My Story

In the mid 1980’s I was in the middle of a personal crisis and went to therapy for the first time in my life. Back then, psychiatrists were doing therapy and I was treated by an excellent man who was kind, wise, and gentle although he could confront when necessary. I had no health insurance, and it was a costly financial experience. However, it was the best investment I have ever made in myself. I learned so much about myself! When our therapy was ending, my therapist suggested I get trained as a therapist myself. I had been a schoolteacher for many years but decided to go back to college and get my master’s in counseling.

I was hooked from the very first course I took and while it was demanding to hold down a job, take care of two children, and go to college, I loved every minute of every course I took. I had marvelous professors and I credit them with instilling in me a professionalism for the field and a desire to continuously grow and learn. I almost hated to finish the degree. So, I decided to go further and get a Specialist’s degree in counseling. Following that, I was asked to teach as an Adjunct Professor in the master’s program. Now, I was combining the two professions I had grown to love.

That is when I first joined the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCAGA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA). I was so excited to find other counselors with whom I could network. Belonging to these organizations over the years has kept me informed about advances in our field, up to date on current trends in our profession, and able to attend continuing education that benefitted my work with patients. I was privileged to become the President of LPCAGA in 2019. I am a better professional for joining in these organizations. We’ve made big changes in our profession over the past 15 years…the ability to diagnose, the ability to use our testing training, and an identity for ourselves.

With the passing of the Counselor Compact in Georgia, there are changes on the horizon in our profession again which will require additional training and expertise. If you need further training to travel this journey, reach out and email me about the resources needed to meet the challenges ahead.