7+ years as a psychotherapist. 15+ years as a wilderness guide. Founded Avanim Adventures and Ari Hoffman Psychotherapy.
Being a good leader is about equal parts fidelity to your goal and building trust & communication. My experience as a wilderness guide and a therapist is valuable to you as a leader. From your call with me you will not get advice because every trouble spot is different. You will get a framework and themes that will inform your identity and practice as a leader. I won't give you a fish, but I will teach you how to catch your own.
We both know that the skills required in wilderness adventures are desirable in most settings. What I have learned in the wilderness could inhabit countless motivational seminars. Because of the fact that employers are only scanning the resume, try putting something a little more catchy. In Colorado, where I live, everybody and their cousin has backpacked in the wilderness so instead we might put something like: climbed 10 14'ers, wilderness survival specialist, or wilderness guide (on my resume).
Pick two or three things you learned in the wilderness that you think are marketable and then add them as bullet points under the title.
Yes, yes, and a little more yes. I can relate to you but in a different field. I am a psychotherapist and wilderness guide. I can recommend an approach: whatever you do, don't be a spaz about it. I think you know what I mean by spaz, I certainly do because I've been accused of being one many times in my life. Pick a project that you think has merit. Talk to mentors, advisers, friends, and get their feedback. Listen to what they have to say. You don't have to follow all of their advice but allow yourself to really consider it. Then pursue it. Remember an enormously important thing: when you're hiking on a mountain never look up. The horizon is constantly receding and you'll get discouraged. Focus on putting one foot in front of the other and celebrate your small successes.
Ari is an excellent empathic therapist. He is able to help clients achieve their therapy goals and comes from a strength-based place. He is culturally sensitive and cares about his clients. I highly recommend him.
Ari is an inspiring and conscientious therapist. He is deeply committed to his clients and strives to serve them in ways that not only capitalize on their strengths, but also that challenge them to grow in directions that may be new and perhaps a little unfamiliar. As a therapist, he is willing to explore all of the domains of experience that inform and comprise the lives of his clients and he does so in ways that are mobilizing, engaging, and personally meaningful. I highly recommend working with him.
