Kelly Walker

Three.

I started K-State as a major in nutrition and exercise science, changed to interior design, and finally ended up in family studies. I completed the assessments available at the Academic and Career Information Center and always knew I wanted to work with people.

In looking over the classes required for family studies, each one looked like a class I would take voluntarily! It was a simple switch, and for me it was easy to give up all the time I spent in studio as an interior design major!

• Kappa Alpha Theta
• Leadership Studies ambassador
• Mortar Board National Honorary
• Enhanced University Experience instructor
• K-State Open House Entertainment Committee

Upon graduating from K-State I entered graduate school at Friends University and obtained a master's degree in family therapy. Upon getting my first job after graduate schooI, I completed three separate internships, which were invaluable in providing a foundation to build my experience.

My first job as a therapist began with answering an ad for a contract therapist position at a local agency, which I found in the career builder section of the newspaper. I submitted an application and resume and was invited for a first interview. I met the director, and we seemed to hit it off. It was January, and following the interview the director stated she would like to hire me but really preferred someone with more experience. I understood but left feeling discouraged about how I was going to acquire the experience without a job.

At the time I was also in the initial stages of opening a private practice. I continued that endeavor and gradually built up a clientele. In July of that same year I received a phone call from the director I had interviewed with months back and who now offered me another contract therapist position.

Fortunately, I was able to work at the agency part time as a contract therapist while at the same time building my own practice. I remained employed at the agency for ten months before I submitted my resignation to work full time at Walker Counseling Services, LLC.

I arrive at the office, greet my receptionist, go through the mail, and briefly review the schedule for the day. On a given day I will meet with five to seven different clients who are in various stages of the treatment process. I listen to their concerns, field their questions, and create behavioral interventions in hope of initiating the change the particular client has set out to achieve.

I also take phone calls and answer e-mails throughout the day in between scheduled sessions from potential or current clients needing to schedule or change appointments, as well as from physicians or co-therapists who may be collaborating on a particular case.

The best part of my job is knowing I am making a difference in someone’s life.

Being ready and available to face whatever challenge awaits me hour by hour is certainly challenging. Working with human beings can be complicated. Not every intervention is going to work in every situation. It’s important to be creative and flexible while remaining attuned to the specific needs of the client.