FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
At a young age, God called me to the field of counseling. It sound strange, but I know very clearly, exactly when it happened. At the time, I assumed that this meant a cushy office and getting paid a lot of money. Over the years, I've learned that my calling is really about building strong families. I'm passionate about helping others to resolve any type of challenges that keep their family from thriving--big or small. In my full-time work with foster and adoptive families, I help to prepare, train, and assess families that are seeking to foster and/or adopt children from hard places. In my counseling practice, I see my role as an agent of change so that each family represented may be one that is more fully engaged, loving, safe, and nurturing so that all members of the family can grow as healthy individuals.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
As a counselor, I work with couples, individuals, and families. My job is to work with my clients to set and achieve goals. Essentially, you (my client), determines what we will work on, and when we've reached your goals. I help people to work toward solutions that are best for them, and am often a sounding board and objective 3rd party in resolving conflicts and evaluating and prioritizing decisions. My training and education have specialized on the interactions of men and women in relationships and I particularly enjoy pre-marital and marriage counseling, although I also enjoy working individually with men and women.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
It's important to find a counselor that has values similar to your own. While a therapist is responsible for reserving judgment, it is most productive to work with a professional who is like-minded and who easily understands your values, beliefs, and goals. In addition, compatible personalities are also important, as counseling is about trust. When a client feels heard, understood, and respected, it's easier to make more progress, and make it more quickly.