Counselling adults and children experiencing mental health issues
Name: Lauren Van Impe
Age: 29
Position: Mental health counsellor
Job description: I work for the Hamilton Family Health Team, out of two doctors’ offices, to provide counselling for patients requiring any kind of mental health/well-being support. I see a variety of people, from children to 90-year-olds; individuals, couples and families. Is this the job you thought you’d be doing? Yes, this is definitely the job I thought I would be doing. I first went into psychology because I liked people, liked listening to people and felt that I could be fairly unbiased and non-judgmental. At the time, about 10 years ago, mental health did not have the attention it does now but when I would think about myself in a professional role, the image of being a counsellor was pretty clear. Advice to others on launching a career: Do it! Don’t wait to do more schooling if it is needed, find a schedule that will work for you. We are fortunate that we live in a time where there are many ways of learning outside of the traditional classroom. I completed my master’s online while working full-time — not easy but it prevented debt from piling up and helped me to learn theoretically and practically at the same time. If you are unsure of what you want to do, explore your interests through volunteering or night courses. Don’t commit to a lengthy program until you know the commitment is there.
Roots: I was born in Waterdown, went to and lived in Guelph for my undergrad, moved back to my parents’ place in Waterdown after the four years and then we all moved to Hamilton. I’ve lived in and around Hamilton ever since and don’t plan on leaving! iPhone, Android or BB? iPhone Favourite restaurant in the downtown: Oh man, I love food. Love Jack and Lois, love the Aberdeen Tavern, love Naroma, HAMBRGR, any place that does Novemburger … I’ll eat anything. Best features of life in Hamilton: The people, the old buildings, the closeness to nature, the “city” feel without being too big or overwhelming, the diversity and the food. What would make Hamilton a better city: Working in the field I do — there is a continual need for community supports to come together — we offer a lot, but better communication would allow for more holistic care of people in need. I also see a need for more programs that provide skill-based training; I see a lot of people on ODSP who would like to get back into the working world but need support with learning skills. I know there are programs out there, but it seems like we could use more. Contacts: laurenvanimpe@gmail.com
Quote: Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.
If you know a Young Professional who would make a good candidate for this Hamilton profile series, send an email to shenderson@thespec.com