Doc Warren

Leadership is something that is often expected of clinical professionals whether or not they are supervisors, directors, owners of private practice or newbies who have just entered the field. Newbies become de facto leaders of their clinical groups, or even viewed as leaders of sorts by their individual clients. Others, as they grow in responsibilities find that they are put in charge of leading whether they want to be or not.

I was approached recently by a very shy, humble woman who was just starting out on her career as a counselor. Though her words were quiet and her eye contact all but nonexistent, I sensed a real kindred spirit, kind heart and friendly soul. As we talked she told me that she had read some of the text books that I contributed to and followed my blogs. It is always humbling to know that there are even a few folks who take the time to read even one item that I have crafted.

“Papa, what does dilemma mean?” “Well Suzie, a dilemma is when you have two or more choices to make; each one has its own merits and its own reasons not to choose it. It is complicated and confusing as to what is the best choice but you can only make one.” “For instance, the other day down at the store I had a dilemma. I was working alone, Liam, my partner, was away when this lady came in to pay off her account. I took the money and put it in the cigar box so I could record it later. When I got back to it I noticed that she overpaid me by fifty dollars. I had a real dilemma on my hands.” You did Papa? What was it?” “Well Suzie, I had to decide if I should keep the whole fifty or split it with Liam.” *

Those who read this blog regularly know that Helen is one of the mascots here at Community Counseling of Central CT. Inc. and at our partially open (still under construction) Pillwillop Therapeutic Farm. Helen is about 2 years old now, was born deaf and was found terribly abused, neglected and wandering the streets until some great folks risked life and limb to rescue her from a rock outcropping.

Henry David had his experience at Walden Pond which left an indelible mark on his life and on the field of literature since he published “on Walden Pond” all those years ago. Though I never finished the book because it was too dry for me at the time, I loved the message, the image that his adventure left on me. It meant so much in fact that I have visited Walden Pond many times over the years.