For almost 20 years, psychologist Laurie Helgoe has been helping clients pursue their desires through therapy. She also follows her own advice and allows her desires to expand her. In addition to her therapy practice at Family Psychiatric Services in Charleston, WV, Laurie is writing, acting, speaking and consulting, and has been in a number of commercials and print ads.She is the author of five books, including her much-anticipated release (July, 2008), Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength, and is contributing columnist for Wealth Manager Magazine. She consults with Create WV, a statewide economic development initiative, and operates a design consultation service, INtrovert Style.
Laurie is interested in how we can view our lives artistically and appreciate the amazing stories we are living. She currently resides in Charleston, West Virginia with her husband, two boys, and golden retriever, where she faithfully indulges in movie therapy, is slowly learning Arabic, and continues to add to the four-wall collage in her home office.
Excerpt from Catching up since College:
An Interview with Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D.
By Robb Murray
Mankato Free Press Staff Writer
(printed with permission)
Robb: What prompted a psychologist of 15 years to become a writer?
Laurie: I have always written--it's what keeps me sane, but the road to becoming a paid writer was probably prompted by my mid-life crisis. I recall going for walks while living and practicing in Eagan, looking up at the vastness of the sky, and thinking of how much more was out there for me to experience. An opportunity came when my husband was invited into a law partnership in Charleston. I closed my Minnesota practice, and after we moved, began to explore other sides of myself--acting, modeling, television. I played. When it was time for me to contribute to the income (beyond what sporadic modeling gigs provided), I applied for various jobs I thought might be interesting. I came up empty-handed. I finally decided to see the emptiness as a gift, and to pursue my lifetime dream of writing a book. I approached it systematically: wrote a book proposal, queried agents, and after multiple submissions, an agent called and wanted to represent me. I insisted on meeting her, and got to live the dream of lunching with “my agent” (I still love saying that!) in New York City--with the bonus of shopping together in SoHo (this sealed the deal). Since then, I’ve authored two books [now five!], traveled across the country, became a columnist, and have affirmed my love of writing.Robb: You're also a model, actress and mother ... How do you juggle it all?
Laurie: Well, juggling various roles is a delight for me. I used to limit myself. My identity was very centered around being a psychologist. During that looking-up-at-the-sky time, I recognized that I was only playing one note--I was playing it well, but I wanted to expand my range and develop some harmonies. What I had to give up in taking on more was the idea of mastering everything. I am now more tolerant of having things in process, acting without planning, trusting myself, and living with a little messiness. Yes, I sometimes get overwhelmed, but it's a rich life and I only hope it gets richer.