Why did I choose to become a Therapist?
In 1989, after years of struggling with my own addictions I reached out and asked for help. I entered treatment and my recovery journey began. In the early 90’s (92’-93’) a recovering friend asked me about my interest in working with folks who are struggling with their addiction and/or mental health issues. At that time I was working in the business world. Even though I was successful in business, that suggestion just stuck in my head and kind of haunted me at times. The more I resisted that idea the stronger it became. What happened from there is truly a spiritual journey. I started working in both business and addiction treatment. Working daytime in the business world and 6pm-12pm in the counseling world. It did not take long for me to realize that my passion for business was ramping down and my passion for counseling was ramping up. Way up. I recognized I needed to get a graduate degree. This started me down the path of becoming a therapist. When I finished grad school, I completed an additional 1-1/2 years of post-graduate training in Family Therapy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
My favorite part of practicing therapy
Wow, there are so many. I have an opportunity to simply “be” with clients as they learn about who they are and courageously become who they want to be. I am especially passionate about working with couples. Walking side by side with them on their journey to learn about themselves, ways to heal, build a closer connection and move toward a stronger relationship. Clients allow me to step into their world at a very trusting level, and that privilege is powerful and humbling. Helping them connect with themselves and each other is a true privilege. I get to see how amazingly resilient folks and ways God is working in their life.
If someone is battling addiction they need “a village.” Various types of therapy–including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, 12-step meetings, and church groups–can be effective to help in the battle with addiction. For some, medication may be part of their recovery plan. Accountability is vital in recovery from any addictive disorder. Addiction grows in shame and isolation, so reaching out for help is a vital part of healing.
What should someone expect when they come to see me?
They can expect someone who is caring and compassionate. People who are hurting “don’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care.” When someone reaches out for help, often they have doubts, sadness, anger, shame, guilt, fears and questions. Those feelings show up in many different forms. The underpinning of all those are basically:
1. Will you really be able to understand and help me or us?
2. Is there something wrong with me or us?
3. Am I or are we going to be okay?
4. Are we going to be able to be happy again?
When anyone comes for therapy it is vital that a trusting, respectful and confidential relationship is built. I believe therapy is one of the most effective ways to engender healing.
– Rick Gordon, LCSW, CSAT
Rick lives in Flower Mound. He enjoys sailing, the ocean and training his puppy Morgan to be a therapy dog.