Angela Pohlen, MS, LMHCA

I try to learn new things every day and stay open-minded. I get a lot of positive feedback from my clients, and I think what I'm most grateful for is that my clients will feel comfortable telling me that I've impacted them. Not a lot of therapists get kudos to their face - but knowing I've made a difference in people's lives is what I take home. That is what motivates me to strive to be the best version of myself I can be, not only for me, but for them.

You only fail if you quit.

My advice to women entering this field is simple: don't spend your career trying to become the version of yourself that makes everyone else comfortable. Early on, I was told that I was too direct, too decisive, and that my approach wouldn't work. What I eventually learned is that effectiveness matters more than fitting a stereotype.

Be willing to learn, be willing to grow, and be willing to admit when you're wrong—but don't confuse confidence with a character flaw. Many women are taught to soften their opinions, minimize their expertise, or second-guess their instincts. I would encourage the opposite. Develop your skills, trust your judgment, and let your work speak for itself.

The qualities that make you different may ultimately become the qualities that make you successful.

The counseling profession is currently facing both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges. On the opportunity side, there has never been greater awareness of mental health. More people are seeking help, stigma continues to decrease, and advancements in telehealth have expanded access to care for individuals who may never have reached a therapist's office otherwise. We are seeing greater recognition of the value of mental health services in schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities.

The challenges are equally significant. Demand for services continues to outpace the number of available providers, contributing to burnout, long waitlists, and increasingly complex client needs. Insurance reimbursement, administrative burden, and access to affordable care remain ongoing concerns for both clinicians and the clients they serve. Many counselors enter the field because they want to help people, only to discover that navigating systems and paperwork can sometimes compete with the work they are most passionate about.

Despite these challenges, I believe the future of counseling is incredibly promising. The need for authentic human connection, effective treatment, and practical solutions continues to grow. For counselors willing to adapt, specialize, and advocate for both their clients and the profession, there are meaningful opportunities to make a lasting impact.

The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are authenticity, understanding, personal responsibility, and meaningful connection.

In my work as a therapist, I believe real change happens when people are willing to look honestly at their lives, take ownership of the choices within their control, and move toward solutions rather than remaining stuck in the problem. I value direct communication, compassion, and the ability to challenge people in a way that helps them grow.

In my personal life, I place a high value on genuine relationships, curiosity, and continuous learning. I strive to understand people and their experiences, even when their perspectives differ from my own. I believe strong communication is one of the foundations of healthy relationships, whether in friendships, family, or professional settings.

Ultimately, I want my work and my life to reflect the same principle: helping create a little more understanding, a little more growth, and a little more hope than existed before.