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The Orange County Register, Calif., Job Spotlight Column

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 May 2006, 15:01 CDT

By Doris Benavides, The Orange County Register, Calif.

May 7--JANET L. WHITNEY

Job title: Relationship specialist, licensed marriage and family therapist

Company: Mars and Venus Counseling Center

Telephone: (949) 262-4422

Residence: Irvine

Age: 55

Salary range: $120-$150/hour for counseling; minimum $500/hour for speaking engagements

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB: Clients contact me because of problems in their relationships, issues with their self-esteem, symptoms of depression or anxiety, a lack of direction in their lives, or concerns about family members or loved ones. After an initial assessment, we come up with a treatment plan and the steps that need to be taken to correct their problems. I work with couples and individuals, from teenagers through adults. Together we work on developing the skills and tools they need to improve their lives and to help them achieve their personal goals.

YOUR BACKGROUND: The California Board of Behavioral Sciences licensed me as a psychotherapist in 1982. During my 24 years of working in this field, I have specialized in relationships, whether it is a marriage, dating, family or friendship relationships. In 1996, I began training with Dr. John Gray, author of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." Since that time I have held numerous seminars in churches, companies, schools, hospitals and private organizations, teaching the principles of his writings to single and married adults. I have been a motivational speaker and am currently completing a novel, "How Far Can I Run?" about a woman emotionally and physically running away from her feelings.

YOUR TYPICAL DAY: I see clients six days a week. Some days I will be networking or consulting with doctors, attorneys, therapists and other professionals. Speaking engagements are a part of my regular schedule. Time at home with my family, including three teenagers, is a high priority. Paperwork and phone calls are a daily part of my work.

BEST THING ABOUT THE JOB: The people I have the privilege to work with. The reward of working with others is tremendous, emotionally and spiritually.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Finding a way to get younger people to understand the basic differences between men and women.

HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK? 35-40

ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN A JOB LIKE YOURS: It is a great job for someone who really cares deeply about others.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO YOUR BEST? Seeing hope and happiness return to someone's life.

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To see more of The Orange County Register, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.ocregister.com.

Copyright (c) 2006, The Orange County Register, Calif.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: The Orange County Register

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