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Mutual staff support

“Good listening skills are extremely important because a lot of the clients we work with just need to have someone hear their story. Of course, we also have to have empathy and be genuine, and not try to do for them what they are capable of doing for themselves. Then, the f irst thing we have to f ind out is what they want and what they need. Once we understand what their needs are, then we can help them accomplish their goals.” Counseling can be a stressful, challenging profession, and taking care of patients sometimes involves taking time for some self-care, Warnic says.

“We have a small group of staff here, and we really support each other. Sometimes you can get so involved in taking care of the clients, you forget to take care of yourself.” To deal with stress and avoid job burnout, she swims three times a week to relieve stress, makes sure she's eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and makes a point of discussing with her supervisor, “whatever challenges I might be facing.” In the future, Warnic would like to do more to apply her long-time interest in natural health to addiction and mental health treatment. It's an interest that dates back to the age of 18, when a doctor told her she had gallstones and would need to undergo a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). Warnic started researching an alternative solution and found it in herbal medicine and natural foods. She never had the operation, but her health returned. She believes she made the right career choice, and is in the right place at MWFHE. “We're doing a service for people by helping restore their ability to live clean and sober lives, put their lives back together, and bringing together and strengthening families.”

- Valeria Warnic counselor, Men and Women For Human Excellence

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