Name:  Chelsea Axt

Place of Employment:  Soul Survivor Counseling Services, Lutheran Social Services, Dacotah Foundation

Job Title:  Mental Health Professional, Counselor

Years with Company:  4 months with Soul Survivor Counseling, 1 month with Lutheran Social Services, and 4 years with Dacotah Foundation

Hometown:  Bismarck, ND

Role in the YP Network:  Member of the Social, Service and Professional Development Teams

What does the committee feel he/she contributes to YPN?   (Statement by Team Co-leads)

“We first had the pleasure of getting to know Chelsea at our meeting in March of this year. She has been an active member of our team ever since, willing to take the lead helping coordinating when we need her to. With her warm smile and positive attitude Chelsea adds a welcoming presence, we are grateful to have her as a member of our team.”

Why do you feel it is important to be part of the network?  I think it is important to be part of the Young Professionals Network because it gives people an opportunity to expand social and professional networks. I anticipated it might be more of a challenge to meet career-oriented individuals after completing graduate school and beginning work in a private practice, so I thought it would be helpful for me to join the network. It helps me get an idea of what other resources are in the community and also gives me the chance to market myself as a resource.  I also value service and giving back to the community and being a part of the network helps me do that. On a mental health note, I believe community involvement of any kind is important because it can foster a sense of connectedness and help one develop a sense of meaning and purpose-which is beneficial in promoting well-being.

How do you spend your free time?  When I want to relax, I really enjoy reading, baking, lying around in the sun, and spending time with friends. I also try to stay active and enjoy running, rollerblading with friends, and going to all the Zumba classes I can.

Are you involved in other organizations in the community?  Yes, I am currently a member of the North Dakota Counseling Association (NDCA) and North Dakota Mental Health Association (NDMHA). I also recently started joining People United for Living in Safe Environments (PULSE) meetings.

What is your favorite quote?  “I am me, and I am ok.” – psychotherapist, Virginia Satir on self-acceptance and self-esteem.

Theories in the counseling profession argue psychological sufferings can stem from faulty beliefs about the self and, in my practice, I strive to help others cultivate healthy belief systems that fuel thoughts, feelings and behaviors that promote a sense of well-being.