I got an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver. This experience taught me that I preferred working with people than reading about them. I did several internships, including one working with hardcore drug addicts, I was hooked.... I also worked/volunteered for 2 years with homeless youth in Denver, which I loved. Doing outreach work on the streets of Denver was a major eye-opening experience. My education drifted away from insular academics to social work. I got a Master's in Social Work(MSW) from the University of Denver(1999). My focus was on crisis mental health work. I have 7 years post master's clinical training. I got me some good training!.
One experience that really helped me develop my counseling "chops" was working for an agency that provided counseling services to 135 behavioral healthcare organizations nationwide and internationally. I counseled tons of people from all walks of life, every socio-economic group, cultural group, etc. Part of the job was providing a type of counseling called "teledefusings" to trauma victims, mainly armed robbery victims. I did this job for approximately four years, and the training was invaluable.
Due to the huge diversity and volume of calls, I learned to "get people" quickly and problem solve with them very effectively. I used a strengths-based/ solutions-focused approach. I listened actively with empathy infused with humor. I also began to understand that situations perceived as tragic, as a crisis, could be pivotal life moments. I was shocked that sometimes individuals who have started the call as suicidal were 15 minutes later, refocused in a positive direction. I also learned that trying to understand a woman from Belfast Ireland, ain't no walk in the park!
The Chinese have a saying, "Danger equals opportunity", I came to understand this phrase via my work. That tragedy and crisis can propel you forward. If you're backed into a corner, it can be a good thing... It depends on how you perceive it and how you react. Massive positive change can happen...
