Karen InfieldLPC

More than twenty years ago, I read the book, "Something More" by Sarah Ban Breathnach and it changed my whole way of thinking about life. I've never been the same (in a good way). I would like for my clients to understand those same freedoms.

In the 8th grade, my Creative Writing teacher, Mrs. Sills would talk about her husband's job as a high school counselor. His work sounded like what I wanted to do, but with her personality. So I combined the two of them to form the approach to my career.

Most clients know what they want to work on and have goals when they enter therapy. I just help with the fine tuning and choosing the path that is best for each person. Most of my clients want me to listen, provide feedback, offer support, and help with additional ideas. The relationship seems to be the core of counseling.

• Arkansas, Licensed Professional Counselor, P0204080

The purpose behind my work choices was to gain a variety of interesting skills. In 30 years of practice, it would have been possible to get bored and burned out, so my goal has been to remain active and excited about counseling. I have enjoyed a career in outpatient community mental health, inpatient work, on-call, emergency room, college counseling, teaching at a college, therapy at a jail, supervision of new counselors, private practice, and now online work. All of those have provided a variety and consistency that kept me motivated in the counseling workforce.