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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Jason Fierstein

Counselor of Men and Couples
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
In order to explain what I do, I’d like to tell you about a struggle I once had. For years, I felt uncomfortable in my own skin and uncomfortable around women. I was stressed, ate poorly, and generally didn’t take care of myself. I wasn’t a great communicator, and typically concealed a lot of what I wanted and needed without showing those things to others. I was too scared too. When those needs asserted themselves in problematic ways, they created distress in my relationships. Because I didn’t know how to express my needs effectively, I ended up frustrating others and creating depression for myself. Women didn’t want to hang out with me, because they sensed that I didn’t really want to hang out with myself. Life was not so good. I began to change these things by working with a counselor who helped me learn to express myself clearly and get my relationship needs met. I learned how to communicate more effectively and assertively and stopped creating the relationship problems that used to hinder my success. And you know what happened? My life transformed. I made major changes in my thinking and my behavior and, as a result, my relationships with others turned around. I began to like myself a lot more. I felt much more comfortable in my own skin, and more at ease with myself. I stopped creating many of the problems that I accused others of creating and doing to me. I started to get happy. My friends and family noticed — and my relationships were better than ever. People liked the new me — and I liked the new me! At this point, I realized that I needed to help other men to do the same thing that I did for myself. I really wanted to work with men who were struggling in their relationships, and in their lives. I wanted to help men rediscover their voice where they may have lost it, or never known that they possessed it. I wanted to show men that they don’t need to suffer in silence, and that they are capable of having more happy and successful lives than they may have thought possible. Through better communication, tearing down their “emotional walls”, and learning to meet their own needs in a healthy way, I aim to create healthier and emotionally stronger men who stop incessantly thinking about their problems, and start dealing with the problems head-on. I want to give men the right tools to use in their lives so they can say to themselves: “life is good.”
Counseling for Men and Couples. We specialize in working with men and men's issues, such as depression and anxiety, work and career related issues, marriage and couples counseling, divorce issues, infidelity, anger management and nice guy/people pleasers issues. We strive to help men and couples have the kind of lives and relationships that they really want. We look forward to helping you, and visit our website to book an online intake appointment today.
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Heather Blondin

Dr. Heather Blondin D.O.
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to help others navigate life’s challenges. Seeing my patients achieve resilience, growth, and improved well-being continues to inspire and motivate me.
Hello, I'm Dr. Heather Blondin, a board-certified psychiatrist with a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. Educated at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV and Touro University Nevada, I have extensive experience in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and psychosis. I take pride in creating a safe and supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of leading multidisciplinary mental health teams and mentoring psychiatry residents. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for collaborative care and the power of education in transforming lives. I believe in a holistic and evidence-based approach that addresses not only symptoms but also the unique challenges each patient faces. Whether you're managing a chronic condition, navigating life changes, or seeking support for emotional well-being, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My telehealth services are designed to make mental health care accessible and convenient, offering personalized attention from the comfort of your home. Together, we’ll work towards a healthier, more balanced future. Treatment Philosophy At the core of my practice is a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. I believe that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and every individual deserves personalized support. I focus on evidence-based treatments while considering the unique life experiences of each patient. Collaboration and empathy are essential to my approach, ensuring that patients feel empowered and heard. Together, we’ll create a plan to foster resilience, healing, and lasting wellness. Specialties & Conditions Adult Psychiatry Psychiatry Mental Health Behavioral Medicine Depression Anxiety Bipolar disorders Schizophrenia PTSD ADHD Eating disorders Addiction Insomnia Relationship issues Mood disorders Trauma Panic attacks Substance Abuse Personality Disorders Relationship Issues Substance abuse OCD LGBTQIA+ Personality disorders Behavioural Therapy Female Psychiatry Phobias Treatment approach Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Techniques Trauma-Informed Care Practices Psychoeducation for Mental Illness Integrated Care Model Application Mindfulness-Based Approaches Team-Based Collaborative Care Crisis Intervention Strategies Medication management Accountability Goal-setting Talk-therapy Supportive Psychotherapy Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Behaviour Modification Motivational Interviewing Psychotic Disorders Trauma Focused Interpersonal Insurance Aetna Cigna Blue Cross Blue Shield Carelon Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
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Shannon Forbes, MA, LPC Associate

Individual & Couples Therapist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
In the spring of 2020 as Covid befell, during the same months I was sunsetting my first vocation spent twenty years as an English professor and university administrator, I came upon a quote, “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” – Frank Lloyd Wright As the world changed, this quote became my North Star, my goal, my faith and trust that with the help of others, it is possible for a person to build a life that one step at a time, becomes one’s own individual love story. As I navigated an extremely difficult, massive, complex five-year career transition, I began volunteering at MD Anderson working with patients-bedside on the leukemia floor and with post-surgical head and neck cancer patients. Our narratives profoundly impact our experiences and health outcomes, a truth I've gleaned from my firsthand experience volunteering in cancer wards, which ultimately fueled my passion for counseling.
Are you grappling with the challenging repercussions of trauma, life transitions, or challenging diagnoses, whether they pertain to your mental or physical well-being? As a therapist, I specialize in supporting both individuals and couples facing these difficult periods, transforming pain into possibility. My role is to guide clients through the counseling journey, alleviating feelings of grief, anxiety, and confusion.
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Judith Nyairo

Judith Nyairo, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’m passionate about mental health and helping others. What motivates me is seeing the positive transformation in my clients’ lives as they learn to manage their mental health. It’s incredibly rewarding to walk alongside them on their healing journey.
Hello, I’m Judith Nyairo, a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of experience, practicing at Safi Psychiatry PLLC in Arlington, TX. I am passionate about helping individuals achieve their best possible mental health and well-being. My approach centers around empathy, understanding, and a holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, not just their symptoms. I create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where patients feel heard, valued, and empowered. I believe in offering personalized care that aligns with my patients’ unique needs, ensuring they feel safe and supported throughout their journey. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or mood disorders, I’m here to work with you to create a tailored treatment plan that fosters long-term wellness. Please feel free to reach out to discuss your needs. I look forward to supporting you on your mental health journey. Treatment philosophy: I believe in providing individualized care that empowers my patients to understand their mental health and make informed decisions. My focus is on helping each person navigate their mental health with compassion and self-kindness. Rather than just addressing symptoms, I work to identify underlying causes to support long-lasting positive change. Collaboration and active patient involvement are at the heart of my approach.

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?