Thursday, March 1, 2018

Happy 10!!!

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Envision Therapies. I've been asked several times recently why I do what I do, or how I ended up as a counselor. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of essential and meaningful work in the community for well over a decade.

As far back as 1998, I started the practical steps toward being a psychotherapist. Originally, I planned to complete medical school to work as a psychiatrist. I skipped ahead by completing the AP psychology test (even without having had the AP class.) Each college course in psychology reconfirmed my passion in psychology and behavioral health. The material that illustrated the ever-present human capacity to change and adapt, but not always in healthy, helpful, or (on the outside) rational ways always piqued my interest and intrigue. I completed my bachelor's degree (a year early) with all the premed required courses. Without that extra year to plan my transition to medical school, I started my career as a case manager inside a homeless shelter. I saw first hand psychiatrists' roles in the world of mental health. Put off, I honed in on a path toward being a counselor and psychotherapist.
In 2003, Lewis & Clark Graduate School warmly accepted me as a student. I have been grateful of the education and experience Lewis & Clark afforded me. I'm not sure I would have the same appreciation for how the experience of body, movement, and sensation plays vital roles in mental health if I had completed coursework elsewhere.
Working in community mental health after graduate school provided a solid balance of experience as a therapist, witnessing the value of community, and (sometimes painful) sense of reality.
It was one of my proudest moments, earning my counseling license. Prouder still, when I could officially hang a shingle and offer the experience, interest, and realism to my community under my own flag. 'Envision Therapies' expressed a emphasis in work that looks forward, mindfully, healthfully with a plan. I wanted my practice to instill hope. I envisioned a model that guided client's aspirations from this present moment to something better. In January 2008, Envision Therapies was a legal entity.
By April 2008, it had a physical address. (Like many buildings on Capitol Hill - it no longer stands.)
It fills me with gratitude to recognize the colleagues who have provided support and guidance. I've been blessed with clients and a community that value my work. Envision Therapies shares my mission in providing psychotherapy to people who need and want services, to be realistic about how that can actually be achieved, and to ultimately work myself out of a job.
Happy Birthday Envision Therapies!!!

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Break for a Joke

Pavlov walks into a bar. The phone rings, and he curses, "Damn! I forgot to feed the dog."