When Courage Meets Care
February 1, 2022
by Michelle Garrett, MS, LMFT
The last couple of years have been both a privilege, and they have been difficult. Walking alongside many hurting people dealing with the various effects of the pandemic is something I can’t easily put words to. It’s complex because on some level everyone has been affected. Therapists are no different. Taking in the level of grief, fear, confusion and the many different perspectives on world events has constantly been an eye-opening experience. It’s been heavy. But, like I said, it’s been a privilege.
One thing that has spoken loud and clear in the past two years is the true dedication and heroism of our medical professionals. I am so grateful. I have clients, family and friends who have worked on the front lines, caring for people in a field that exposes them to the same disease they have watched many die from. They are my heroes. Here are a few:
- A very dear nurse, who has worked on a hospital floor right next to a bulging ICU. Her own floor overcrowded with patients and, for a time, she had to buy her own protective gear because the hospitals weren’t able to fully supply it. She got sick with Covid, ending up in ICU at the very same hospital, this time as a patient. She almost died, and yet, despite a lengthy and compromised recovery period, she still goes to work every week. Her lesson: “I learned how important the little things are in caring for my own patients. After fighting depression for years, when I almost lost my life, I realized how much others cared and that I still want this life.” She’s my hero.
- The young ICU Nurse who was tough as nails and smart beyond her years. Week after week, I watched her come in, sit down and put her face in her hands and shake as she sobbed. She told me story after story of patients that she cared for who died from Covid. Many times, this hospital had been understaffed and under-equipped because of nobody’s fault. This brave young lady, wept because she had to go in to work; but, she also wept because she couldn’t NOT go in. She wouldn’t give up, despite the exhaustion, fears of catching the disease herself at times when her own protective gear failed. Hero.
- The nurse who saw a dying man who had no family there to be with him. So she entered his room to share his last minutes here on earth because no one should have to die alone. She wouldn’t leave his side, reassuring him with words she didn’t even know she had. She said Jesus has been her companion. Hero
- A hospital worker who works in the offices but there is such a shortage because so many were sick, that she works 40 hours beyond her normal 40. Hero
- The physician’s assistant who caught Covid, and couldn’t see her 3-year-old for several weeks because she was so sick. Hero
- The semi-retired doctor who volunteered to go into a city hit particularly hard by Covid and care for others, despite the fact that his own age put him in a higher risk category. Hero
- The doctor who balanced career and motherhood to volunteer additional hours to immunize people because she’d seen so many sick with Covid. Hero
- The retired doctor who served as a chief of medicine for years at a large hospital returned to serve on a committee helping to oversee hospital protocols in dealing with Covid citywide. Hero.
- An ICU worker who cried tears of gratitude for someone who wrote a check for her department to recognize their sacrifices. Heroes
- Hospitals who provided meals to go so that the exhausted staff could go home and have a hot meal after their shift. Heroes.
- For those who go to work everyday, caring for the health and well-being of others every day. Thank you. You are heroes.
In difficult times, few things are as powerful as compassion for another. Some of these stories have been heartbreaking, but each one illustrates a person sacrificing above and beyond to care for others. “Intense love does not measure. It just gives,” Mother Teresa said. Thank you to all serving in the many facets of the healthcare industry. You deserve to know you make a difference, because you do.
2025 has been another year filled with joy, growth, and meaningful service as Transforming Life Counseling Center continues its mission to support the mental health needs of our community. With a dedicated team of 19 therapists, TLCC is honored to walk alongside individuals and families facing a wide variety of challenges. We count it a true blessing to be trusted with your care and to play a role in strengthening the well-being of our community. As we reflect on this year, our hearts are full of gratitude—for your support, your courage, and the opportunity to make a difference together. From all of us at TLCC, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, peaceful holiday season. May the coming year bring hope, healing, and continued connection.
