Ara O’Hayre, Intern

I believe a beautiful strength exists within each of us and that it is this strength that protects us when we suffer. When weare ready to begin healing,it is this same strength that asks us to seek solace. If we trust the voice of our own strength, it can guide us to a place and time in our lives where relief can be found. In this place, we can begin to learn to honor our strength and all it has done to cradle us as we suffered. We can then begin a journey toward healing, through liberation from pain, and a sense of belonging in our most treasured relationships. And, our strength ultimately supports us in the expression of our most true and vibrant selves by helping us to discover and embrace a sense of personal empowerment.

Like many of us, through my life’s journey, I have come to know emotional pain: my own and that of those I love dearly. These experiences have cultivated a deep sense of empathy within me that enables and inspires me to join with others as they walk through their own pain toward belonging and empowerment. I have walked in empathy with others from the time I was 13 years old, first as a peer counselor, then as a volunteer, and later as a relational trainer. I am grateful to currently be a 3rd year graduate student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Regis University, and overjoyed to be an Intern with Denver Counseling Options.

In addition to finding joy in therapeutic work, I also find joy in being a mother. My son is my angel. We enjoy cooking dinner together, watching movies, and spending Saturday afternoons at the museum. When on my own, I never tire of watching home, garden, and travel shows, love creating cozy home spaces, and dream of travelling to so many places. When my day is over, I like to take time for personal introspection through expressive journal writing, and to renew my energy with yoga and meditation. These practices help me to be present for the next day’s walk with others in empathy toward belonging and empowerment.