For 20 years of my life I was a stay-at-home mother raising
five children. But my love for learning, and in particular my love for science,
compelled me to add studies to my list of duties and I graduated in 1999 with a
BS in Biology.
Within months I moved from Great Falls, Montana, to Laredo,
Texas and found myself in a high school classroom teaching biology and
chemistry. A few years ago I decided that my life experiences and my particular
talents seemed to issue me a different calling and I enrolled in graduate
studies to become a counselor.
Education is an important piece for therapists to be
skilled, but in my opinion, it isn't the only piece. My coursework taught me
the suspected causes, diagnoses and possible treatment around emotional
distress and mental illness. It taught me about the ethical issues and
requirements to be an effective counselor and it gave me exposure to philosophies
and techniques that have demonstrated effectiveness in helping ease emotional
pain and discomfort. All of which is foundationally necessary for effective
treatment. What an education is unable to do, however, is implant the wisdom
that comes from living awhile and experiencing or witnessing the many
challenges and joy that life offers. Such enrichment allows a therapist to lay
aside any judgment, to listen with compassion and to hear and respond to the
client's real issues without predetermined agendas.
I feel competent at using both my training and my life
experience in the therapeutic relationship. I am skilled at working with
individuals, couples and families, as well a working with adolescents. I also
have particular skills and interests in dealing with life changes, loss and
grief, self-esteem issues, and spiritual conflict.
Janet Anderson Reaches
Cedar Park TXGeorgetown TXLeander TXRound Rock TX