We recently connected with Amber Simpson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amber, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is rooted in my childhood experiences, born and raised in a small town in Illinois called Mendota. It was there, in the heart of the Midwest, that I first observed the value of hard work from my parents, my family and the community.
I landed my first job around age 13 detasseling corn. For those of you that don’t know what detasseling corn is – it is walking the fields and pulling off the tops (tassel) of the corn stalks. In high school, I worked weekends at the Mendota Civic Center. I did what a lot of teens did back then and babysat the neighbor kids every once in a while. I also worked a summer at Nicor Gas (my father’s employer at the time) where I mowed the fields, washed the work vehicles, and painted the gas pipes. After college, I got a job as a CNA and the rest is history, launching my education and career in the healthcare industry.
Through these experiences, I developed not just a strong work ethic, but also a sense of character. I learned early on that I thrive when I’m active and engaged. I also learned a value of a dollar as I saved half of my money and the other half was play money. That money I saved was bought me a desktop computer for my freshman year of college at NIU; which was a big deal back in August 2001. I have a bit of restless energy, if you will, and a desire of doing, creating and contributing in some way. This has never really left me and has been a guiding force in my professional and personal life.
The development of my work ethic is a blend of values I saw in my family, community and myself. All my experiences have not only shaped my approach to work but have also instilled a lifelong commitment to growth and purpose in every endeavor. So yeah, my work ethic all started in a small town called Mendota.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In my professional journey, I’ve embraced multiple roles – as a psychotherapist, consultant and leader in mental health and wellness. I opened my private practice (Eunoia Wellness Counseling) to focus on sleep providing a fusion of traditional therapy with innovative, holistic approaches, addressing the whole self. I get excited with the ability to empower individuals to rediscover and rejuvenate themselves by optimizing their sleep.
I offer a specialized 6-week CBTi (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) program designed to address insomnia. This program is more than just a series of sessions; it’s a transformative journey towards improved sleep and overall wellness. Each week builds upon the last, equipping clients with strategies to overcome sleep challenges but also stress and anxiety. By the end of the program, clients will not only experience better sleep but also gain a deeper understanding of their sleep patterns and how to sustain healthy sleep habits.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Oh, great question. The three I would say are: empathy/compassion, continuous learning and adaptability, and balance. A career, as like life in general, is all about pivoting. In order to pivot successfully, you need empathy, adaptability and balance.
Empathy and compassion are effective in therapy and build meaningful connections. For those just starting out, you can cultivate these by active listening, validating others, and understanding diverse perspectives. This helps build trust and foster deeper therapeutic relationships.
Continuous learning and adaptability of staying relevant and rolling with life. Be open to feedback, seek professional development opportunities, be willing to pivot and change course when necessary.
Balance and self-care are the key to ensuring longevity in your career. Balancing that teeter totter of work and life. Set yourself boundaries, engage in regular self-care activities, seek support when needed to prevent burnout or maintain a healthy perspective and remember that a client’s story is not your story. It’s theirs and not to take it on.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
This is a great question as we just wrapped up 2023 reflections with energy onto 2024. In the past year, my biggest area of growth has been in the realm of self-awareness and professional expansion. I could sum up my year of 2023 with the word momentum. I’ve listened and learned from my clients to enhance my CBTi program with my Eunoia Wellness Counseling practice. Additionally, embracing leadership roles such as NASW-Texas Board Member and pursuing an MBA, has broadened my perspective and skill set, enriching both my personal and professional practice. Growth is not always linear but every experience contributes to our evolution, shaping us into more capable and well-rounded individuals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eunoiawellnesscounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambersimpson_official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambersimpson.official
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-simpson-lcsw-s-cmhimp-b13923198/
