I am an unexpected (at least to me) transplant from the rural Midwest.
Growing up on a farm, I learned to work hard, enjoy the outdoors and value creativity.
But the farm was no paradise. My father was the product of two controlling parents and the Great Depression. Without going into details, the combination made him angry and impatient. Underneath it all, he was very afraid.
Understandably, he was also an angry and impatient parent: often impossible to please and hard to work for. By age eleven, he had drafted me into the farm operation. Day by day, in his own way, speaking from his own wounds, he convinced me I could never be good enough.
Sadness, loneliness, self-contempt and fear became my constant companions. I learned to constantly strive to be good enough, and to never be convinced. As an adult, I often exhausted myself in the effort.
Beginning in my twenties, my developing faith did tons to help me heal over time.
I also discovered therapy has a place in healing.
The overall problem was, the message that I “could never be good enough” kept the truths I was learning from “sticking” very well.
I eventually found a way that worked for me. The healing I got was freeing—and it stuck!
I was so impressed, I got trained in it, and later moved to Fresno to become a counselor here.
In using it with those who came to me for help, I found it did the same for most of them that it did for me. They could cry about things they didn’t think they had the right to be sad about. They began to smile more. They would start to say things like “I can do [what I need to do].” “I can say ‘no’ now.” “I can forgive.” “I can move on.”
Talk about gratifying!
As a result of what I saw happening, I determined to learn more about this dynamic way of helping people discover the best in themselves. This has included using “vacation” time to attend trainings and workshops, or for concentrated study. I have worked hard to increase my ability to help.
My desire is to do the best work I can, as quickly as reasonably possible, to help the people I work with find the answers they need to move on with more happiness without working so hard for it.
Education and Training for those who are interested.
EDUCATION:
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Azusa Pacific University
M.A. in Bible, MBBC
B.A. in English, Eastern Illinois University
TRAINING/CERTIFCATES;
EMDR Certification (2006)
Certificate of Completion, Neurolinguistic Programming Practitioner Training
Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy—Fundamentals training
Certificate of Completion, Emotional Freedom Techniques
Certificate of Training in Family Systems
Fresno Counselor
Gordon Glessner. M.A.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
At Link Care Center
1734 W. Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93711
(559 439-2647, Ext. 143
Meet Gordon, Fresno Counselor.
copyright 2009 Gordon Glessner, M.A. Fresno Counselor
