Karen McGibbon,

MA, CCL

My journey to the counselling profession began some 23 years ago when I first stepped in the classroom to teach. I had a Bachelor of Science degree from UWI, but wasnt sure what profession I wanted to be in. I had eventually taught Math, Biology and General Science at 4 different high schools for a total of 7 years, when I realized that I loved working with young people but wanted to be able to offer them more than just additional information in particular subjects. I suspected that Counselling was the profession for me, so after being encouraged by my pastor, family and friends I chose to pursue further studies and eventually obtained a Master of Arts in Pastoral Psychology and Counselling from St. Stephens College in Alberta, Canada. For several years I was involved in counselling as a part of my Christian ministry. I soon obtained a Certificate in Social Work from UWI School of Continuing Studies. During the process of completing my Masters Degree I was employed as a Guidance Counsellor at St. Andrew High School for Girls for a total of 5 years, with nearly 2 of those years as Head of the Guidance Department. Though very demanding, this experience thoroughly prepared me for the challenges that come with working with all types of persons in all types of situations. It felt like Boot Camp! During my time there, I found that it was very hard to adequately serve my clients (students, teachers, parents, staff) in the necessary follow up that was required to see permanent change happen in their lives. The demands of teaching, other school activities and the number of persons that I was counselling concurrently made adequate intervention impossible. By the time I became the Department Head, I quickly recognized that since counselling was my passion, I would not be as fulfilled as I should be in such an administrative position. I knew it was time to start planning to open my own practice. I launched Live Free Coaching & Counseling Services. Since resigning my position and launching my practice, I have been able to start seeing clients in a more comprehensive way. I obtained certification as a Life Coach and am also able to offer those services to clients. I have been able to teach part-time at Mico and am often asked about my counselling services by students there. I have written 3 workbooks: Life Lessons A Personal Development Workbook for Secondary School Students (Grades 7, 8 & 9) which are presently being used in High Schools. I am a PhD student in Counselor Education and

Supervision at Regent University in Virginia, USA. It is a combined online and residency program that is manageable if you are not employed full time. I have also been able to speak at various schools and organizations and these have also been opportunities for me to gain new clients. Being in private practice means you are an entrepreneur. If you choose to take that step, it will be very important to manage your time and finances. It is also crucial to avoid becoming overscheduled which will defeat the purpose for which you went out on your own. You may be tempted to undervalue yourself as a professional. I recommend that you decide how much your services are worth and stand by it, being willing to negotiate subsidized payment for those who have financial constraints. I am happy I took this step and eagerly anticipate what else will come. ________________________________________________ Visit my websites: www.livefreecounseling.com and www.livefreecoaching.net Visit my hubpages at www.happinesscoach.hubpages.com Visit my Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/LiveFreeCoaching.Counseling Email me at coachkaren@livefreecoaching.net or counselorkay@livefreecounseling.com Call me at 486-6725 (Digicel)