Meet Claudia Ward of A New Way of Becoming Counseling Services AZ, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Ward.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Arizona and the owner of a part-time private counseling practice: A New Way of Becoming Counseling Services. I am also a survivor of bilateral breast cancer and heart disease. As far back as I can remember, I was always involved in some sport or kept physically active. I found my passion in the running at age 13, which has fueled my soul for more than 45 years now and counting. Running has given me the mental toughness and awareness of my body to survive some life-threatening illnesses. Being in tune with my body and advocating for myself saved my life several times over the last two decades.

In January 2006, my only sibling was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Later that year, I suffered my first of two heart attacks. My sister’s cancer metastasized to her liver the following year, and she died shortly after that. I had another heart attack and, ultimately, open-heart surgery in 2010.

In May 2018, I was doing a breast self-exam, and there it was. The lump. And at that moment, I knew. I thought of my sister. It felt as if time had stopped. Three surgeries in one year, including a bad double mastectomy, ultimately left me flat. I feel fortunate, though. Mine was stage 1, and I am four years cancer free.

I’ve had countless life-altering moments. Heart disease and breast cancer know no boundaries. My journey has been scary and devastating and ridden with lots of fear, but it has helped lay the foundation for my work as a mental health counselor. My stories of survival make me uniquely qualified to support others, particularly those facing life-threatening, chronic, and other health conditions. My physical illnesses and emotional suffering have confirmed the mind-body connection for me. What has emerged is a strong belief in mindfulness meditation that frees me from the heartaches of my past and the uncertainties of tomorrow and catapults me from surviving to thriving.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I opened my private counseling practice in August 2021, although it was delayed a bit by my cancer. It is a part-time practice as I have a full-time counseling job at a local medical facility. Not having a business background has been a deficit but also an opportunity to move beyond my comfort zone. My passion for walking alongside people through some of their most challenging times, giving them hope, and helping them realize that change is possible overrode any fears of becoming an entrepreneur.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My part-time counseling practice is the culmination of my work as a mental health counselor and survivor of bilateral breast cancer and heart disease. My passion is providing individual counseling services to those with chronic illness, cancer, cardiac survivors, and health issues in general. I specialize in anxiety and stress, depression, life transitions, and the vast array of emotions and thoughts that can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stuck. People can learn more about my practice by visiting my Psychology Today profile at:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/claudia-ward-chandler-az/871538

Alright, before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
I would not be a business owner without the strong encouragement and guidance from some highly talented colleagues, especially Jeanine Austin Stotts, who continues to be my biggest cheerleader. From the initial thought of creating my practice to conceptualization, she and my colleagues gave me whatever I needed to keep the momentum going. Consulting with peers and staying abreast of essential matters through the American Counseling Association are critical components of my professional development. Self-compassion and a strong network, professionally and personally, fuel my ability to become the best version of myself at any given moment. On a personal level, I feel tremendous support in my role as a long-time volunteer with the American Heart Association, Go Red for Women platform. It allows me to share my story as a cardiac survivor, raise awareness about women’s heart health and connect with amazing women throughout the Valley.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newwaycounselingaz.com/

Image Credits
DK Brittain