MILLIE HUDSON LIBBY is a former Dental Hygienist. She is now a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters in Counseling. She has a private practice in Phoenix and works with individuals, couples, adults and adolescents. She also does presentations on Parenting Teens & Tweens at churches, schools and parent organizations throughout the valley.
Q: Why did you switch careers?
A: I worked in my husband’s dental office as an office manager and a hygienist. My father was a dentist and I had experience working in offices. I was more familiar with running an office and the financial aspects than my husband (we married when he was in dental school). It is hard enough to tell a boss how to run things but it is worse if the boss is your husband. I knew I needed to move in a new direction but I did not know which path to follow.
Q: Why did you choose your current field of work?
A: I reviewed the things I enjoyed about being a hygienist and what my patients complimented me on. I knew I liked working with people one-on-one and my patients would tell me that I was good at putting ideas together in a way that was concise and made sense. I thought counseling would be a good fit and I looked into counseling programs.
Q: Who was your inspiration?
A: Joanie Johnson, a counselor, was an inspiration for me. She taught me Emotion Focused Therapy and Free Form Writing. Because we cannot (hand) write as fast as we think; feelings and intuitive ideas have a chance to come to the surface. You would be surprised what you learn about what is really going on. It really “cuts to the chase.”
Q: How did you prepare for your job change?
A: Since I had college credits but not a degree I had to complete my degree. The rules had changed since 1973 so I had to take computer classes at Rio Salado, College Algebra and Statistics at SCC and classes in Phoenix from NAU’s Extension Services to get my General Studies Degree. I applied and was accepted to ASU’s graduate counseling program. I loved the classes and knew it was a fit. My classmates finished the program in 2 years. Being older knew what I did not know. I took extra classes and completed a year-long internship at the student counseling center at ASU. When I graduated someone asked “how many years were you in school.” I had just done one class at a time and did not add up the time until I graduated. I had not known until I graduated that it took me 6 years.
Q: What’s been your biggest challenge so far with your career change?
A: I worked in a community mental health agency for 8yrs. and I wanted to have a private practice. I was a bit naive in some ways and I started my private practice with a partner. We had different agendas and I lost money. Dissolving the partnership was like getting a divorce. Fortunately I was the major partner.
Q: How did you meet that challenge?
A: Money was tight so I put every penny I could back into the office and was out of debt in 6 months. Then I moved to a smaller office. I learned to be very assertive and checked every fee and invoice during the build out phase. When my office was finished I realized I was exactly where wanted to be. The next challenge was hiring an administrative assistant. I hired several people that did not work out and then I found my current staff person. I am an idea person and she is concrete and organized and we compliment each other’s style.
Q: How do you measure success?
A: I enjoy going to work every day and I make a difference in people’s lives and I get paid to do a job I love. I have learned that if I don’t worry and I pay attention and do what is in front of me, even in this economy, everything will work out fine.
Q: What opportunities do you currently see in the Arizona economy?
A: I think small businesses like mine do well in this economy because I “am” the product. I can change or adjust to changes around me. This economy is a good opportunity for any business to give personalized service and go the extra mile. I used to give talks to therapists on how to “attract private pay clients.” It is important to set yourself apart and make the extra effort. For example; when a new client calls and schedules I ALWAYS call and speak to them before their first appointment to answer any questions or concerns.
Q: What advice do you have for others who are thinking about switching careers?
A: Notice the things you do that energize you. Look back at past jobs, volunteer positions etc. including what you wanted to grow up to be when you were young. If you are thinking of going back to school check out the curriculum and classes for different majors. Then make a list of all the things you enjoyed doing from each group. You will notice reoccurring themes to follow.
Q: What is next for you?
A: I am a curious person and I love learning new things. I am interested in the effects of video games, texting and social networks on relationships. Also the effect of concussions and brain trauma on mood, Attention deficit, and explosive behavior. I would also like to write a book on parenting teens and tweens with minimal conflict and more fun. I would need someone to ask me questions and let me tell the stories that would give examples of the techniques. I want to keep doing therapy and watch my grandbabies grow up.
Originally published in the Arizona Republic newspaper on Mar. 20, 2010 – Special for The Republic by Alison Stanton
