Spotlight Series – Wynne Sherman
Wynne Sherman, LCDC – Weekend Clinical Supervisor
Wynne joined the Origins team as one of the original Hannah’s House by Origins Recovery Advocates (RA) and counselor intern in 2011. Since then, Wynne has served in many roles both in South Padre Island and West Palm Beach including primary counselor, continuing care coordinator, and weekend clinical supervisor. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas, Wynne obtained her license as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and began pursuing her Masters in Mental Health Counseling. Wynne is passionate and committed towards helping others achieve permanent sobriety and living a fulfilling and joyous life. In her spare time, Wynne enjoys being with her husband and two dogs, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
What brought you to Origins?
I came to Origins right before Hannah’s House opened. I had been working in treatment in Dallas for the previous 1-½ years, and a friend recommended that my boyfriend and I apply to Origins. We knew a bunch of people who knew people who worked there; it just all worked out really fast.
If there were only one thing you could tell us about working within your client specialty area, what would it be?
Having worked at both Origins and Hanley Center, I guess what I would have to say is that every client is different. Each individual has a different story, a different approach that works best with them, and a person they connect to or relate with best. Women’s treatment is vastly different than men’s treatment, and various age groups have specific needs unique to their current circumstances.
What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?
I think I have grown to really embrace and respect the impact that addiction has on families and the importance of family recovery. I believe there are still so many stigmas associated with addiction, not just for the addict, but also for the spouses, parents, children, and siblings of addicts. Nothing feels more powerless than when someone you love is dying (as addiction is absolutely a deadly disease), and it seems there is nothing you can do about it. Addiction is isolating for every person it touches, yet sometimes the addict is the only one encouraged to get help.
Do you hold any credentials or certifications, or do you participate in any other professional activities outside of work?
I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas, and I am in graduate school for my master’s degree in mental health counseling. I have also done training in experiential therapy, which I really enjoy using with the clients.
Are you in recovery yourself? If so, what do you love most about being in recovery?
I am in recovery! It is hard to pinpoint what I love most about recovery, because it completely changed my life. Before I got sober, I had resigned myself to being mildly miserable at best, but I have experienced such happiness, contentment, and purpose since then. Most of all, I love that my relationships today are built on honesty, vulnerability, integrity, and trust.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any pets or engage in special hobbies?
I spend most of my time with my husband and our two dogs, Deuce and Cheech. Being in graduate school and working full time is pretty stressful, so I really enjoy being at home cooking, reading, and watching movies. I have incredible friends as well, most of whom I met through Origins.
Is there anything else you might like to share?
I am absolutely grateful and privileged to work for Origins; it really is as amazing as everyone says. What we do is not easy. It is emotional and trying, but the people I work with are so talented, kind, and inspiring. There is a level of commitment and passion at Origins that is contagious and completely unique to our organization.
