Excerpts from an Interview

Q. How do you find meaning in your work?

A. Children are resilient, trusting, fast learners and positive by nature. It is rewarding to see how quickly children start to understand themselves and others. When I work with a child, I work with the hope that this child will eventually grow up to be a healthy, well-defined adult who is able to relate to his surroundings positively and can handle stressful situations with confidence and forbearance. Certain skills and attitudes that are learned in childhood will become part of a person's attitude and behavior in adulthood. When you address issues- no matter how painful- early in life, the issues will less likely be a factor later in life. So, it is meaningful to know that you are partnering with the parents in setting the child on a trajectory for success and fulfillment. In grief work, I accompany others through their pain and journey of bereavement and recovery and count it both a privilege and an honor. I feel I am answering a higher call and that I have been given the grace, experience and knowledge to deal with issues of loss.

Q. Where do you find the strength to deal with other people's pain and suffering you encounter daily?

A. My strength comes first from my faith. I strive to maintain inner peace through faith, and in balancing family responsibilities, work and leisure. Volunteering at a nursing home is very rewarding, and it helps to keep perspective on life. I also have supportive and loving relationships that ground me of which my marriage is of utmost importance.

Q. How do you integrate the science of psychology with Christian values as a therapist at the Family Counseling Center?

A. The many theories we explore and learn in psychology form a mosaic that paints a picture of how the mind works, and answers many questions about the person as a social being. That mosaic is illumined within the larger context of Creation and the purpose of life. Christianity addresses aspects of life that psychology cannot or does not address. I read a psychology book on grief once that talks about giving hope to a terminally ill patient. It mentions how one can find hope in every moment up to the moment of death: hope that one will be pain free for 5 minutes, hope that one can be with a family member as one dies- and other such beautiful practical illustrations of hope. Then the authors state that death is not something they wish to address, and the message of hope stops there. Here is where Christianity, or any religion for that matter, can supply much needed hope and continue where psychology leaves off. This is but one simple illustration...

Q. What do you say to clients who are not Christian who seek services from you?

I have worked with many non-Christians over the years. While I was teaching in Beirut, most of the students at the American Community School were non-Christian. I was also a Parent Educator for First Steps Washtenaw who worked with Arabic speaking families. Many of the home visits I made were to Muslim families. I respect each person as a gift from God and work within the framework of the culture, traditions, religion and values of my clients.