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Meet Megan Strauss of Happy Camper Counseling Services, LLC in West Arvada

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Strauss.

Megan, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Life is hard. Adolescence is hard. I fought through some tough battles, sometimes alone, wishing I had a person to just talk to; someone who would just listen, empathize and let me. I always had a need to be in a helping profession. Through different paths in life, I was an EMT, a nanny for a family suffering a tragic loss, and other opportunities for helping. However, I also wanted a “safe” salary, and the opportunity to provide for my young family and two amazing daughters. I got my undergraduate degree in business administration and entered the cold world of corporate America. It was there that I learned the depths of my need to help and realized the box that I was in and how cold and restrictive it was to actually help people. Well, after a few years, I had enough. My heart felt void, cold in some ways. I got very used to watching the bottom line and looking for ways to maximize cost savings… it wasn’t me. I wasn’t useful. I wasn’t really needed. People are replaceable in a business setting, there is always someone waiting in line for your job. Did I really sign up for this?

Through deep introspective exploration I decided it was time to go to school to pursue a life of service to others in a meaningful, lasting way. I went to Regis University to complete their program as a clinical mental health provider/counselor. It was life-changing and tougher than I had ever imagined it would be. I met more of myself than I ever knew existed. Some of my own life experiences previously pushed away, were right in front of me, staring me in the face. I had to learn to cope and fight through. So when I tell my clients that “I get it”, I help them to see and understand that a textbook didn’t help me, I helped me, others helped me. It was a collective community of helpers that led to healing, resolve and acceptance.

That was an addictive feeling and one that pushed me to do better, be strong, and be an example for others. I fought hard through the struggle of internship, working in emergency psychiatry in hospitals and law enforcement. This experience pushed me to limits I didn’t know existed. I had moments of thinking there was no way I can survive the pain of witnessing and carrying other’s expectations of “being fixed”. But the feeling of serving other’s needs in their time of greatest despair is why I was there, why I am still here today.

I opened my own private practice in January of 2019. I set out to help others and be a witness to their pain, their triumph, growth, and ultimate realization of self. It’s powerful to say the least. It’s an honor, a pleasure, and a career that I do not take lightly. I am so thankful, every day and with every client, to take steps on their journey with them, alongside. Not leading, but aiding in the journey. It’s simply magic, and my heart is full.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the most gripping moments in my preparation to be a counselor was working in a public emergency psychiatric service of a public health agency. Watching a 7-year-old child come to grips with the fact that he had just tried to kill himself. 7 years old! 7 years of neglect, abuse, and deep pain. I thought, this poor child is beyond my help, he is so scarred and damaged that there was simply nothing I could do or say to help. But my teacher encouraged me to think and push forward. It was then that I realized I am not going to hurt, abuse, or neglect this child. I will wrap him in hope, the thoughts of a better future and show acceptance fully. I was encouraged to be a light in his life. To fully endure his pain, alongside of him in the trenches. Be the person he will remember, they said. And I did. It felt amazing. The smile he gave me, the hug he gave me… it changed my life forever and I take that memory with me when I feel challenged, remembering to simply listen, empathize, and witness for others. Advocate for their needs, their dreams, and their best selves.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Happy Camper Counseling Services, LLC was established to connect to the public, offer services in an area that is low on resources for mental health, and to provide a meaningful and lasting place of peace and hope for those in need. I went into this endeavor with love and open arms. Each step of the way has not been on a warn path; I have had to climb, jump and dive in when things felt impossible. There was such a long list of things to do and sometimes felt insurmountable. But I stand victorious today, doors wide open for anyone willing to take the journey. I see young children, adolescents, adults and elders from all walks of life. I learned quickly that pain does not discriminate. I use art and play therapy, sand tray therapy and interactive activities. And sometimes, I just listen  as that is the most honorable thing I can do. Happy Camper Counseling invests in each individual, fully and honestly. Together, we find the best version of self there is. It’s hard, it’s long and sometimes seems impossible but I have yet to see anyone who didn’t thrive.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My dear husband, spent hours awake with me every night after a long day at work, as I excitedly told him what I learned in the day. I shared my experiences, my lessons, my hardships. He never ignored me, never fell asleep during my long-winded, rarely brief, and intense stories.

My children, my two daughters, who watched as their mom worked full time, went to school full time, made sacrifices of family time and always stood by my side, cheering me along. They were my strongest support and my greatest motivation.

I was lucky enough to know many great leaders. From my corporate life, I learned from others what long hours, dedication and putting in the effort would provide. I take their lessons and examples to work with me every day. I know how to keep the lights on, pay the bills, and check the boxes. But I also know that’s not enough on its own. I had two supervisors in my journey to licensure 1) Jane Bryant and 2) Gene Michalenko. They both pushed me, inspired me, challenged me and let me fall only to discover how to get back up. If I couldn’t do it myself, how could I be successful in helping others? I take their voices and encouragement with me every day.

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Image Credit:
Laura Arneson Photography

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