By Guest Author, Jessica Lorello
“Your circumstances don’t define you.” That’s what Pamela Anderson not only believes, she is living proof of it. For years, Pamela lived two lives – one as a volunteer and advocate for victims of domestic violence, and the other as an abused spouse. During that time, Pamela felt like an imposter – running victim support groups and witnessing the courage of other women while she kept her own abuse a secret. But then life changed and it was Pamela who found the courage she saw in others. One day she was a volunteer at a shelter and the next day she was a resident.
Thanks to the support of others, Pamela found her way to Boise with her two children where she eventually attended Boise State University, receiving her master’s degree in counseling. And, she found her way to the WCA where she works as a counselor.
When you look around Pamela’s office, you see hundreds of tiny figures of all different varieties. These figures represent Pamela’s primary approach to therapy, called Play Therapy. Play Therapy allows Pamela’s clients to express themselves and resolve problems through playing and use of expressive arts which, in turn, allows her clients to find the inner-healer she believes can be found in all of us.
One of the things Pamela is most excited about is a new class where she teaches mothers how to do Play Therapy with their own children. The idea is based on the old saying: “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.” Teaching mothers to make that connection and play with their children provides healing opportunities to both. As Pamela explains, it’s a healing peace that could change the world. Such a simple idea in our complex world, but it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?
Pamela wants to be a life-changing counselor and she has, no doubt, already changed lives – from the client who converted her recurring dreams into art to other clients who have made significant strides to change their lives – to not let their circumstances define them. Pamela refers to her work as “sacred” – and she is right.
