Bonny Buckley, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor

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Bonny is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, a National Certified Counselor, and an all-around awesome person who has been with Youth Focus since 2004!  

Let’s learn more about Bonny!

1. What is your favorite memory from Youth Focus?

SO MANY awesome memories! Early during my time at Youth Focus I remember finishing a session with a 6-year-old and giving them a high five of encouragement for the goals they were working on and then walking out in the waiting room and greeting my next client, a 16-year-old who was way taller than me. The fact that I get to work with so many different ages continues to add to my favorite memories. I truly enjoy encouraging and supporting people of all ages on positive goals and feel inspired by the progress (the big and little steps) I get to witness each day.

 2. What is one thing you wish the general public knew about Youth Focus?

Youth Focus has so many wonderful programs and staff members and everyone deserves access to quality mental health support!

3. Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

I cannot narrow this down to just one person because I have been, and continue to be, inspired by so many wonderful people in my life including my family, teachers, colleagues, and clients that I have had the honor of working with. My work is greatly influenced by expressive therapies and Adlerian psychology. I also want to note that discouraging people and experiences have influenced me because I strive to learn from every experience and help and encourage others to persevere.

4. What led you to Youth Focus and working with young adults?

My undergraduate degree is a BFA in music theatre with minors in dance and psychology. In an acting class, I had a professor mention drama therapy and after class, I went to the library to look up more information. That’s when I learned about all the expressive therapies, including drama, art, music, and dance/movement. It was the beginning of combining so many of my interests with my desire to help people.

5. What are three words to describe Youth Focus?

Dedicated, Caring, Supportive.

6. What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Whew! Hang in there! Your brain is going through so much development and change right now and emotions feel so intense (It gets easier!). Some things that feel important aren’t. You don’t have to figure everything out right now. Ask for help when you need it (it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s wise and part of being human). Take care of yourself (physically and emotionally), set healthy boundaries, and if someone doesn’t look out for your best interests and fully respect you then they aren’t really a friend. Don’t lower your standards!

7. If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you bring?

I assume my husband and children would be with me already (I’m usually spending time with them when not at work…but how/why are we stuck on an island! People who know me, know that I like to plan and prepare, so if I did get stuck on an island I would have already discussed my general location/plans with others and a recuse mission would be underway shortly!) So, I would like to have clean water, shelf-stable food, and one of my family’s favorite board games to enjoy the time together until we were rescued. But, in case no one was coming, my items would focus totally on safety and survival…my son suggested a fully stocked boat with GPS and satellite phone to coordinate our efforts to get home safe (can you tell where he gets it from)!

8. What’s your most-used emoji?

I still use a flip phone (by choice!) and use an ‘old school’ smiley face is my most used “emoji”!  : – )

 

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