Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Worth.
Anne, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A traumatic childhood and adolescence sent me in search of peace-always longing for someone or something to make me feel worthy. While making many mistakes and wrong turns in my search, I became a psychologist specializing in childhood trauma. Through my own therapy and recovery, I kept getting more and more of a handle on human behavior, relationships and addiction. After completing a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology, I conducted a successful private practice only to contract an “incurable disease” that almost killed me (lupus).
I thought at every turn, the worst thing that could possibly happen had happened-childhood PTSD, divorce, abortion, alcohol and drug abuse, and finally lupus, I fought to survive and thrive. At the age of 55, I believe I was healed by God and everything in my body, mind and spirit was renewed. Now 77, and healthy, I continue in my counseling practice, serve the homeless and refugee community and for good measure, foster lost dogs through a rescue organization.
In my spare time, I create crosses and other Christian and ethnic art. I love life, God, friends, family and animals. I have just published a book about overcoming pain and suffering and finding true contentment-Call me Worthy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing about my life was smooth until age 55! I was seeking self-worth and love outside myself from money, prestige, education, and other people. I tried just about everything and searched the world for answers. My best advice is to make peace with your past, forgive yourself and others and seek the purpose of the One who created you.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My work is to help every person know they are WORTHY, loved and capable of loving others, that human behavior makes sense when you understand your thinking and self-talk, and that true joy and contentment is always a decision away. I love my work at the Stewpot where four times a year, my best friend and I give birthday parties for the homeless population complete with bingo, the Chicken dance, cake and candles, birthday wishes and prayers. It is sometimes the best/only birthday celebration they have had in many years, if ever. In my work with Sudanese refugees, I am known as Mama Anne and even have a little girl named after me. I “adopted” a young man in Russia and although we have never been able to get him into the US, I have returned to Russia and we keep up an almost daily communication through social media. My life is full of people I love and who love me.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Fortunately, in the counseling field, women are accepted and able to become leaders. I find that most women may be trying to do too much, i.e., be the best mother, the best wife, the best employee or leader. Every pursuit is as worthy as another. Motherhood is the most important job on the planet, but many women are forced into the workforce to support their family. Many women who want to pursue a career path rather than be mothers may get a bad rap! God created us as unique humans, with a given purpose. Happiness comes from being who you were created to be. That’s all we ever have to be. Don’t let anyone else determine your worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: anneworthdr.com
- Phone: 214-987-0811
- Email: anneworthdr@att.net
- Instagram: dranne_myheart
- Facebook: Call me Worthy/Cross my Heart/Anne worth/Dr. Anne Worth
Image Credit:
Taken by Cindy Forester, personal friend
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
