I loved getting to know Counselor Kelly Houseman and hearing about she got started in counseling. She is truly an inspiring human and I am thankful to have friended her.
Why did you decide to go into (your profession)?
I have seen the power of therapy in my personal life and by countless friends and family that have surrounded me from a young age. I was such a believer in it that I decided to make that my career and have the privilege of being a guiding light in someone else’s life as well.
What is the best thing about what you do?
Seeing progress and watching a client transform themselves and achieve their goals. Watching the journey of finally figuring out how to live the life someone can be grateful, hopeful and enjoy is the best feeling.
What is the hardest thing about what you do?
Many times people come to therapy with a “fix me” attitude and aren’t ready to put in the work and difficult feelings that change brings about. It can be frustrating for the client and therapist when this happens and someone continues to be stuck. That’s when we both have to get creative in how to make it work.
What is some advice you have for those struggling with (mental health, illness and or pain)?
Know that there are other people out there who think like you even if it seems like you’re the only one. Don’t keep the feelings bottled up-talking to a caring therapist is one of the best reliefs for that! There are so many tools, techniques and support out there we can find something that works for you.
What does mental health mean to you?
Mental health means accepting each emotion as it comes through your body and not judging it but knowing you are capable of working through it. Its confidence in yourself and contentment with the past and present while looking forward to the future.
What is a day in the life like for you at work?
I typically see clients back to back and it is all virtual now so that is a change! I spend 50 minutes truly connecting with each person and breaking down their goals, feelings and questions.
How do you separate work from home life, especially if it was a tough day?
I usually give myself a few moments at the end of the work day to process and breathe. When I go downstairs to take on the role of mom and wife I put my work in a box with a lock on it and transition to being present in the moment with who and what I am doing. Of course there are times I think about a client but I am really working on the mindfulness aspect of life and that helps tremendously.
Have you had any experince with (mental health, pain or illness) and has that helped or hindered you with work?
Our grad school encouraged all counseling students to try therapy so we knew what it felt like on the other side. I have proudly been in therapy myself and am the first one to sing its praises and recommend it to everyone.
Is there anything else you want us to know about you or the field?
I have a mental health podcast and YouTube channel (Kelly’s Reality) where I interview celebrities on how they got to where they are and how they take care of themselves to stay at the top.
If you want to learn more about Kelly you can check her out below.
Website: http://www.kellysreality.com
Instagram: @KellyHouseman
Facebook: @KellysReality
