Begging for Therapy

My name is Loretta Collins Begg, and I live outside Washington, D.C., in Bethesda, Maryland. After a 25-year career in sales, I decided to return to school and get my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCPC). My theoretical orientation is a mix of cognitive-behavioral and person-centered therapy. I loathe the term “mental illness” because it is pejorative, keeps people from seeking help, and treats brain diseases separately from physical illness. Until we stop referring to psychological health in a “less than” manner, society will continue to perpetuate its’ stigma. When I grew up, there were few therapists. I sought out this career so others would have easier access to support. Therapy is not one-sided but a partnership.