By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
June 27, 2012

Janette Rushing doesn’t want to mope in the rain. She believes in dancing.

“This is one of my favorite sayings that I think is all about counseling: If you can’t stop the storm, learn to dance in the rain. That’s what I’m about – learning how to dance in the rain,” Rushing said.

Rushing recently joined NEighborhood Family Care in Northeast and will offer counseling sessions every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“I’ve always wanted to offer multiple specialties, so this is a potential first step,” said Dr. Elaine Joslyn, who owns and operates NEighborhood Family Care. “I see it as an excellent addition to what I do here.”

Joslyn said at least three-quarters of her patients have a mental health component – whether it’s a result of a physical problem or the underlying problem.

“I think the community as a whole will be very interested and benefit from her services,” Joslyn said.

Rushing is a licensed clinical social worker in both Missouri and Kansas, has a masters in social work from the University of Kansas, a master’s in education and completed a Post Graduate Fellowship in Psychiatric Social Work at Yale University. She’s worked in the mental health profession for 11 years.

Her path to counseling began when she taught English to high schoolers and college students.

“They would frequently approach me with personal problems and finally I just decided maybe I should explore some training in that. I knew very quickly I was in the right place,” Rushing said.

Rushing still incorporates some of her English teacher days into counseling. For patients who like to write, she’ll use writing exercises to help them process their feelings.

“A lot of my therapy is about problem solving,” she said. “I think that’s really important. You don’t have to have a full-blown mental health issue to come to counseling. It’s not all about pathology, it can be, but it’s mostly about living your best life.

“And, problem solving allows you to identify areas that are not working, and it is a way to make those needed changes.”

Asked what she likes about counseling, Rushing said she finds joy in helping clients find their own voice and strength. And she likes helping clients learn how to dance in the rain.

Rushing recently retired from her full-time job as a college counselor at Highland Community College to pursue her private practice. In addition to seeing patients at NEighborhood Family Care, Rushing will also continue to see patients at Westin Family Clinic and Medical Spa. At NEighborhood Family Care, Rushing will be available to see individuals, couples and families. She also likes working with children and has experience in helping clients work through depression, life changes, grief and anger management.

“I see a lot of different types of people,” she said. “I just love my work. It’s a privilege to do it.”

NEighborhood Family Care Counseling:
• 4601 Independence Ave., Kansas City, MO
• Available Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost is $30 for a 30-minute session or $60 for a 60-minute session
• Call (816) 241-6334 to schedule an appointment
“I find her (Janette) to be very warm and gentle. I think people will find her easy to talk to.” – Dr. Elaine Joslyn