To meet the Anne today take some time to listen to her here
My own experience is in the form of the following interview. As I sat listening to Anne’s story, the excitement for the work she does came through in her voice, and her mannerisms. The atmosphere was charged with positive energy. I thought, mother of three, gifted counselor, shero. Listening was inspiring. She put herself through her courses to become a Registered Therapeutic Counselor. On her own, while raising 3 kids, she studied every day for a year and a half, no breaks – no, not even Christmas. Sometimes she needed to use ear plugs and a heavy duty head set as life in a busy household of three kids went on.
While doing her training she became a role model for her own teenagers who, when Anne’s marks arrived, would sit on the couch with the envelope, open it and produce an A or A+. Then there would be celebration, perhaps a special tea or nice lotion. It was a time of learning life lessons. This is what you do to become successful. It was a time of stress I’m sure, but it was handled in such a way as to bind the family of 4 together. I felt in awe of this courageous woman who models success for her children.
Anne has truly found her passion. Even in high school people sought Anne out for her listening ear and empathetic manner. She loves to help people become self-aware and grow. How? By coming alongside as you do the work, and it is work. Any who have braved the path of growth required in a counselling situation can attest. Is it worth it? You bet!
I came to visit Anne today to satisfy my own curiosity about her work, and with my many questions this is what I found out:
Me: What is an RTC (Registered Therapeutic Counselor) and how does it differ from other mainstream counselling professions?
Anne: The core skills are the same. The only difference is levels of education. The RCT has a diploma, the Psychologist a Masters, and the Psychiatrist is a Doctor who can prescribe medication.
Me: What drew you to this work and what keeps you doing it?
Anne: It came naturally, even as a teen people brought people to me. It’s something I’ve always done and now I do it professionally. “I love it.”
Me: Who could benefit from coming to an RTC and when is it best to seek out a counselor?
Anne: Anyone willing to do the work can benefit. People come when they’re ready. They may have simply gotten stuck doing the work and need a hand. All too often people wait too long. It’s like when you get a cold; it’s a lot simpler and less painful to address the cold than wait until its full blown pneumonia.
Me: Do you ever refer a client?
Anne: I always do what is best for the client and sometimes that means a referral.
Me: What should we be on the lookout for in a good counselor?
Anne: Counseling is being an empathetic listener, and asking open ended questions. It is being an encourager who works for the client’s wellness, celebrates their successes, and offers guidance to self-discovery.
Me: What is your personal approach?
Anne: For me counselling is a collaborative effort. I view it as Self-Directed therapy. I go at the clients pace moving towards goals they have set themselves. The point is to empower the individual to help themselves move forward. It’s about mutual respect, dignity and clear boundaries.
“Even with my demanding life I’m pumped when I’m guiding people through their work,” said Anne.
As I leave Anne’s cozy home I am left with her favorite quote:
“Discernment is not knowing right from wrong, but knowing right from almost right.”
C.H. Spurgeon
I found my time with Anne Brodbeck was time well spent. It was time with a discerning counselor.
Anne will recognize your strengths and help you build on them through setting attainable goals and keeping you accountable. But it’s up to you to do the heavy lifting. You can find her on-line at Streams Counselling and you can contact her here. Check it out. See if it’s a fit. Anne is more than willing to walk alongside you.
Originally published at Life as a Human
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