I Never Thought I Would Ever Be Doing This

Back when I was studying in my undergrad psychology degree programs, I was deeply invested in learning about the field of psychology, but I had no idea which direction I was going to go with it. At the time, I was a business professional working in executive, management, and supervisory roles. In my mind, a business professional was what I was and that was what I was always going to be. Working with people addicted to drugs and alcohol wasn't something I would ever be doing...

... or so I thought.

As time passed and circumstances changed, I became drawn to the idea of using my psychology education to help people in a counseling capacity. Some life events turned my attention sharply to the addiction field. I am blessed to have achieved pretty much every dream I have ever set out to make a reality. Counseling became my new dream, and I wanted it with my whole heart.

The tough part about dreams is that you often have to go through a number of nightmares before reaching them. Finding a job in the field was not a fun experience. No matter how often I applied, all I received was rejection after rejection and radio silence from potential employers in the addiction field. I found it strange that my education (two undergrad degrees in psychology and a master's by that point) and varied professional experience was not attractive to addiction clinics. Little did I know at the time—and I have certainly learned since—that these things are not that valued in the field, or at least they're not nearly as valued as they should be. I won't wax poetic on my feelings regarding that right now, but I realized that I had to get state credentialed to increase my opportunities. 

In the midst of trying to find an addiction school that would fit my needs, I emailed a director of a local clinic directly and asked if I had a chance of ever landing a job there. This was sort of a bold move because I had been rejected by this same clinic many times before. This time, however, I was offered an opportunity. I was quickly brought in for an interview, and I was hired! I was ecstatic!

Once on the job, I was on cloud nine. I got to train with an experienced counselor who was absolutely incredible. He was highly professional, had a strong grasp on the science of addiction, and had a way of speaking with his patients that I found refreshing.

Even though I had worked as a youth counselor before, had other healthcare experience, and had plenty of public speaking experience from my prior careers, I was acutely aware of the fact that SUD counseling was an entirely different animal. Nevertheless, when it was time for me to see my first patient, I was ready, and I did great!

During the time I worked at my first SUD clinic as a counselor, I had a large caseload due to so many patients staying with me, and new patients asking to be assigned to me through word of mouth. It was a tall task. But no matter what, my love and care for my patients shined through and I was privileged to help so many people finally reach abstinence and forge a new and better life free of drugs and alcohol. 

Though I eventually moved on from that first clinic, it was the springboard to a career doing something I truly love. I remain grateful for the experience I gained there, and the patients I helped who also helped me become a better clinician.