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Therapists answer…

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

Caitlin HillC

Caitlin Hill

Passionate counselor experienced working with trauma, anxiety and depression.
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
As a therapist, I was drawn to this profession by a deep-seated desire to support individuals in navigating life's challenges and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Witnessing the resilience and growth of my clients is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for this work. What motivates me to continue is the profound impact therapy can have on people's lives. Seeing my clients make positive changes, gain insight, and develop healthier coping strategies reaffirms my commitment to this field every day. Additionally, the ever-evolving nature of psychology and therapy keeps me engaged and eager to continue learning and growing as a clinician. Ultimately, the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and the continuous personal and professional growth I experience through this work drive me to continue on this path.
Hello! I'm Caitlin Hill, your dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a passion for empowering individuals and families to overcome life's challenges. With a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a rich background in psychology from Kent State University, I bring a wealth of knowledge and compassionate care to my practice. My journey began in the military where I served as an active-duty officer, honing my leadership skills and learning the value of resilience. This experience has been instrumental in understanding the unique needs of military families, which I've addressed in professional conferences, highlighting virtual interventions for postpartum depression and anxiety among military spouses. I specialize in supporting adults with severe mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each individual, utilizing evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and Solution-Focused Therapy. Whether you're a veteran seeking support or anyone looking to build healthier coping strategies, I'm here to guide you through your journey with empathy and expertise. Outside the counseling room, I have trained in EMDR therapy as well as Level 2 Natural Lifemanship for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy – because sometimes healing goes beyond traditional methods. Let's connect and start crafting your path to wellness together. Your story matters, and I'm here to listen.
Brandon MaconB

Brandon Macon

Pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
When I was in college, I chose to be become a proctor. I didn't realize it at the time I applied, but part of the job was that I would be talking with students who were having a difficult time. These students would be experiencing things such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, home-sickness, heartbreak, etc. It only took talking with a couple students for me to realize that I liked to be the person for these students to come and talk to. I found myself eager to listen and be empathetic to their situations, and help in any way I needed. They would tell me that I was comforting and they felt like they could tell me anything. It was then that I started to think, maybe this is what I was meant to do. 
I am a pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor employed at Cedar Tree Wellness Center. The kind of therapy I provide is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT operates on the principle that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all linked. What I do in therapy is work with the client to challenge the irrational/negative thoughts that lead to mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, etc. So many of us believe that we can solve our problems on your own, sometimes we can. However, there are many of us who require assistance, and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Needing help and asking for it does not make someone weak, it makes them stronger than most.
Sarah ThiessenS

Sarah Thiessen

Mental Health Therapist
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
In college one of my best friends experienced a traumatic event and I felt helpless as I desperately wanted to be there for her. This was probably the start of me seeking the journey into the healing path. With each person that I watch heal, I am continually honored and motivated to become further skilled at being the guide my client needs to find healing and wholeness. 
Sometimes life's struggles and transitions have led to pain and feelings of being paralyzed and lost. You are not alone even though day after day it might feel like a daily battle. Counseling can be the answer to finding hope and a new beginning to finding answers, self-awareness, and self-compassion for making new choices and having a new outlook. Sarah helps you find connections between your thoughts, feelings and actions to be emotionally healthy and face past hurts that are holding you back. Thoughts aren't facts and you can learn to change that inner voice that criticizes you and shed faulty beliefs that lead you down the wrong path time and again. Sarah is certified in EMDR, a highly researched and supported therapy for trauma and PTSD. EMDR enables people to heal from symptoms and emotional pain and is also used to address multiple mental health issues. Using techniques that align with neuroscience, this therapy uses the body’s ability to heal, often producing relief from many symptoms quickly. For children, Sarah integrates play techniques with EMDR because children heal through play and imagination. The effectiveness of EMDR results in clients who feel empowered rather than paralyzed by life experiences that in the past caused them great pain. EMDR does not require extensive homework or hours of talking about the pain to find relief. Simply said, talk therapy helps clients handle emotional pain, but EMDR removes the emotional pain! This is why EMDR is almost always Sarah's go to choice for most of her clients regardless of therapy issue.
Morgan RuddM

Morgan Rudd

LCSW
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I have always found a deep love for helping others. I knew from a young age, being in a helping field was where I was meant to be. Social Work came so naturally. I love talking with people; exploring problems, feelings, concerns, and questions about their lives. I love helping change perspectives and focusing on bigger pictures rather than getting caught up in the small details- which we all do! It's an honor to be able to walk with others through their journeys and knowing that while we can't change everything, we can always change our viewpoint which can lead to healing and growth.
My counseling style is warm, empathetic, integrative, and person-centered. I believe that a therapeutic relationship should be a collaborative one in which you and I work together to discover creative strategies, solutions and, even humorous insights to help you reach your goals. My role is to be there to guide you, encourage you, maybe even challenge you if I feel you are unknowingly allowing obstacles to stand in your way. I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, PTSD, cancer and other terminal diagnosis, grief/loss and major life changes including growing older and adjusting to new normals. There is no better time to prioritize your mental health! Send me an email to schedule an introductory call.
Patricia O'LaughlinP

Patricia O'Laughlin

Psychotherapist & Art Therapist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I know that people get stuck and want to change. I believe that the happiness of a larger community is dependent on each individual member thriving. To help individuals thrive they need support with challenges caused by anxiety, depression, a learning disability, or ADHD. I worked a variety of jobs with people who were stuck in life, with work, or in relationships before I attended my master's program at Loyola Marymount University. I saw first-hand how stuck individuals impact communities. This created a passion in me to help other people grow. I've been a therapist for 19 years, and I have helped people become unstuck. I have helped people feel better about themselves and the lives they lead.
I have a passion for helping people who have educational and relational challenges due to ADHD & neurodivergence. I can help you if you are struggling in a relationship due to infidelity or divorce or just can't find the relationship you know you need. Many people who come to me are experiencing anxiety, depression, are unsure about how to help themself with stress or procrastination, feelings of instability during a life transition. Therapy is a wonderful opportunity for support, to grow insight, and make change. It's scary when you don't know why things aren't going your way. I have helped people understand their behaviors, feelings, and brain chemistry so they can be happier. We will focus on strengthening your mental well-being and helping you be true to yourself and the people you love. I do individual and couple's therapy.