Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Petersen.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Highlights are below. I can go into further detail at anytime.
-Grew up in a dysfunctional family. A mom addicted to A&D with a strict step dad (my dad!!)
-First child at 22. Married 23. Baby two at 27. Divorced at 28 (2008).
-2009 found out I had cervical/uterine cancer. The drinking began. A spiral into 10long years of poor decisions.
-May 2017 was my first round of Inpatient rehab for Alcohol. August 2017 was my second round.
-December 2018, took back my life and went on anxiety, depression and PTSD medications. Jan. 2019, gained sobriety,
-2021 I started working the front desk at Acme counseling. I have worked my way up to co-owner and just completed my CADC1 (certified alcohol and drug counselor). I am also a Peer Support Specialist so I can share my story with others who are still struggling.
-My faith in the lord (I turned him away for many years), mindfulness and gratitude are what gets me though each and every day.
-I am now on my hometowns budget committee.
-Thinking of taking grief course so that I can better serve my clients. I lost my dad in May, mom four years ago and several friends, I believe that I can better help because of my lived experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road but I wouldn’t have wanted it that way. It is the struggles in life that define us.
Self doubt, learning my triggers and how to calm myself when overstimulated. Imposter syndrome has been a big struggle of mine. Knowing my worth and that I am a strong woman keeps me from negative self talk.
I have lost my mom, dad, gramma and others since my sobriety began. I take pride in each any everyone seeing me at my best before they left this world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Acme Counseling?
I am the newest partner to Acme Counseling. I have a professional business background that gives me the ability to run the “behind the scenes” work. I also have lived experience with alcohol and drugs, that help people wanted new tools for a better life. I run the groups here at Acme and I see a few individuals on a 1×1 basis.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’d like to see Acme grow. It would be nice to have a few more counselors and peer support individuals. I would also like to give more to the community. Spread awareness to the community about A and D
Pricing:
- Calling is best
- Insurance can be hard to estimate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acmecounseling.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acmecounseling
