At that point I was alone, emotionally wrecked, and needed to process the grief and loss I had experienced. As someone training to be a counselor, I didn’t hesitate to seek one out myself. I knew I couldn’t make it through on my own, and I also knew the only way I would eventually be able to help others was to help myself.
In 2002, my dad lost his battle with lung cancer and died when I was in my early 20’s. I had a while to emotionally prepare for his death when he was given the diagnosis, but as an only child, it was still extremely difficult on me. My mom and I became even closer than we already were after he passed. At that point, I decided I wanted to take my career in a more meaningful direction and become a counselor. In 2007 I was in the middle of my Master’s program when I received a call that I never could have expected. My mom had a massive heart attack in her home and died suddenly. At that point I was alone, emotionally wrecked, and needed to process the grief and loss I had experienced. As someone training to be a counselor, I didn’t hesitate to seek one out myself. I knew I couldn’t make it through on my own, and I also knew the only way I would eventually be able to help others was to help myself.
Looking back, I’m not sure how I would have made it through that time without counseling. I’ve always been an athlete and used sport, movement, and the outdoors to channel energy and for self care. That point in my life was beyond anything I could do on my own, though, and I’m glad I allowed myself to be vulnerable and trust the counseling process.
Today, I’m incredibly blessed to say counseling is my calling. I love working with kids and teaching them the value of their mental health. I also enjoy coaching other counselors so they, in turn, can serve others in their greatest time of need. I’m honored to be a part of Go4Graham and their movement to shred the stigma around mental health. The more we share, the more we connect with others, the more we heal.
