We recently connected with Anet Khechoumian and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anet thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I have taken to date, would have to have been traveling to North Korea ! Every aspect leading up to the trip ( and successfully exiting ) was both exciting and terrifying. I have always found a interest in a country that has been black listed and isolated by so many, and have been curious to witness the people and places that are often portrayed in varying forms of media. the arrival was very exciting and had a sense of privilege attached ( that you are being given permission to enter). My time visiting, was not only fun but also enjoyable, and contrary to popular belief, I felt extremely safe ( and highly aware that I was being looked after). the experience itself felt as though I was in an unknown location, that had been frozen in time for 50 years. the most terrifying part of the trip, was leaving. as I was aware, that most of the previous hostages held from the country, were captured during the departure flight. during this time, I was excessively replaying every action and step taken, to ensure I had not broken any rules or laws that would lead to a capture. it was not until the airline was airborne, that I felt relief. overall, one of the most memorable and risky decisions I have made.

Anet , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

It is with the utmost pride and joy, to stand as the founder of North Treatment Center. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have dedicated my career to treating those effected by substance abuse, and have the privilege to partake in the recovery of each individual. My passion has been coupled with the awareness of the need for quality care, that prompted the development of a clinically sound program. I aim to model a structure of appropriate and ethical treatment for individuals and loved ones struggling with addiction- that is significantly lacking from the large and broken healthcare system we have today. As a clinician, I take pride in providing the highest level of care, while delivering a platform for knowledge, health, and hope to grow and prosper. I strive to serve the families and loved ones struggling with mental illness, who need the plan, the tools, and the support to end dysfunctional cycles and restructure healthy connections. I often feel motivated by clients, to contribute to the change in trajectory that leads to a healthier and happier life.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience often goes hand in hand with a recipe of patience and grit. my experiences have led me to believe that in order to truly see resilience in oneself, you have to see through challenges and barriers, and allow for new strategies and detours to take place. Time plays a big role in allowing for the right decisions to be made, with more clarity and less of an impulsive or emotional reaction. Being able to separate emotions from decisions can be very difficult to decipher when the two cross over so organically, which is why time allows for the two to separate and make more strategic assessments.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would absolutely, without a doubt choose to have the same profession. I know at my core, that some people are made to carry certain roles in the world, and that our history and backgrounds builds us to be equip for the role. the difficult part can be dialing in on what that role is for each person, and learning the avenue to take in order to reach that goal. in the field of health care, I know and have felt the effects of burn out, which is why I believe that having alternative options and opportunities will minimize such burn out, and allow for more creative ways to exercise knowledge and passion. (on another note, I HAVE always secretly wished I could have been more artist and been able to paint- but that has yet to happen lol)

Contact Info:

• Website: Northtreatmentcenter.com
• Instagram: north_treatment