We are so excited to welcome Angela Burleigh to our team of counselors at Redeemer Counseling. Angela will be seeing clients at the Downtown office. If you're interested in scheduling an appointment with Angela, please contact our office at 407-405-7677.
Tell us about yourself:
I’m originally from Charleston, SC, but have lived in Florida since 2001. I have two kids (4 and 1) and a husband who teaches elementary P.E. I’m introverted, so people tend to see me as quiet, but I do have a witty, playful side that comes out as you get to know me. I also love exploring new places, seeing beautiful sites, learning more about cultures, people’s stories, and what makes them the way they are.
Cats or Dogs?
Well, it used to be dogs, hands down. But now, I’d say two kids are enough.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Hmmm…Mexican chocolate from Kelly’s Ice Cream is delightful
Morning or Evening?
Definitely evening over morning. But I’m not a night owl, so I like to just say that I’m a “day person.”
What did you do before you became a counselor?
I was a writer and graphic designer for three different missionary agencies. I also got to go on about 20 overseas projects, and lead some summer intern teams to Kenya, Myanmar, and Thailand. It was a lot of fun, but also lonely at times. I was single at the time and always wrestling with wanting to be married but trying to be content where I was.
What do you do for fun?
I love exploring and getting out of the house. My family and I like to go to state parks, the science center, search for fairy doors at Leu Gardens, walk around Lake Eola and Winter Park, play on playgrounds, and anything new that comes up. If I’m by myself, I love to hang out at coffee shops or have heart-to-heart conversations with close friends.
What are you passionate about as a counselor?
Helping people find freedom from past painful experiences, lies they’ve come to believe, and responses that they feel unable to control. I especially enjoy working with women who are trying to navigate singleness and/or dating, and also those who never feel like they are good enough for God or others in their life. Missionaries are another group I tend to focus on since I worked as one for about 8 years. And I also do marriage/relationship counseling, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and perinatal concerns like adjusting to motherhood, or infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
Any advice for someone considering counseling?
I remember how long it took me to finally see a counselor myself. It seemed like it must mean something was wrong with me. But now, I don’t think twice if a friend mentions that they are in counseling. In fact, I get excited for them. However, I know that on the other end, it feels pretty massive. And maybe there are people in our life who would ridicule us or say “You don’t need it. You’re fine” if they knew we were considering it. I guess I would just say that it’s one of the best things I ever did myself, and I doubt I would be at peace, or married, or where I’m at today had I not.
Reaching out for help is a sign of great strength and courage. None of us just automatically know how to have healthy relationships, manage anxiety or trauma, figure out how to parent well, or find freedom from brokenness on our own. There’s nothing wrong with you if you could use professional help figuring that out. We’re designed for relationships, and the counseling relationship is a great place to go looking for that healing. And, not all counselors are created equal or fit with every personality, so don’t be afraid to try someone else if the first one you try just doesn’t feel like a good fit.