Officer) counselors and USMC personal in need of such assistance. This was his initial contact with counseling work which refocused his goals and provided him a new professional direction as well a newfound personal satisfaction. It was his lengthy USMC experience which eventually lead him to pursuing his Associates degree in mental health counseling at Harold Washington Community College (as well as receiving his CADC qualifications) immediately following his military career which then brought him to pursuing more hands- on work as an intern at EMAGES. Focusing on his CADC (Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor) training and specializing
currently furthering his education at National Lewis University. Recalling his military training and the enduring sense of accomplishment and self-confidence it provided him, Mr. Gouard recently shared- “I’m absolutely fueled to put effort into everything I do and to try to stand out as much as I can in a positive way as a behavioral technician and beyond. And I have to say that my educational experience with EMAGES carries just as much weight with me as my service in the military. And I don’t say that lightly.”
For now the “beyond’ includes completing his degree from NLU and then hopefully entering into work as a counselor at military bases across the
in drug counseling, Mr. Gouard especially enjoyed working in group therapy with his diverse classes. He also felt his work in this area was gratifying beyond the personal. In his words- “I saw that because
country in order to help his fellow servicemen who unfortunately encounter problems along their own service journeys. We may notice that Mr. Gouard no longer wears his USMC uniform but he very clearly has not forgotten the abiding honor, respect and love that his time serving his country instilled in his spirit and soul. As he maps his future of even more service to his former brothers and sisters in arms, we may also notice that the action of service is itself one of the highest forms of our common humanity. From the USMC to EMAGES, the positive light of Mr. Gouard continues to beam brightly for all to see and to shine into our darkest corners where it’s most needed.
of my own background I might bring a different standpoint to the groups. So many of the individuals involved in the therapy had and held a really negative view toward social work because of their own negative past experiences, and I really felt I could offer a more positive outlook and a more positive light in this area.” In his six months of close work with EMAGES staff and counselors—including Dr. Wash, CADC Geraldine Taylor and Mitzi Scott in case management—Mr. Gouard began to appreciate the positive and profound length and depth of all that his counseling training could bring to his Emage’s groups as both individuals and as families. His internship experience also provided him with a fresh direction as he is
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