Skip to Content
Therapists answer…

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

Christine ForgeC

Christine Forge

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to address the critical need for mental health care and to bridge the gap between physical and mental health. My motivation comes from seeing the positive impact of compassionate, holistic care on my patients' lives and helping them achieve a more positive life journey.
Hello, I have been in the nursing field for over 35 years. I graduated with my RN BSN from Bellin College of Nursing in 1989 and have worked to in several areas of care along with many states. I have worked in ICU, surgery, endocrinology, long term and short term rehab, and psychiatric care in residential, hospital and outpatient. I enjoy working with pre-teens through adults. I earned my Family Nurse Practitioner degree at South University in Savannah, Georgia in 2018 and went right back to Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri for my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. I was married to a US Marine and lived in many states including Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, and Florida all of which I hope to incorporate into my practice to provide care in those states too. While in Michigan I earned a degree in American Sign Language. I enjoy spending time with my two daughters. One lives close in Sarasota, FL and my other lives in Kona, HI. My goal this year is to explore more of Florida! In my free time I do like to travel, sew, knit, do epoxy pens and tumblers, and paint on sand dollars I collect at different beaches. I believe that life is a journey and we will come to many crossroads. It is how you handle the decisions made that can make life positive or negative and I hope that with my care you will have success in having life be a more positive journey.
Shannon Forbes, MA, LPC AssociateS

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.
Mechelle PollardM

Mechelle Pollard

Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I deeply understand the struggle of living with depression, anxiety, and feeling disempowered. I vividly remember those moments of uncertainty and pain, as well as the profound impact my first therapist had on my life. Through their guidance, emotional and mental doors were opened that I never thought possible. That experience inspired me to dedicate my career to being a source of encouragement, hope, and transformation for others. I am honored to walk alongside my clients on their healing journey, empowering them to reconnect with their strengths and uncover new possibilities.
We all feel alone at times, like no one around us truly understands. That disconnection can lead us to withdraw from the people and activities we love. Whether it’s challenges at work, struggles with family or relationships, or a battle within yourself, I want you to know: you’re not alone. I’m here and I care. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s perfectly fine to not have all the answers. Life is a journey, and while it can be rewarding, it’s not always easy. Sometimes, we find ourselves off course or without the tools we need to move forward. That’s where I come in. I'll provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can be vulnerable and authentic with every part of you; even the ones you don't like. Together, we’ll explore challenges, unpack burdens, and build tools to help you navigate life with awareness and self-compassion. I'll hold all of your pieces as you rebuild yourself into who you want to become. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Your pain deserves a voice, and your healing journey deserves the utmost care. Call or email me today so we can take that next step together. Don't suffer in silence for a moment longer. Let me help you, find you. (For a faster response, please email me!)
Janel MayerJ

Janel Mayer

Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My journey into healthcare began with a profound desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Witnessing the transformative power of compassionate care firsthand, I was drawn to a career where I could serve as a catalyst for healing and wellness. Becoming a therapist allowed me to merge my passion for helping others with my fascination for the intricacies of human health and behavior. What motivates me to continue is the opportunity to facilitate meaningful change in the lives of my patients. Every success story, every breakthrough, reaffirms my purpose and fuels my commitment to ongoing learning and growth. Whether it's guiding someone towards healthier lifestyle choices, alleviating their physical discomfort, or simply being a source of support during challenging times, the privilege of making a difference is what inspires me to strive for excellence every day.
Welcome! I'm Janel Mayer, a compassionate Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with a heart for helping individuals achieve their best health and wellness. With over 20 years of dedicated healthcare experience, I've honed my skills to specialize in addressing hormonal imbalances, obesity, nutritional deficiencies, and improving overall health My journey has led me through various roles where I've provided care for patients with diverse health concerns. At Pure Wellness & Rejuvenation, which I proudly founded, my team and I offer a holistic approach to your well-being outside of conventional medicine I've also been involved in cutting-edge clinical research, ensuring that my practice is informed by the latest advancements in healthcare. My focus is always on delivering personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Education is the cornerstone of exceptional patient care. I hold an A.S. and B.S. in Nursing from Pennsylvania College of Technology and an M.S. in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing. To complement my nursing degrees, I am certified in family practice, hormone balancing, medical weight loss therapies, and anti-aging procedures such as botox and dermal filler injections. Your journey to health and rejuvenation is just as important to me as it is to you. Let's work together to find the right balance for your body and spirit.
Jessica FrancoisJ

Jessica Francois

Jessica Francois, PMHNP-BC, DNP, ARNP
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I chose this path because I’m passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, especially for those facing OCD and related conditions. Helping clients find relief and resilience keeps me motivated. Every positive outcome reinforces my commitment to offer empathetic, expert care that truly supports my clients’ well-being.
Hello, I’m Jessica Jean Francois, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in the treatment of OCD and related conditions. I hold advanced degrees from the University of Miami, University of North Florida, and Wilkes University, equipping me to offer comprehensive care to my patients. At The OCD Clinic, I provide mental health evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and therapy sessions with a focus on evidence-based practices, including CBT and ERP for OCD management. I also work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure an integrated approach to wellness. Alongside my clinical work, I’ve taught at Keiser and Purdue Universities, sharing my passion for psychiatric care with future nurse practitioners. My goal is to offer compassionate, accessible care that empowers each patient on their journey to improved mental health. I look forward to supporting you on your path to wellness. Treatment philosophy: I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, tailoring each treatment plan to the unique needs of my patients. I use evidence-based practices, like CBT and medication management, focusing on effective, personalized care. I strive to make mental health support accessible and convenient through telehealth, ensuring you have flexible care options. My mission is to create a compassionate environment where we can work together toward your optimal health.