Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Anderson.
Hi Janet, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was a 40-year-old, stay-at-home mother of five living in Great Falls, Montana, getting ready to graduate from the local university with a degree in biology and chemistry. In that last semester something came up in my life that was life-altering to the point of undermining my personal beliefs and my identity. This experience sent me into an emotional crisis, and I sought out counseling for the first time in my life. For all intents and purposes; I can say that I experienced a version of a nervous breakdown. During this time, I decided to divorce, graduated (finally) with my degree and found a job in Laredo, Texas, teaching science, though that was not the purpose of my degree. After three years of teaching, I knew that I was going to have to find another profession; I was broke, I was exhausted, and I was terribly unhappy with teaching. I moved to Leander, Tx, taught at Westwood Highschool for 10 years, and went back to school at St. Edwards for evening classes to get my Master of Arts in Counseling degree. Because I had lived on the edge of poverty for so long; I considered two professions: either law, or counseling. I interviewed a few lawyers, all of whom said they hated their jobs but liked the money, and I interviewed a few counselors, all of whom said they loved their job. I considered whether I wanted to have power (an attorney) or empower (a counselor)–I considered my horrible journey during which I felt so alone, so lost, so bewildered, and how I had no one except my counselor to talk to; and I chose counseling. I felt strongly that no one should have to go through anything like what I went through without help. It was very difficult to commute from Leander two nights a week for three years, while raising my children, still living close to poverty, and being forced to take on an another huge school debt just to try to get to a better place. I was exhausted, got shingles, and worked and studied long hours. The practicum requirement was a commitment of 20 hours per week, in addition to my job and my classes, while still raising my children. It was brutal.
It was also worth it. I worked my internship in a private practice setting and now have been in private practice since 2005. I come to work every single day with immense gratitude. Each day of work, I am immersed in a loving space, with clients who inspire me. I’m often asked if it is difficult to listen to people’s hard stories, and I respond, absolutely not! I am inspired every day at the human spirit, the human goodness, the human resiliency. I even had the unbelievable experience of participating in an episode of the first show of Oprah’s, Where Are They Now, series. As they say, it was five minutes, but a spectacular five minutes!
I have not had an easy go of things, mostly because of my own decisions; but I have landed right where I want to be, with a job that I love and look forward to going to every day. I am paid well, and I have my five healthy children and now grandchildren all around me. Life has been exquisite.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh! I didn’t realize there was more to answer. I think I summarized it in that last part. I can be more specific, let me know how you want it told.
There were so many challenges! I had been married for 20 years with five children and we spent those 20 years in financially turbulent times. My then husband was self-employed and not great with money and I was a stay-at-home. Now, I guess by today’s terms I would have been a “trad wife”. (I have A LOT of thoughts about that role!!) At one time we had to go on Medicaid (…and yes to those of you that may be thinking, why did you have 5 children if you couldn’t afford them). The answer is, I was part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) and we believed in big families. Furthermore, the single most important thing I’ve done in my life is to have had, and raised those children. I do not now, nor will I ever regret that decision.
But it didn’t make my life easier. When I began to consider divorce, I was turning 40 and just graduating with an academic degree in Biology and Chemistry. I had wanted to cure multiple sclerosis because I had had a friend die of it. But due to the divorce I needed to get a job right away. I learned the hard way that a science degree isn’t very helpful without advanced education and the only option I had was in Laredo, Texas as an emergency certified teacher. I soon learned there is a vast cultural difference between Montana and Texas, especially in Laredo. I have blue eyes and many of my students asked if my eyes were real. Some of my students did not speak English and I don’t speak Spanish. And I was broke. I learned quickly that teaching was not a profession that would move me out of poverty and I wanted more for my children. Two of my children, my daughters, had graduated high school and did not come to Texas with me, but my three sons were with me, the youngest being aged 4.
We struggled with the cultural differences. I struggled with feeling like I belonged. And especially we struggled financially. We moved to Leander after two years to teach at Westwood Highschool. Frankly, I hated teaching. It was hard for me, I had grown up Mormon and was too soft of a classroom teacher. Each day, I was exhausted and fearful about my future.
After three years of teaching, I knew I had to do something different and went back to school to become a counselor.
This period of time is a haze for me. I was teaching full time, commuting to St. Edwards 2x/week and trying to raise my sons. There were times I felt so exhausted I was sure I was delirious. But I persevered and as stated before, by luck, made all the right decisions for a brighter future.
(There is a lot more, but unsure of how much you want).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am happily and proudly a licensed professional counselor. I would say that in my work, I’m best known for a more personal approach, we cry in therapy but we also laugh. My clients report that they feel really comfortable around me almost immediately. I experience a great deal of love and appreciation for the folks I work with, and I am deeply humbled that I am allowed into people’s life. As stated previously, Harpo studios sought me out for some work they needed in the area, and for two years I worked with them and ended up being part of a series they were launching. That was quite an experience, a once in a lifetime.
I also currently serve on the board for Capital Area Counseling. A fantastic non-profit offering low income therapy for Austin and the greater area.
However, my greatest achievement has been having and raising my children.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Kindness, authenticity, curiosity.
Pricing:
- $125/hour for a 60 minute sessoin
Contact Info:
