Our stories are sacred. They communicate so much about who we are and how we act. Our backstory informs why we might tense up or relax, cry or embrace.

The American Counseling Association has designated April as Counseling Awareness Month. This observance aims to raise awareness of this beneficial service that benefits people all over the world.

For several years, I served as a therapist for a residential treatment center helping patients battle substance abuse. Every morning I led a therapy group of 16 men and women who I worked with for about 30 days at a time. By the end of the month their faces were like family to me and their stories were seared into my experience.