I have been a behavioral health counselor for over 20 years. My start in this profession came from my career as an educator in middle and high schools. The need for therapeutic counseling was great and I extended my education to earn an MA in Educational Counseling and then completed supervised therapy to get my Licensed Professional Counselor license. My experience is therapy and in raising our family, is that individuals generally know what they need to do to make significant behavior changes. What we almost always need is accurate information and supportive relationships. Relationships does not always mean family members. The circle of support comes from counselors, teachers, neighbors and friends. I try to be a part of the positive support system for all of my clients. A bit about my life in Arizona: Raising our children in a rural community has been one of the best decisions we have made as parents. All of our children were involved in 4H and sports. They have gone on to raise amazing children and we are proud of their accomplishments. My husband and I are enjoying our retirement and I work hard to manage my counseling practice so that we have time for coffee on the back porch and travel to visit our family.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I will be honest in answering this question and let the reader know that my first session is often rather boring. There are a lot of questions I must ask and my relationship with the client is new and untested. It is kind of like meeting a family member that you have never met before. Awkward and yet an underlying connection. Fortunately, by the second or their session, we have established a level of rapport that allows for honesty, humor and reflection.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strengths as a provider are as follows: knowledge honesty empathy humor Each is a valued strength that empowers me to support all of my clients.

About Josephine Ellsworth