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I lived in the Netherlands for a number of years. My first year was in 1989. Two friends and I went to Berlin for a long weekend. There were protests in the streets. We spent time in East Berlin and I walked from Check Point Charlie to the Reichstag and wrote every quote I could find in English in my journal. I took photos and listened to U2 as I walked. Five days later the wall opened. 

When we took the train back to NL it was full of people being able to travel to the West for the first time perhaps in their lives. We had one seat for the three of us. We stood in the hallway with others talking about the 'age of change' in Europe.

I ended up getting a MS in International Relations in the UK and worked in International Education for years due to my year in Europe in 1989-1990. I returned in 1991-1992 and in the late 90s. 

THanks, Audrianna Joy

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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I am mental health and an addictions therapist. I work in private practice and at a community clinic. My clients range from parents, spouses, to prostitutes working on 82nd avenue. I have found that addictions do not discriminate. It does not matter where you grew up, how much money you have, what your ethnic background is - when one is in the clutches of an addiction it often takes over pushing other needs to the side. 

My clients have been addicted to substances and to gambling. I find that it is a slow process to battle each of these demons one by one. I worry about all the possible cutbacks in our society from programs that offer support to those with an addiction. If you don't have insurance it is very difficult to find support. People who are not directly effected by an addiction seem to think - out of sight, out of mind, however, it really effects us all.

Research and my works shows that for 70% of clients that are in therapy are effected by an addiction either within themselves or someone in their circle of family and/or friends. 

Please support public funding! I offer treatment on a sliding scale but, it is often hard for an individual to ask for help in the first place. 

Thanks for talking about this important topic. 

Best, Audrianna J Gurr 503-475-4005, ajoy@gurrcounseling.com 

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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I am a small business owner - having started my private practice in counseling this summer. I have had to sort out funding, regulations etc. It has been incredibly scary for me given the current economic environment. Yet, it seems that when economic times are hard and unemployment rises people often decide to go out on their own. I want to know what the state is doing to help support and encourage someone like me.

Side comment: Thanks Emily for asking what the guest mean when they use political jargon/words. When I don't know what someone is specifically talking about I will silently stare at the radio and ponder - you are reading my mind! Thanks!

Last Side Comment: I am coming in to answer phones for the pledge drive today. If Emily was at all available. I would love to chat with her for a minute about a couple ideas for shows that I posted earlier: miscarriage including grief/loss and/or postpartum concerns including depression/anxiety and the local resources available. I volunteer at a couple of non-profits that offer services e.g. Baby Blue Connection and Brief Encounters. The more people know the more they can get help.

Thanks! Audrianna J. Gurr, MS, NCC

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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I am a mental health counselor with a private practice in the area. I have enjoyed your series - As We Are. I think there is great value in exploring show ideas for people experiencing miscarriage/still born. Such a taboo subject in our society but, effects many, many women (and men). What it is, means for others, inappropriate responses, etc. There is a local group - Brief Encounters that does some education. I would love to be involved in this discussion.

Additionally, postpartum issues would be a sure fire topic. Many only know if the extreme cases (i.e. Andrea Yates, Tom Cruise - ranting) but, there is so much more to be learned by the general public. The various kinds, the anxiety, the help available. I volunteer with a local group called Baby Blues Connections. We run groups and a 'warm line' for moms. I would love to be involved in this one as well.

Let's get a dialogue going about these two important yet, overlooked areas!

Thanks, Audrianna J. Gurr

posted 4 years, 7 months ago
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