Q & A with Dustin Kegeris
We are extremely grateful to have Dustin join our team at Redeemer. Dustin sees clients at our Maitland and Winter Springs Offices. If you're interested in scheduling an appointment with him, please contact our office at 407-405-7677.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
A Midwesterner at heart, I spent the first 22 years of my life in central Illinois. When I met my wife in college, a Califonian, this brought us to the west coast for several years. Our ministry career eventually led us to move overseas and begin the adventure of raising a family abroad.
When we returned to the States, we landed in Orlando where I had the opportunity to complete my Masters degree and make the transition from vocational ministry to mental health counseling. My wife and I, along with our three children, are so grateful to settle into this new season of life and call this city our home.
Favorite family tradition
Pizza Fridays. Whether it’s making pizza from scratch, or visiting the frozen pizza aisle after a busier week, we always look forward to finishing the week with pizza and sometimes a movie together.
favorite orlando resturant
Don Julio. I’ve tried Mexican food in almost every state and several countries outside of the U.S. I still haven’t found a place that serves up a meal like Don Julio. My family probably downs 10 baskets of chips and salsa each visit . . . at minimum.
What did you do before becoming a counselor and/or what drew you to this field?
Before becoming a counselor, I worked in parachurch ministry stateside and abroad focusing on college students. I had the opportunity to interact with an incredibly diverse audience, and greatly benefited from learning about different cultures around the world. Hearing others’ stories—both the joys and hardships—began to stir in me a desire to hear more about how our experiences have shaped who we are today. This, as well as learning to process my own story and the seasons of grief, joy, and so much more led me to pursue the field of counseling.
Do you have particular areas of interest as a counselor?
I have spent time in a variety of ministry settings, and have had the privilege of sitting with those who are in vocational ministry or have transitioned away from it. I have a particular interest in working with clients who have experienced trauma, grief, or stress connected to the various seasons of change.
Advice for anyone considering counseling?
I’m glad that the stigma of mental health counseling has decreased in recent years, but I am also aware that it still exists in some places. The hardest step of can be taking the time to look for a counselor and make that first call. Our mental health is connected to our daily lives, but it is often the last thing we prioritize. By prioritizing your mental health—even with the sacrifices you will make to do so—will have a significant benefit on other areas of your life. It is worth every bit of the effort.
