Jacqueline Nadworny

I remember the exact day that my anxiety started. I was away with friends and I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I was nauseous, extremely tired and my body felt incredibly weak. I had never experienced anything quite like it. After visiting the doctor and ruling out other possibilities, I came to understand that I was experiencing anxiety.

What I did not know was that I had probably experienced anxiety most of my life, but now due to a culmination of many factors – it was something I could no longer ignore.

I grew up in a very strict home. My father had always been away a lot and somehow I had the role of the responsible child – helping my mother with my five older and younger siblings. I felt I was always on alert, never quite knowing what situation would await me. I was a quiet child and teenager, just trying to be good and trying to smooth over any challenges. I became a people pleaser and believed that if I could just do enough I would be valued, lovable and belong.

I thought I was managing fine until that day when my anxiety came upon me full force. My brother had suddenly passed away, I was working part time, doing my Master’s degree, leading a women’s group and raising my two young children. It was the wake up call to help me address with my thoughts and fears. I sought Christian counselling. I was then able to get the clarity to understand my beliefs and fears, and learn how to navigate them to make the changes I needed to live a healthy, balanced life.

In 2004, I graduated with Master’s Degree in Counselling, and opened my Private Practice. I have worked in Calgary, New Zealand (where I lived for 5 years) and now in Vancouver. I have also enjoyed teaching counselling, being the Director of a non-profit Christian counselling centre, and working with survivors of human trafficking. I am happily married to my husband of over 30 years and we have two lovely grown children.