Interview with Mary Collins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Oakbrook Terrace, IL

/ Life Balance Counseling, Inc,./

What do you enjoy about being a counselor?

I love being a counselor because I enjoy building a relationship that is based on a genuine connection. Within this relationship, it is rewarding to watch even when there are some bumps in the road. Watching my clients reach their goals and fulfill their potential is a fulfilling experience.

What specific issue(s) are you skilled at helping with?

I am skilled at working with a wide variety of mental health concerns. I am experienced in helping young adults and adults cope with chronic pain, chronic health issues, anxiety, and depression. I am also a certified addictions counselor and have worked with adolescents, young adults, and adults who struggle with substance abuse and other addictions.

What is my role as a counselor?

My role as a counselor is to help guide my clients down their intended path. My role is not to make decisions for my clients, but to help them recognize what their goals are and assist them in achieving them.

What is your view on the purpose of counseling?

I view counseling as an opportunity to take time for yourself and to get reacquainted with what you want out of your life. Counseling gives you support and motivation to work through your problems, rather than avoiding them.

How have your own life struggles helped you become the counselor you are today?

My own life struggles were what brought me to the field of counseling. As an adolescent and young adult, I struggled with chronic health issues that greatly impacted my life. I found myself needing help to manage these challenges and see the positive in the situation. Through this experience, I learned how difficult it can be to ask for help. This experience showed me that through having an empathic, caring, and safe environment, great change can occur.

What is your counseling focus?

I use a client-centered approach. This means that I allow the client to lead the session, so we can focus on what is important to them at that moment. I often supplement this with cognitive-behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing techniques. I do so to address irrational thoughts as well as encourage my clients to make the changes they envision.