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Therapists answer…

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

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Michael McCully

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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

I became a therapist because of a broken heart. I was at seminary not really because I knew what I wanted to do with my life, but because I enjoyed studying religion, theology, philosophy, and all that good stuff. But I was still sort of wandering, and I met this woman, who was smart and pretty and just all around great, and I fell in love! And I thought, "Hey! I'm going to marry this lady!". She didn't. And that really sucked, and it hurt a whole lot, and she dumped me, and I got saddled with some of the most excruciating pain I had ever felt. And I decided by God if I have to go through this, I might as well learn something from it. So I started studying relationships. What makes them work, what doesn't. I started with Plato's Symposium and worked my way up to Harville Hendrix's Getting the Love You Want. From classical to pop! And I found that helped. That helped me to understand how to communicate better, how to listen, as well as just how do relationships function in general. And then it was a year almost to the day, that my best friend called me up, and said that he was a little afraid that his wife might be cheating on him. And suddenly, for the first time in my entire life, I actually had useful knowledge! No offense to theology and all those other things I studied. I had knowledge that could be put to good use. And I did. For a time I walked with him during probably the second worst experience of his life. And did everything I could to help him by using those skills of listening deeply. And one night he said, "You know, you're kind of good at this, maybe you should do this for a career". And I thought about it. "Could I? Could I get paid to love people? Could I be a platonic prostitute? Well, why not!". So I enrolled at a school here in Indiana and I became a Marriage and Family Therapist. And I've stuck with it because, as cheesy as it probably sounds, being paid to love people is the best job in the world. And I'm grateful, every chance I get to practice it. So, that's how I became a Marriage and Family Therapist.
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Paige Avellar

LMHC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I love to be a part of peoples’ growth and change. I know from personal experience how scarred our pasts can leave us; I want to help people understand that we can choose happiness despite those scars. 
Hey there! My name is Paige Avellar and I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I started my mental/behavioral health career in California as a Youth Care Professional working with at risk teens in the group home system. I was also volunteering as a Trauma Response Advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence at the time. When I moved to San Diego, CA, I began working with children on the spectrum as a Registered Behavior Technician. During my time in Florida, I have worked with private practices that help clients manage anxiety, depression, and other common mental health symptoms. I have also worked with clients who struggle with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problems. Just call me a jack of all trades! I’ll take a quick moment to be vulnerable and let you know that I am also a human that has a history of complex trauma! I’ve been through the healing process and I know how HARD it is to unlearn all of the intrusive thoughts and unhelpful behaviors that you’ve learned as a result of your trauma. I also know that the therapeutic process is not linear, so don’t worry; we’ll take our time and figure it out together. I practice from a Cognitive Behavioral perspective, which basically means I help you identify your problematic thoughts and how they affect your emotions and behaviors. Then we figure out how to challenge your problematic thoughts and replace them with healthier thoughts that lead to healthier feelings and behaviors! I totally understand that counseling can be intimidating; please know that my ultimate goal as a counselor is to encourage the people that I work with to wake up and choose to be their best and brightest selves every day! If you are interested in taking back your power over your mental health struggles and choosing joy every day, I would love to be the one to help you! Please feel free to contact me by phone at 904-372-3637 or by email at [email protected]. **Please note that I am only meeting with clients via phone or Zoom at this time.
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Jeffrey Huttman

Jeffrey Huttman PhD
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to help people navigate life’s challenges and uncover their strengths. Supporting clients through their healing and growth journeys is deeply fulfilling. Seeing positive transformations in people’s lives continues to inspire me. My passion lies in creating a space where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.
About Me Hello, I’m Dr. Jeffrey Huttman, a licensed psychologist passionate about helping individuals lead healthier and more balanced lives. With over 20 years of experience, I have worked extensively with clients dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, addiction, and co-occurring conditions. My approach is integrative, combining therapies like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs. Beyond therapy, I also offer career counseling, leadership training, and support for high-achieving individuals seeking to optimize their performance. My philosophy centers on compassionate, patient-centered care, aiming to foster recovery, resilience, and lasting change. I’m committed to supporting you on your journey toward improved mental well-being. Let’s work together to create a brighter future. Treatment Methodology My treatment methodology focuses on compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to each individual’s needs. I use an integrative approach, combining therapies like CBT, DBT, trauma-focused methods, and mindfulness practices to create personalized treatment plans. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, I aim to empower clients to achieve meaningful recovery, build resilience, and sustain long-term well-being. Specialties & Conditions: Mental Health Psychotherapy Behavioral Medicine Addiction Medicine Anxiety Bipolar disorders ADHD PTSD Addiction Relationship issues Family counseling Mood disorders Trauma Substance use disorder Personality disorder Substance abuse evaluation Opioid addiction Alcohol dependency Behavioral therapy Relapse prevention Co-occurring disorders Substance abuse Treatment approach Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Trauma-Focused Therapy Integrative Treatment Approaches Group and Individual Counseling Culturally Sensitive Practices Systemic and Eclectic Strategies Crisis Intervention and Support Mindfulness-Based(MBCT) Insurance Aetna Blue Cross Blue Shield Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey
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Johanne Joseph

Johanne Joseph, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My passion for mental health stems from a deep commitment to helping people achieve holistic wellness. I became a therapist to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by guiding them through their challenges. What motivates me to continue is witnessing my patients' progress and their resilience, as they regain control of their mental and emotional health.
I am Johanne, a Double Board Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years of experience. I specialize in mental health, anger management, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and OCD. My approach integrates both physical and mental health, empowering individuals to achieve holistic wellness through compassionate, personalized care. My practice is guided by evidence-based practices, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health and well-being. Treatment philosophy: I believe in the power of collaboration and patient-centered care. By taking a holistic approach that considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – I work with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their individual needs and goals. Whether it's managing chronic conditions, addressing mental health concerns, or promoting overall well-being, I am dedicated to supporting my patients on their journey to optimal health.