Today we’d like to introduce you to Reba Purdessy, Ed.S, LPC.
Hi Reba, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s never too late! I started college at 33 years old when most people might think they’ve already chosen their path or it’s too late to make a change. For some careers are established, routines are familiar, and the idea of starting over can feel more intimidating than inspiring. But for me, 33 yrs old wasn’t a conclusion—it was a turning point. Now, over 2 decades later, One Life Counseling is the result of years of dedication!
At the heart of my counseling journey was always the curiosity of: why do people do the things they do? It’s a question that began not in a classroom, but in lived experience—in quiet observations of human behavior, in moments of pain that didn’t quite make sense, and in witnessing how people could love deeply and still hurt each other just as deeply. That curiosity grew into something more persistent, almost a calling. It refused easy answers and demanded understanding beneath the surface—beyond judgment, beyond assumptions. Now, over 2 decades later, One Life Counseling was born from that journey!
I truly believe that behavior always has meaning, even when it’s painful, confusing, or self-defeating. My counseling philosophy is, not to label or judge, but to understand—to gently uncover the “why” behind patterns, and to help clients reconnect with themselves in ways that foster clarity, healing, and lasting change.
Because when people begin to understand why, they often discover they are not broken—they are human. And from that place, real transformation can begin.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I mentioned,I started back to school at the at of 33 yrs old, at that time I was working a full-time job, divorced mother of three trying to squeeze classes in at night, weekends and both summer sessions – so as you can tell there were many, many obstacles. However, my support system was always there and I somehow always found a way.
After finishing school, the requirements to become a license professional counselor require two additional years of on the job training and I was able to find a weekend job at a mental hospital facility that would count towards the require time and hours needed.
We’ve been impressed with One Life Counseling, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
One Life Counseling was never meant to begin in chaos. It started quietly—almost cautiously—built as a part-time practice with steady intention and a clear purpose. The vision was simple: create a space where people could slow down long enough to understand themselves, where the question “why do I do this?” could be explored without judgment. It was something nurtured alongside other responsibilities, grown in the margins of a full life, piece by piece.
Right as One Life Counseling began to find its footing, the pandemic hit. What was meant to be a gradual build suddenly collided with a global crisis. Fear, isolation, grief, and uncertainty became part of everyday life—not just for clients, but for me also. In the middle of uncertainty, there was a choice: pull back and wait for stability, or step forward into the unknown. One Life Counseling chose to step forward. The practice adapted in real time—learning new ways to connect, holding space through screens, and showing up consistently while the world felt anything but steady.
What began as something small and carefully paced was tested immediately. But in many ways, the timing clarified the mission. People weren’t just seeking answers anymore—they were trying to stay grounded, to cope, to survive loss, disconnection, and fear. The question of why people do what they do became even more urgent, as patterns of anxiety, trauma, and resilience surfaced under pressure.
Once the pandemic got some sense of control, It became clear that healing would require more than traditional talk therapy. It required specialization. Depth. A commitment to understanding trauma not just as a story, but as something lived and held in the body. I began to turn towards that work with focus and purpose, specializing in anxiety, CPTSD, and PTSD. The question of why people do the things they do evolved into something more precise: what has happened in the body that keeps this pattern alive? That shift led to an immersive, three-year training in Somatic Experiencing within a BIPOC cohort—an experience that was as transformative personally as it was professionally.
Training in a BIPOC-centered space brought layers of meaning that extended beyond clinical skill. It honored the cultural, historical, and generational dimensions of trauma. It created room for shared understanding, for nuance, and for acknowledging the ways trauma is carried not only individually, but collectively. Somatic Experiencing offered a new lens.
To deepen and expand the work, I decided to explore EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)— which integrates a structured, evidence-based approach that complements somatic work. Where Somatic Experiencing builds awareness and regulation within the body, EMDR allows for the reprocessing of traumatic memories that remain stuck and unresolved. Together, these approaches create a powerful, integrative model of care—one that honors both the physiological and psychological impact of trauma.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
In mental health collaboration is a natural extension. Therapists, medical providers, attorneys, and community organizations can partner through referrals, consultation, or interdisciplinary care. Trauma rarely exists in isolation, and working together allows for more comprehensive, ethical, and effective support. One Life Counseling welcomes opportunities to collaborate with those who value depth-oriented, culturally responsive care.
Pricing:
- $125.oo per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onelifecounsels.com/
Image Credits
You’ve Change: SquirrelCreate
