When did you realize you wanted to become a counselor? What led you to this decision?
I was in college for social work and one of my professors asked me to do an individual study with him over therapy. After that I switched to counseling.
What are the major impacts on the brain when one uses drugs such as fentanyl?
Opioids decrease your brain’s natural production of norepinephrine and depress the central nervous system. They reduce not only functions of the respiratory system, like breathing, but they also slow your heart rate and reduce your body temperature. Long-term use of fentanyl and opioids can deteriorate the white matter in your brain. Fentanyl has a high risk for overdose.
What are some steps you would recommend to people who are struggling with addiction, but are afraid to ask for help?
The most important step is to ask for help. A person can ask a family member, reach out to an agency or call 988. There really are so many resources and people do not have to face this alone.
Knowing that each type of therapy approach is different based on the individual, what types of therapy (treatment approaches) do you feel you use the most?
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing the most.
What would be some words of advice to those who are interested in taking steps to becoming a counselor?
I would suggest volunteering at a counseling agency or go interview someone who works in the field first. It's a lot of money and schooling to become a counselor and while I love it and find it worth every bit of the student loans and schooling, it's not for everyone.
What is most rewarding about your job?
I have been in the field long enough that past clients reach out to ask me for help with their children or loved ones. It's so rewarding to know I helped that person enough that they feel comfortable and trust that I can help their loved ones.
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