We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to one of our esteemed therapists, Caleb Scoville, MS, LPC . On Thursday, November 13th, the Hough Ear Institute (HEI) held its annual Awards Gala, where Caleb was honored with the Elevate Award for his outstanding collaboration with HEI and his dedicated facilitation of the Tinnitus Support Group over the past two years. Transforming Life Counseling Center is grateful for our continued partnership with the Hough Ear Institute. We are honored to provide a home for the Tinnitus Support Group throughout 2025 and look forward to supporting this meaningful work in the coming year. The group offers both in-person and virtual options, expanding access to individuals across the country. TLCC sincerely thanks the Hough Ear Institute—not only have we been privileged to help facilitate this group, but we have also been deeply blessed by the connections formed and the resilience of the individuals we have met through it. The Hough Ear Institute , located in Oklahoma City, is responsible for groundbreaking research, education, and humanitarian efforts in the field of hearing and overall wellness. Our metro community is truly fortunate to have such innovative and life-changing work happening right here at home. One key area of HEI’s research is the management and treatment of tinnitus. Individuals living with tinnitus often experience cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges, including persistent ringing or buzzing in one or both ears. These symptoms can lead to significant distress, anxiety, and depression, especially when combined with life stressors, underlying medical conditions, or repeated exposure to loud noise. For the past two years, HEI has hosted a Tinnitus Support Group, providing a compassionate space for those affected to gather, share experiences, and uplift one another. We are honored to continue supporting this vital resource. For more information—or to donate to this worthy and life-changing cause—please visit Hough Ear Institute . To join or share details about the Tinnitus Support Group, visit Tinnitus Support Group or call (405) 246-5433 for more information.
By Corey DeGiacomo, LMFT-Candidate
By Kevin Tutty, LPC If you have children, you know how easy it is to find Christmas centered around your kids. When I was single, I wondered why everyone became so busy this time of year. In a self-indulged world, marketing is designed to focus us on ourselves: It can be hard to focus on others. It wasn’t until I had a family that saw just how busy this time of year is! The Holidays are also a time of year when depression rises. I heard a pastor once say if you don’t want to feel a certain way, do something to take your mind off of how you are feeling. One great way to do this is to look for opportunities to help someone in need. For example, if you feel isolated, volunteer at a church, food bank, or other entity that helps others. This time of year is an excellent time to volunteer, as there is a greater need for volunteers in the non-profits that serve the people in our community. It is also a great way for a family to engage in a fun activity together, while helping those in need. I am convinced that once “the volunteer bug” gets someone, they will not need a reason to help others, as they will want to find opportunities to do that. This happened to me on a mission trip once and I wanted to return to the mission field the next chance I had to go. We are blessed by giving to others. When giving to those in need there is a distinction between two easily misinterpreted terms: sympathy and empathy. Sympathy is more self-focused: We get this feeling when we “feel” badly for someone in a difficult situation. On the other hand, we feel empathy when we are able to put ourselves in another’s place and see things from their perspective. When we empathize with another, our efforts are focused on the other person. The other person is validated because we are looking at things from their point of view, and understand their person’s situation or perspective. Volunteering is a great way to develop empathy, especially for those who are focused on their own wants and desires. Back to volunteering though, be prepared to get some resistance initially when proposing the idea of volunteering, especially if your kids are not used to it. Once you go, try to make it as fun as possible, scheduling a fun activity the family can engage in together along with the volunteer effort. Then, process the volunteer effort over dinner and see what other types of volunteering would be of interest to them next. There are a number of local agencies that would be good opportunities to volunteer. Here are just a few to get started: Regional Food Bank (12 and older): 405-972-11111 EARC Thrift Store (Downtown Edmond): 405-285-7658 (South Edmond): 405-348-6502 Hope Center (Edmond): 405-348-4680 Local churches can connect you to volunteer opportunities The City Rescue Mission in Downtown Oklahoma City (405-232-2709) offers groups a great opportunity to get a tour of the facility as well as serving the homeless. The Christmas and Holiday Season is such a fun time, with many activities and opportunities to serve others. We are truly more blessed when we are serving others! Kevin Tutty is a Licensed Practical Counselor and a clinical member at Transforming Life Counseling Center.
By Caleb Scoville, LPC
Transforming Life Counseling Center is pleased to continue to expand our team of quality therapists with the addition of a new team member. We welcome our newest member: Necco Gill, Licensed Professional Counselor. This therapist supports TLCC in continuing to support the vast counseling needs of our community and brings new areas of training. For more information on her expertise and training, you can find her bio below and on our website. In addition to our licensed staff, TLCC also has pre-licensed candidates who receive supervision by our therapists and can offer lower fees in an effort to support clients needing therapy at a lower cost. For more information about our therapists, insurances we take and fees, our phone number is (405) 246-5433 Necco Gill, LPC