Daily Inspiration: Meet Arolyn Burns

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arolyn Burns.

Hi Arolyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I joke that God back doored me into this profession. I was pursuing acting having already received my BA in communication with a film emphasis.  In the midst of my second year, immersed in Meisner acting techniques, my acting coach fell off the wagon and became abusive. Recognizing the intricate psychology that goes into a riveting performance, I pivoted to pursue my master’s in clinical psychology.

As it turned out, my unique blend of acting and psychology experience made me a sought-after professional. I began working with entertainment industry clients, helping them navigate the pressures of fame, and eventually expanded my practice to include other high-stress professionals. Nearly three decades later, I am passionate about helping others heal from all sorts of trauma. So much so that my book Anxiety Annihilated will be out in the fall.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think there are always struggles. Simply getting one’s license requires not only your masters degree but 3000 hours supervised +2 state licensing against exams. It also requires 36 CEUs every two years. That along with personal growth, challenges, heartache and some pretty significant injuries allowed me to overcome so much and develop techniques that are helping others. We all go through challenges. It’s how we respond to them that builds our character or creates the dark hole many vanish in.

I have had numerous surgeries, battle with fibromyalgia (trauma induced) and over comes several heartbreaks. I believe all of my personal experiences help me be more compassionate towards my clients. I am grateful for the opportunity to help others. Keeping a positive mindset has been a challenge, but key in both my personal and professional life.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a dually licensed psychotherapist. A Licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional, clinical counselor. I am also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.(EMDR) as well as Hypnotherapy. Practicing almost 30 years, I have been able to develop some techniques on my own as well as integrate, cognitive behavioral, solution focused, Rogerian, Somatic and other techniques into my practice. My philosophy is that body mind and spirit along with all five senses play into our mental health. By being aligned in all areas, we thrive.

I specializing in anxiety, phobias and trauma. I have developed my own technique and I am able to treat most phobias using hypnotherapy in about five sessions.

I am proud to say that I’ve won a number of awards, including the Cornelia Funke award for top social worker in LA county.

I am excited to share that my new book Anxiety Annihilated should be released by Christmas.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
What a great question. I have a lot. My most courageous was the one time I hitchhiked home from the mall. My most precious is performing at the national drill team competition. I am happy to say we were the champions. It all had to do with our amazing coach, Ms. Crawford and the teams commitment & tenacity towards perfection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ArolynBurns.com
• Instagram: Arolyn_Burns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arolynburns?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arolynburns-lpcc-lmft?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: @theatreatmentcenter
• Yelp: https://s.yelp.com/4Kaut8UB9u
• Other: https://s.yelp.com/vgPfYF5VhA

Image Credits
First one – headshot:

http://sarahjphoto.com/