I’ll Stand Beside You

By Joanna Barrett, LMHC

Many years ago, my mother shared a simple story with me: 

A young boy in my kindergarten class, probably just five years old, was upset and crying. What did I do? I put my arm around him. Then, after school, he went home and told his mother about what I did: I stood beside him and put my arm around him. He told his mom that he felt comforted by me – that I helped him feel better. That evening, his mother called my mom to tell her about the incident and how I’d stepped in to help her son.

While the specifics of this experience aren’t in my memory from childhood, its essence has remained in my heart for years. This story marks my intuitive inclination to support and guide people, serving as a humble beginning to a lifelong journey of empathy and understanding. It’s a simple, straightforward story, yet also a profoundly heartwarming tale that speaks to my natural empathy and connectivity with others, traits that have been ingrained within me. 

As a child, I had a deep sensitivity and intuition, yet these traits were often dismissed or undervalued by both myself and others. The messages of “stop feeling so much” echoed around me. There were moments when I wished I could just  “toughen up,” wishing for “thicker skin” to protect me from feeling life’s pains. 

Fortunately, I wasn’t a great listener to the outside chatter that was telling me to be someone different than I innately was. Instead, I chose to trust my inner wisdom and allow it to guide me. Through the years, I’ve nurtured these delicate qualities, refining them into skills that I now use to offer support to people in need. 

In adulthood, I’ve discovered a newfound strength within myself, harnessing the power of my sensitivity and intuition. In some ways, I’ve also become more vulnerable, allowing myself to deeply feel the world around me and letting experiences touch my heart in profound ways.

As a healer, I’ve found my true calling. It’s my life’s purpose to accompany individuals on their journeys as they navigate through life’s darkest moments, face their fears, and address their uncertain futures. I wade through the messiness and complexities of their lives because I believe that no one should have to face it alone. It’s an honor for me to walk alongside my clients as they forge their pathways forward. I am dedicated to answering the call of my heart, and committed to being there for my clients every step of the way. I offer unwavering support as my clients navigate their pathways forward toward brighter futures and lives that they truly love living. 

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