Recently, I had the privilege of conversing with Nancy Hunterton, a licensed marriage and family therapist and approved clinical supervisor, whose influence has resonated deeply within the Las Vegas therapeutic community.
Hunterton has dedicated years to helping others navigate their mental and emotional struggles, and she emphasizes how pivotal the role of a therapist is in engaging with clients facing various challenges.
When asked about her motivation to become a therapist, Hunterton noted a deep-seated desire for self-understanding and connection with others. She expressed, “People often say we enter this field to figure ourselves out, and there is some truth to that. I always craved self-understanding and was curious about the contradictions in my own thoughts and those of others.”
Her choice to pursue therapy was, in a sense, serendipitous. Although it was a second career, she felt it was always meant to be her path. Her passion lies in connecting with individuals, particularly children and adults alike, who are willing to engage in challenging conversations.
Reflecting on the challenges associated with being a therapist, Hunterton identified the act of “holding space” as a significant difficulty. This concept involves being present with clients without judgment while fostering hope for their potential healing.
She stated, “Often, a client cannot see a way out of depression, anxiety or loneliness. In those moments, part of my role is to hold hope on their behalf — to believe in the possibility of healing and change until they can begin to believe in it for themselves.”
This approach necessitates patience, humility, and restraint, as it is crucial for therapists to respect clients’ individual timelines and processes. Hunterton conveyed, “Sitting with suffering is not easy, and knowing when to comfort and when to challenge is tricky.”
Despite these challenges, Hunterton finds continued motivation in the profound privilege of being invited into her clients’ lives. As she nears her 80s, she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to witness personal growth and transformation in those she counsels.
She draws inspiration from renowned psychiatrist Irvin D. Yalom, citing his words from “The Gift of Therapy” as a guiding mantra: “What do I have to offer today?” This question helps her remain current and self-aware, serving as an ethical compass in her practice.
Many may recall Hunterton from her role as a therapist on the reality TV show “Sister Wives.” She was chosen for her unique qualifications, having studied religion as her college major and completing a master’s program focused on American-born religions, including Mormonism. This background enabled her to effectively engage with the complex dynamics of the family depicted on the show.
Hunterton described the filming experience as intense, with the cast navigating their vulnerabilities and agendas while addressing the challenges inherent in their relationships. She noted, “At times, we all lost awareness of the cameras and felt like it was just us in the room. They were real people sorting out issues of attachment, parenting, and more.”
In a world where skepticism surrounding therapy persists, Hunterton advocates for its transformative potential. She states, “Therapy is, at its core, about self-knowledge. It is for clients to see themselves so they can recognize and then change or accept who they currently are.”
She underlines that the journey of self-discovery can be confusing and painful, yet it ultimately leads to a sense of self-appreciation and healing. Hunterton believes that fostering self-love allows for a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
With her extensive experience working with couples, Hunterton offers valuable insights into the dynamics of relationships. She emphasizes that, in couples therapy, the relationship itself is the primary client. This perspective shifts the focus from individual grievances to collective growth and understanding.
“When two individuals agree to join each other, they become a team working toward joint goals and common values,” she explained. Key elements such as respect, compromise, and a cooperative focus on building their lives together are essential for the couple’s success.
Hunterton encourages couples to embrace shared vulnerability and intimacy, recognizing that emotional, physical, and spiritual connections can be renewed through mutual support, humor, and shared experiences.
In closing, she imparts simple yet profound advice: “Do not go at it alone; do it together.” This approach reflects her belief in the power of partnership and collaboration in overcoming challenges and fostering meaningful relationships.
As an esteemed therapist, Nancy Hunterton continues to inspire many in Las Vegas and beyond, embodying the essence of empathy, hope, and resilience in her practice.
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