#69 The sports car in your brain, with Warner Buxton on Mental Health Today

In this podcast episode of "Mental Health Today" hosted by Ken, Ken sits down with Warner Buxton. Warner shares a transformative journey from an unexpected career path in the casino business in Mississippi to becoming a counselor. Originally an agriculture major in college, he started working in a casino and eventually rose through the ranks. Despite financial success, Warner felt unfulfilled. The turning point came when his spouse found joy in teaching and encouraged him to follow his own passion. Warner's journey through a midlife crisis in his thirties, lead him to go back to school for nearly 12 years, obtaining a master's in counseling and getting licensed. Despite the difference in income, his newfound career in counseling brings him deep intrinsic satisfaction. Warner has been practicing counseling for almost eight years, specializing in marriage and family counseling, addiction treatment as the director of a chemical dependency center, and general clinical work. His fascination with human behavior and a genuine concern for people drives his commitment to the field. Warner discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his work. The pandemic led to an increase in addiction and mental health issues due to the isolation and the presence of triggers within households. It also exacerbated co-occurring disorders, highlighting the importance of addressing both addiction and mental health in treatment. The conversation emphasizes the significance of empathy and caring for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, as well as the challenges and rewards of helping individuals on their journey to recovery.