My Calling

So I've recently realized why I've decided to go into rehabilitation counseling, and Thanksgiving dinner sparked this thought....

I don't know how your family is, but it seems to me that just about every family has that person who is condescending. There is nothing you could do that would ever add up to be good enough. What they do will always be better than what you could do. I have a cousin who is like this. God love her, and I honestly don't know if she realizes she is like this. For as long as I can remember she has looked down her nose on my sister and I. This thanksgiving she asked me, "So what are you doing now?" And not in that curious I haven't talked to you in forever way. I told her I was getting my Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, and that I found it rewarding. "Rewarding?" she said. "Yes, rewarding, I get to help people," I replied. She didn't know I heard her, but under her breath she said, "Yeah, but most people don't want the help." I was shocked, but I knew she was referring to addiction. Every time I tell some that I'm going into rehabilitation counseling they always connect it with drug addiction or alcoholism.

First of all, you obviously don't have a clue what my field is like. Let me explain:

When an OIF veteran comes home, and he slips through the local Memphis VA assessments because they are overwhelmed with the over 200,000 veterans they serve in three states (over 53 counties), and is unable to find a job because of one, our economy and two, he/she is suffering from PTSD. I am the person who will who works for the state vocational rehab program and helps that person not only find counseling, but talks to them about their goals and helps them take the steps needed in furthering their education and/or finding employment.

When a young adult starts to show early signs of schizophrenia, has an episode, and ends up hospitalized. I am the person who helps him/her understand their illness and realize that it is not the end of their life. I am the one that the family comes to for support and understanding. I am the one who sets up a treatment plan, and a relapse prevention plan. I teach that patient how important medication is and help them ease their way back into society.

When there is a group of people with a disability who are fighting for equality, I am the person who fights with them. Equality meaning all they want is a ramp into a building or a differing kind of door knob. They want to be able to work. They want access to the same things we have access too. It is not about government money or getting on disability or taking advantage of tax dollars. They simply want to be seen as a person first. I am the person who helps fight that stigma, and acts as a support system.

Though many of the people in my field will work in alcohol and drug treatment facilities, that is not all rehabilitation counseling is about.  I suggest before you make judgments, you do your research.

I don't think it is any secret that I am a Christian, and my faith is extremely important to me. I recently learned in class that rehabilitation counseling is about meeting the client where they are in life and where they are in recovery. It is about making people feel supported and loved. Why am I drawn to this field? Because that is exactly what Jesus did. Jesus did not sit in his high rise office asking people, "how does that make you feel?" Jesus got his hands dirty. It is not a glamorous job. I will be everything from a counselor to a cab driver for my clients, but if that is what it takes I don't care. Jesus didn't care. I believe that Jesus' calling is simple. "Follow Me" But heck, it is not easy. I was called to be a rehabilitation counselor, it gives me an opportunity to get my hands dirty on a daily basis. And yes, I said opportunity. There is no dollar amount that could ever take the place of a changed life.