A WORD FROM Dr Veronica…
Vulnerability. It’s a dreadful thing. I even hate to say the word; sometimes we just call it the “V-word” in my therapy sessions. Vulnerability is being exposed to the possibility of being hurt. [Shudder] I prefer to be invincible. When I feel vulnerable, I work hard to protect myself: I practice conversations in which I “win,” I cut off people who hurt me, I avoid experiences that may cause pain or embarrassment.
Isn’t it astounding that the God of the universe made Himself vulnerable? Through Jesus’s birth, He completely opened Himself to disease, rejection and death. Though He could have protected Himself, God instead chose to experience physical, emotional and relational pain in order to be with us for all time. Christmas is a good reminder that we aren’t the only ones at risk here on earth. God gets our vulnerability and does not ask us to go through something he isn’t willing to endure Himself. When I am vulnerable, I find comfort in that truth.
Meet Marissa!
Our therapist interview of the month features Marissa Halstead. Marissa has been with Envision a little over a year and is a frequent writer of our blogs! Marissa is married to her college sweetheart, Justin, and together they have their hands full with their adorably spunky daughter Adeline, Angela the cat and an axolotl named Bean. What gets her out of bed in the AM? That aforementioned adorable 9 month old and a zest for fresh, new starts. When asked her greatest achievement – she answered “locking down her husband and making babies”. Can you feel the love??
Originally, Marissa thought she was going to be a hospital nurse. But instead, she heeded God’s voice and switched to majoring in psychology. Marissa experienced significant healing through her own therapy journey and wanted to be a helper for others. Marissa feels that the past can effect your present and getting healthy helps! Three words Marissa would use to describe her role as a therapist are safe, authentic and non-judgmental. Sounds like the perfect place to work on oneself. She loves meeting her clients right where they are and establishing true connection instead of continuing to live with the masks we all use to get through life. Marissa fully believes that life is not a problem to be solved, but just something to be experienced. If she could change jobs with anyone anywhere – Marissa would be a stand-up comedian because she loves the sound of laughter. Most embarrassing moment in therapy? That would be her pregnant belly sneaking out of the bottom of her shirt. Whoopsies!
What can we find Marissa doing outside of the office? Family time, playing with Adeline and going on walks. She also has an affinity for cute coffee shops after working at Starbucks for 7 years. What is she binging (like new parents can do that…)? True Crime paired with a lovely bowl of chocolate fudge brownie ice cream.
And of course, the closing favorite quote, this time from The Office…
“There is a lot of beautiful in ordinary things…but isn’t that the point?” – Pam
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