Learning a little about my background may help you decide if you want to work with me. How do you react to what I have written?
My brother and I were raised in the Midwest by progressive Christian parents. Dad organized farmer’s cooperatives, and Mom, active in our schools and church, raised us from home.
Big and Little T Trauma
In many ways, we had an idyllic childhood. And, I also experienced several difficult childhood surgeries, ADHD challenges with school, and my dad’s long absences for work followed by his unexpected death. These were scary and confusing. In Internal Family Systems (IFS) language, young parts became burdened and exiled and believed it wasn’t safe to be here. Expectations from our extended families complicated our dynamics.
Unexpected Paths
I grew up in the first generation of women who were told they could be anything they wanted. Unfortunately, this was not followed with effective career counseling. I studied science in college and learned I wasn’t a scientist. I worked in state government and learned I wasn’t a politician. Parts believed that school and work were overwhelming and confusing and that I was a failure. In another confusing turn, my children had parts that did not fit well with traditional schooling, and we became homeschoolers. At first, this was a scary commitment, and over time, we learned that we could make homeschooling work for us.
U-Turn
As my children grew up, I volunteered for a mental health hotline and led career change workshops for other homeschooling moms. With lots of life experience, I began to understand my strengths and skills. I earned an MS in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and began work as a psychotherapist in private practice focused on the techniques of IFS. Parts learned that, sometimes, it can take half a lifetime to become anything you want to be!
I have shared a few of my struggles, as well as my successes and my privileges. I hope this has helped you to get to know me and to begin to decide whether or not you want to work with me. I am happy to talk with you further.