their best. What a feeling!

Throughout my internship, and on the road to licensure, I continued to take courses, trainings, and participated in consultations with other therapists. Honing a craft or profession is always a work in progress. You’re never done.

I decided to become trained in EMDR, which has proved to help tremendously with the emotional wounds people are holding onto or have packed away. I discovered trauma, both big and small, sets the framework of our lives, it can make or break a person. It has a way of lingering, providing doubt when we least expect it. It can stop someone from pursuing better.

After becoming trained, it changed my approach to people, and therapy in general. I have since added it to my arsenal of treatment approaches.

I enjoy people. I enjoy the challenge, the journey, the outcome, and even the heartbreaks and disappointments. There’s always something to learn.

When I stop learning, it’s probably time for me to retire, and I’m not there yet.