Law and Enlightened Order
Beth Patterson, Psychotherapist & Grief Counselor
March 7, 2010 | Comments (50)
Beth Patterson has always been passionate about music so her career progression from a boutique entertainment law firm to RCA Records and then to Elektra Entertainment were logical paths for this attorney after earning her JD from Brooklyn Law School. After the merger of AOL and Time Warner, Beth was laid off from Elektra and began to think seriously about her next career move. Ageism and sexism were alive and well in the corporate arena, according to Beth, so at 40 something, she was ready to take her career into her own hands and make a change.
How 9/11 Gave Life New Meaning
As a New Yorker who witnessed the second plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11, she believes that this horrific event was also a catalyst that propelled her towards a change. Beth was with her husband in Vail, Colorado attending a jazz music festival when they both fell in love with the idea of relocating and starting anew. Quite a bold decision for a native New Yorker who was not yet sure if there was life beyond the Big Apple.
As a practicing Buddhist, Beth suffered through sexist bosses in the corporate arena who gave her additional grief for her enlightened spiritual ways. Colorado also beckoned because it is the home of Naropa University, a fully accredited Buddhist-oriented university, where Beth earned a Masters Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology in 2006. She came to the conclusion that “…law just wasn’t me anymore.” and started on a personal journey at Naropa that ultimately led her to develop a private practice in psychotherapy and grief counseling in Denver, as well as work as Life Care Coordinator for a Denver hospice.
Beth’s studies at Naropa in human development in the second half of life allowed Beth to dig deeper into her personal journey, and to develop her feminine self. Her life as a product of the Feminist Revolution did not accord with the traditional developmental model of Carl Jung, who had posited in his work during the Victorian Age that women in the second half of life worked to develop their masculine energy. One of her favorite books is Maureen Murdock’s The Heroine’s Journey which details the passage women like Beth take in their quest towards wholeness in the second half of life, rediscovering their feminine energy that had to be suppressed to “make it” in the male-oriented corporate world.
What a Relief to Do What You Love
Beth is now enjoying a three- tiered career as a therapist in private practice, a Hospice bereavement and volunteer coordinator, and as a some-time attorney, representing musicians and other individuals in the arts. The foundation of her private practice is built upon the premise that a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment can help clients discover their innate inner resources in order to navigate life’s inevitable changes, such as the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or separation, job loss, illness or disability, infertility, stressful care giver trials or other life challenges.
“My therapeutic style is informed by my spiritual practice and deep belief that we all have the inherent wisdom to use our losses and other life challenges and transitions to grow and heal. My counseling practice is client-centered, grounded in wellness not sickness, and blends solution-focused, contemplative, body-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches.”
In addition to her certification as a hospice trained grief counselor, Beth also practices EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an effective and scientifically proven tool for alleviating trauma, negative self-beliefs, chronic pain, depression and anxiety by enhancing performance in all fields. A certified mindfulness meditation Instructor, Beth has grown her professional skill set with these additional tools to empower her in her new career.
This new career path comes as “such a relief” according to Beth, who is finally able to be herself in the workplace. She is also appreciated and acknowledged for her strengths and hard work which she finds very rewarding. It was tough for Beth to leave the high salary security of corporate law in New York but shedding the golden handcuffs was worth it in the long run for this legal counselor turned therapist. Beth shares an office with other practitioners to cut costs.
Be Your Own Best Advocate
By nature, Beth is not a risk taker so the cross country relocation and career move was a leap of faith. She and her husband love the lifestyle in Colorado and her practice is on-the-grow. The cost of living is less than in New York, but she struggles with the health care system and dealing with insurance companies. As a solo practitioner, she does not accept insurance payments directly but clients can submit her bills for reimbursement if their plan includes mental health and wellness coverage. It’s a challenge to help clients understand this process but she remains optimistic. Her goal is to have 10 steady clients a week, in addition to her 30-hour a week hospice position, and to develop a strong referral system as her practice grows.
Breathing the mountain air of Denver has cleansed her body and soul and Beth is at peace with her transition. She reinvented herself career wise and tapped into her inner woman to release a person who is passionate about helping others and in control of her happiness.
Beth’s Advice and Action Steps:
- Don’t beat yourself up – you need to be your number one advocate!
- Consider sharing office space until you can afford your own unique space.
- Be truthful with yourself. Listen to your heart and know what you are passionate about.
- Don’t be afraid to be a woman – tap into your femininity.
Quote: “Be a good person and be mindful that your actions matter.” Beth Patterson
Resources:
www.bethspatterson.wordpress.com
Maureen Murdock’s book: The Heroine’s Journey
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