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Therapists answer…

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

Maggie DickensM

Maggie Dickens

Online Counselor
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
Have you ever had a job you were just not great at no matter how much you wanted to be a rockstar? That was me in college. I spent my whole life planning to be a 1st grade teacher and then when I got a chance to volunteer and help out at a local school--I, well, sucked. I spent my time talking and listening to the students' needs and neglected the lesson plan for the day. It was then, I realized my goal to guide and support others wasn't meant for the classroom but instead the counseling office.
HI! I’M MAGGIE DICKENS (SHE/HER/HERS).I’M INTERESTED IN PUSHING THROUGH WHAT WE’VE ALL BEEN TOLD ABOUT PAIN.THE PHYSICAL. THE EMOTIONAL. As a Texas based licensed professional counselor, I know there is more life for you to live. Now, I am sure you’ve thought this too..but that was before. Before the hurting seemed to take over. Before your life began to revolve around fears of planning ahead and letting yourself and others down because you’re having, yet another, “bad day.” I am here to tell you that all those thoughts swirling around your mind, keeping you up at night, saying you “can’t”, or are focused on “what was” … are, well, simply-- they’re outdated. Perhaps at one time or another there may have been some truth in there, somewhere. But today, by reading this, seeking out counseling, you’re already telling those pesky, annoying, overwhelming, thoughts-- that you recognize there is more to life. This is where I come in. My role is one of “guard rails.” You know the life you’re ready to live. I am here to help you pave the road for your success. Counseling with me is one that is collaborative and is built on mutual understanding, respect, and commitment to show up and do what needs to be done. Some of that work includes purposeful discussions to change those beliefs that keep you overwhelmed and education for you to learn how to maximize your life AND thoughts, feelings, actions! My favorite tool to use in counseling is clinical hypnosis. Basically, because it’s proven to enhance client outcomes, reduce length of treatment, and is a tool you will be able to use throughout the rest of your life. When you’re ready to push through the stuckness of the current status quo -- I’m here to support you in finding the life you know is out there for you!
Elizabeth RademacherE

Elizabeth Rademacher

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
During my time at Maryville University, I developed a deep interest in the healing potential of psychedelic medicine, particularly ketamine. I’ve continued to incorporate this into my practice to help heal deep-seated trauma and improve lives. Seeing my patients progress, heal, and achieve fuller, more joyful lives keeps me motivated every day.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fostering care across the life span fully licensed in Colorado, Florida, California, and Oregon. I provide initial evaluation and ongoing management of psychiatric medications, supportive counseling, health education, ketamine evaluations, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. I believe in treating the whole mind, body, and spirit. I feel that it is vital to provide support structuring lives in a manageable way that allows treating the root cause of underlying symptoms-working together developing a treatment plan that we are both comfortable with. I believe strong relationships are the key to a successful healing process. I want to truly get to know you so I may provide optimal health care. This is why my appointments are longer than those typically offered by other mental health providers. In my first year at Maryville University, I developed a deep interest in psychedelic medicine and its healing powers. I continued my training within the ketamine space after school until I was able to incorporate it into my practice in an effort to heal deep-seeded traumatic wounds of others. It is my hope that I can continue to help many others heal in a similar fashion in order to live joyful lives to their fullest potential whether that it through ketamine or psychiatric medications.
Ami ColonA

Ami Colon

Therapist
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I have my own back-story regarding mental health as I have my own diagnosis. I had an amazing therapist at the time when I was struggling and in the hospital. The guidance I received from my therapist at the time inspired me to give back. What keeps me going is my love for my work and my compassion for my clients.
Life doesn't have to suck all the time. I'm not saying that therapy can make your life the greatest in the world, but it can help you work through the experiences in your life that are hard to cope with. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who is not close to the problem and who has no idea who we are so that we can say things that we would not usually say to those closest to us so that we are not judged. I'm here to listen to everything you have to say without judgment and then guide you through finding healthy ways to cope with the difficult experiences in your life while you ease into your recovery journey. I offer active listening without judgment, compassion, empathy, and guidance. I am honest in my treatment but gentle. I offer cognitive behavioral therapy, guidance through radical acceptance, as well as decision making, and difficult life changes. I offer bereavement therapy, and couple's therapy as well as guidance for LGBTQIA youth. My passion comes from a personal place that has been a staple in my professional work as I am eager to guide those who want to move forward with their lives while they are experiencing their healing and recovery journey. I can also be found on https://headway.co/providers/3191 which is where I take Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna.
Akemi McGooganA

