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Although I never knew it at the time, I was an anxious child. I first learned about the concept of anxiety when I was engaged to be married. I was so scared that I couldn’t sleep, eat, or enjoy almost anything. I kept thinking, “This can’t be right. This is supposed to be the best time of my life.” My sister-in-law, who is a counselor, taught me about anxiety and helped me realize that most of my fears were illogical and “false alarms.” Because of her, I was able to get married and enjoy my wedding day without taking Xanax. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I have been married for 14 years and have 4 children.
Learning about anxiety changed my career aspirations from business to mental health. After I finished my undergraduate degree in Finance at Brigham Young University, I went on to get my graduate degree in clinical social work. BYU’s MSW program has a strong emphasis and a very good reputation in the area of clinical therapy which was my interest. I graduated in 2007.
I spent two years during my graduate program working as an intern in Utah County’s Substance Abuse program. I worked in their residential and outpatient programs. I learned about substance abuse/addiction and gained valuable knowledge in addiction treatment theories. During that time, outside of school, I worked for the Domestic Violence Shelter in Provo (CWCIC), servicing all of Utah County. I worked with police and hospital staff to eliminate “secondary victimization” of sexual assault victims. I also coordinated volunteer efforts that supported hundreds of families and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I spoke at local High School assemblies about healthy relationships.
After I graduated, I moved to Idaho Falls and started work at LDS Family Services in addition to working at Tueller Counseling Services. At LDS Family Services, I worked with individuals and families who had issues relating to anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship conflict. I enjoyed infusing Christian principles into my counseling. At Tueller Counseling, I primarily worked with adolescents and their families who were involved in the court system after probation was deemed insufficient. I enjoyed helping teenagers see their potential and believe in themselves. Working at both agencies provided me with a variety of opportunities which I enjoyed. It also assisted me in my development as a skillful and knowledgeable counselor. In March 2016, I decided to start a private practice to continue my growth as a counselor. I thought I would practice what I teach and I took a leap of faith. Despite my anxiety, I opened Woodhouse Counseling a few months later. I guess I wasn’t ready to give up on my dream of owning my own business.
I enjoy a variety of things. Currently, I am fascinated with the idea of backpacking and have spent hundreds of hours researching the internet in excited anticipation of life changing adventures. More than likely though, I will go a few times, and then move on to something else. Such is life.
