Get to know Thea Wessel, a Licensed Addiction Counselor, has a masters in Forensic Psychology, and is a member of the Colorado Association of Addiction Professionals. Thea, a mother of three, has been working on building a Reiki practice which she hopes to contribute it into substance abuse treatment. Learn more about Thea and her contribution to The Odyssey Center through an interview we had with her:
How long have you been an addiction counselor and what about the career field drew you in?
I have been working in the field for almost 9 years. I began my career working with at risk adolescents involved with CDHS who were utilizing substances. I realized my one course in grad school about substance use and theory was not going to be enough to help me work with them when they were actively interested in using.
What advice do you have for someone who is either training to become a counselor or is just starting their first job?
Be open to learn. Be willing to have the self awareness to know yourself and to find new ways to help others become all they want to be.
What is important to you about training CAC classes and what do you enjoy about training at Odyssey?
I enjoy many things about Odyssey, but most of all, Odyssey brings back memories of my training days as this is where I completed my CAC courses! Robin still remembers me getting sick while being pregnant with twins and refusing to leave.
Given that Colorado is a state which has medicinal and recreational marijuana use, what do you think about addicts using marijuana during the recovery process or is it a hindrance?
Marijuana is a drug! Whether or not someone chooses to use it is a different conversation. I think we need to do additional research on the current levels of THC we are seeing before determining if it aids or hinders care.
How was your perspective on addiction changed since you began counseling? Training?
My perspective has changed in a number of ways, but the biggest change for me was when my thinking went from just stop… to help me understand what is so painful in your life you are willing to sacrifice joy. People didn’t imagine their lives here at 4 years old…life just got in the way. Now I want to work with them to get them to their potential.
What are some common traits you see in some of your most successful students?
Openness in conversation. The most successful clients are willing to challenge their long standing thoughts about substance use in a way that allows them to be open to the client’s experience.
Is there anything a prospective student can do to prepare to become an addiction counselor?
Enjoy the courses. The courses are not intended to be check the box items. They are intended to help you learn how to work with a difficult population. I also think doing your own work is also important. Some of our clients die, and it is painful. Taking care of yourself is the only way you are emotionally available to help others.
There has been tremendous growth and changes in addiction field in the past several years? As a clinician and trainer, what do you see as one of the most meaningful changes impacting you and your students?
I know that technology is the way of the world, but I think there is a real value in exchanging energy while you are learning with others and the instructor. Try both online and in person courses to get the most out of the potential to learn.