Akemi McGoogan

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’ve experienced the struggles many women face, and I’m passionate about helping others overcome them. What motivates me to continue is seeing the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the transformation that occurs when women embrace change and step into their power. It’s an honor to support women on their journey to renewal and fulfillment.
Hi there! I'm Akemi, and I've been helping amazing women like you for the past 18 years as a therapist, coach, speaker and author. Think of me as your personal cheerleader, here to support you through the ups and downs of life. I absolutely love working with women who are struggling in their careers, feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures, dealing with anxiety or depression, or just feeling lost. Why? Because I've been there too! I know what it's like to face these challenges, and I'm passionate about helping you navigate them with confidence and grace. As a holistic coach, I focus on helping you renew your mind, body, and spirit. This means we'll work together to create a balanced approach to your well-being. The only prerequisite to work with me is to be ready to do the work and embrace change. I will guide you through the rest: from identifying your goals to developing actionable steps, and providing the support and encouragement you need along the way. You don't have to have everything figured out—just come with an open heart and a willingness to grow, and we will take it from there. It would be my pleasure to support you on your journey. (I do not prescribe medication)
Rui LuR

Rui Lu

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist driven by a passion for improving mental health and making a meaningful difference in people's lives. My journey as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner stems from a desire to advocate for those facing mental health challenges, particularly adolescents and adults. My experiences in the U.S. Navy and at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center reinforced my commitment to serving my community and addressing the pressing need for mental health support. What motivates me to continue is the opportunity to witness the resilience and growth of my patients as they navigate their mental health journeys. Every positive outcome, no matter how small, reaffirms my dedication to preventing suicides, enhancing behavioral medicine management, and advancing innovations in mental health care.
I'm a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a Master’s Degree in Nursing. As a motivated advocate for mental health, I work with adolescents and adults to provide them with the quality, compassionate, and holistic care. I have a solid background in healthcare and deliberately builds strong relationships with patients and their families. I combine evidence-based practices and personal observations to treat my patients. Joining One Behavioral Health in TX is a bit of a homecoming for me. As the U. S. Navy Veteran, I returned to the area after 3 years of serving her peers in Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. I am passionate about improving the mental wellbeing and developing innovations. I am also dedicated to preventing suicides and enhancing behavioral medicine management.
Mary McManusM

Mary McManus

Mary McManus, FNP-C, BSN, MSN
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to empower people to live healthier, happier lives. My passion is helping patients navigate their mental health challenges and witnessing the positive changes they make through our work together.
Hello, I'm Mary McManus, a Family Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of healthcare experience. I specialize in psychiatric care, including ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and depression. I earned my BSN in 1994 from Marquette University with a minor in psychology, and later, my MSN from NIU, becoming a board-certified FNP. For the past 7 years, I have integrated genetic testing into my practice to help tailor treatments to each patient’s unique genetic makeup, enhancing outcomes and avoiding unnecessary trial and error with medications. I see patients virtually on HelloKlarity, a cash-pay platform where I provide personalized care. My passion is to support and empower my patients on their journey toward better mental health, while collaborating to create a custom treatment plan that works best for them. Treatment philosophy: I believe in a patient-centered approach, collaborating closely with each individual to develop a personalized treatment plan. By combining genetic insights with evidence-based medication management, I ensure that treatments are optimized for each patient’s unique biology. I prioritize empowering patients with knowledge and involving them in decisions about their care, ensuring they have the tools to manage their mental and physical health effectively.
Jacqueline JohnsonJ

Jacqueline Johnson

Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a nurse practitioner to help individuals manage their health effectively, driven by a passion for providing personalized and preventive care. My motivation to continue comes from seeing the positive impact of evidence-based practices on my patients' health and well-being, and the collaborative journey towards achieving a healthier you.
Hello! I'm Jacqueline Johnson, a dedicated Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping you manage your health effectively. My journey in nursing began as an LPN and has since blossomed after obtaining my MSN from Walden University. I specialize in caring for adults with a variety of health concerns, including Diabetes, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Obesity, and more. In my current role, I offer personalized care through telehealth consultations, where I evaluate your health needs and provide guidance on medications and their effects. I'm also keen on preventive care, offering screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers to keep you one step ahead of these conditions. Understanding COVID-19 is crucial today, and I'm here to educate you about the virus and provide screening services. My goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident about managing your health. Whether it's conducting in-depth medication reviews or assisting with chronic illness management, I'm committed to using evidence-based practices to give you the best care possible. Let's work together towards a healthier you!