Meet Calyn

A little about me…

I started a long time ago looking inside.

From childhood, I had a strong compassion for others, people who were struggling or hurting.  I was tough and smart. I tried to assert myself, despite it not always being in the healthiest or most productive of ways. I got into a few fights, standing up for myself and more so for others who could not do it for themselves (for whatever reason).  I probably pushed people away. I didn't know growing up and into my early adult years just how much I was the one who was hurting. I was too busy focusing on and worrying about others to really acknowledge myself and my own needs. Other people's needs were more important than mine.  This was not conscious.

I definitely would have benefited from someone to talk to about my thoughts and feelings, if only I had known. If only my parents could have known.  I was pretty good at being a chameleon and thinking I was totally happy.  However, I didn't know what I didn't know. It's a similar struggle that many clients go through and one that I am so grateful in which to help.

In high school, I became interested in psychology from my psychology teacher. She told inspiring stories of strength and resilience. I was enthralled by her stories of hope.

I knew that I, too, wanted to help people and make a difference.  At that point, the spark was lit, and my path began to form.

In my 20's I finished graduate school. I worked at an adolescent treatment facility. I worked with children who were in foster care and whose parent's parental rights were terminated. I worked with parents involved in the legal system. I worked at a substance misuse/disorder counseling agency and learned the intricacies of Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

In addition to all of this hard work, I began to take advantage of where I had friends living internationally at the time and traveled to places such as Peru, Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.