This is what we knew: We knew that we loved the counseling profession and had a calling for this work dating back to childhood. We knew we had passion and dedication. We knew we had some really good training and experience. We knew that people in our community are seeking help, support, connections and guidance, AND we thought perhaps there might be a better way to help them.
This is what we learned: Chasing the dream is hard. We learned to pound the pavement for the right home, and then we learned to pound the pavement some more. We learned about filling out tax forms, insurance forms, more insurance forms, and website design. We learned that chasing the dream is sometimes filled with monotonous details that are mentally taxing and exhausting. We learned that it is scary and nerve-racking. Much like the work we ask of our counseling clients, we learned that we needed to step out of our comfort zone, and then once outside the zone, we needed to step out further. Chasing the dream is filled with self-reflection and challenging our beliefs. We learned that it can be demanding and life-changing. We also learned that it is hard to do it alone, and that having someone to help shoulder that burden is always a plus.
This is what we have become: We have become more committed than ever to this deeply satisfying profession. We have become more determined and dedicated to this dream and vision of bringing mental health services to a place of wellness and wholeness. We have become more compassionate towards our clients, and respectful of their journey. We have become more willing to evolve, change, and grow as needed. We have become more confident and proud of where we came from and where we are going. We have become humbled by the amount of love and support we have we received from our family, friends, and community.
Chasing the dream is so worth it. For more information about our practice please click the Record Eagle article title: "Counselors Strive for Relaxed Office Atmosphere."
With gratitude,
Linda, Stephanie, and Earlene