Sally High, LMHC

I graduated from Florida State University in 1999 with a BS in Sociology and a minor in Religion. Soon after graduating I worked as a school teacher with dyslexic children (none of which were on medication). After months of kids tossing papers and rulers at me, I realized that my passion was not to teach but rather to assist and help children channel their anger, frustration, anxieties, etc. into a more positive outlet and teach them that they can succeed and learn under any circumstance.

This was the deciding factor to enter into the field of Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family therapy. After successfully obtaining a Masters Degree (MS) in 2002 from Barry University, I knew that I had entered the field that I would grow to love today.

Vividly I remember as a teenager being involved in my own struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. It’s easy to relate to parents who are torn apart and feel helpless when they are trying all they can to reach their children and loved ones. I have been sober for over 20 years and had to do the tough work of self discovery once I was clean.  The realization I had spent many years in an asleep state, a product of my conditioning and programming was hard to look at. I didn’t have the slightest clue who I was. I was just a collection of who others told me I was. It is my belief that only through this tough work of inner reflection was I able to emerge into the person I am today.

I want to show my clients that they don’t have to fall as far down in order to wake up and see the false narratives and programming that has been driving their behaviors causing anxiety, depression, feelings of worthlessness, anger, etc. Awareness is the key to unlocking the ability to see that you have always been divine, whole and aligned. We have been numbed out most of our lives using whatever outside of ourselves we can get our hands on to give us a false perception of happiness. We use everything from (relationships, TV, substances, shopping, sex, gambling, playing the victim, social media and much more.) These things will never give us true peace and happiness.

While it is important to identify those things that individuals use to numb out their pain, we must also work on the underlying issues stemming and driving these behaviors. Many of these originate from depression, anxiety, fear of rejection, low self esteem, feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness as well as family of origin issues stemming from childhood.

I tell my clients that it takes what it takes. When a person has had enough pain then finally they are ready for change. They are ready to be teachable. It took the birth of my daughter to realize that I still had so much of my own journey left to discover. This little new born girl made me see I had no idea just how vast and wonderful life was. Terrified yet at the same time hungry for more understanding of who I was. I wanted to gain a higher level of consciousness so that I could accept more love, more forgiveness, more integrity, more compassion, more awareness and most of all unconditional love into my heart.

I have been blessed over the years to have had some wonderful teachers and guides set me on a spiritual path. One thing I knew that was for certain was that in order to learn more I had to set aside the idea that I thought I was right. Therefore I had to open myself to the possibility that maybe my thinking was distorted and that these destructive narratives and attachments to beliefs were causing suffering. I was ready for the blockage, the smoke and mirrors to be removed. A stripping and removing of the ego. Taking off of the layers of others toxic shame I had carried.

For me I wanted awareness and a sense of connection to God, Spirit, the divine. A personal life changing experience that would set me free from the bondage of my conditioning. Free from all I had come into contact with (family, society, religion, politics, education, etc). I was finally at the breaking point.

The universe opened doors when I started to knock. I found a spiritual teacher that started me on this life-changing path. It was soul cleansing and at times gut wrenching, but the most powerful shift and transformation of my life. I looked at every single tape or recording I was telling myself as a child that no longer served a purpose.

No longer could I shove it down, put on a happy face and act as if. The journey of unconditional love was my mission. Not just for myself but for all. This was the only way I knew to set myself free from expectations and resentments.

I was conditioned for a long time. Empty, I had no idea what I stood for, who my authentic self was, etc. I didn’t know up from down. Slowly I started searching, owning every thought, staying present in the moment, learning that life is not personal. It is not my job to get others to “get me”. My job is to do nothing and attempt to control nothing. I simply observe and allow others to be where they are and who they are.

Today I have zero desire to fix or control people. It is a journey of loving unconditionally. My goal today is to understand others.  I saw life not as right or wrong but as having infinite possibilities. Day by day I was opening my heart, caring less what others thought about me. My intentions are to love and do no harm. All I need to do is my best to stay aware and in the present moment.

The journey of higher awareness and higher consciousness has transformed me and my ability to work with clients. I do not sugar coat my questions. Counseling for me comes from a place of love. Most prefer the traditional and safe approach to therapy. Therapy that is watered down with quick fixes and temporary solutions given by therapists who claim to help but rush you right out the door at the end of the hour. This is not my approach.

Today I live my life with intention, purpose, love, healing, forgiveness, expansion, and depth. I have a burning desire to continue on this path. Listed below are the great authors, speakers and teachers that have paved the trail.

I now counsel with passion, fire and intensity, alongside you as your biggest cheerleader. For many my style does not fit. I am very direct. It is a disservice to you if I am not direct. You deserve the utmost respect.

You must be willing to look at yourself honestly and do the work of taking ownership for your part. Therapy will not be very effective any other way.

Living and staying in the victim mentality will never bring you to a place of real change and awareness. Most problems we have stem from our conditioning or perspective on life. Willingness, awareness and the ability to see reality is key to real change and growth.