Community Counseling Center has an amazing staff who works tirelessly every day to change lives for the better, and we'd like you to meet them!
Mark has graciously offered to be our first
victim participant. So, without further ado...
Name: MARK BRANA
What do you do at CCC?
I recently became a Co-Occurring Disorders counselor, so now I will be spending most of my time working out of our Henderson location, but before that, I worked in the Substance Abuse Department. I ran both Stress Impulse/Anger Management groups as well as a Men's Recovery group. I also do individual sessions and have been trained in EMDR. I work with a variety of clients, including clients who have experienced trauma. I enjoy working with my clients and seeing the progress they make.
How long have you been at CCC?
I started interning at CCC on July 7th, 2013 and was hired as a full-time employee May 1, 2014.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Northern Minnesota, approximately 2 hours from the Canadian Border. Yes, it's cold there.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I like to travel to places I have never been, so I can't pick just one place. Although I do have to say I found spending time in Eastern Europe very enjoyable.
What is your favorite food?
I have missed very few meals in my lifetime. I enjoy all foods, and often eat Chinese food. My wife does the cooking for the most part. The easier question to answer is what foods don't I like. Beets, I hate beets.
Who is someone you look up to or admire and why?
I look up to anyone taller than me; it's hard to look them directly in the eyes without doing so. I admire my grandfather who passed away in May 2013. I would say I am most like him in my demeanor, sense of humor, and outlook on life. He lived an exemplary life and I can only hope to be half as exemplary as he was.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spare time? I have not heard of the concept. Lately, I have spent my spare time changing diapers and trying to figure out how I am going to deal with my daughter when she is 16. I am thinking she won't date until she is 50. I enjoy playing sports and working out. I also enjoy riding my motorcycle and playing guitar. I read, although rarely, when I find something that interests me.
What is your favorite place in Las Vegas?
Anywhere I go with my wife, friends, or family. I do not particularly enjoy gambling or being on the Strip.
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you choose and why?
I would have a lion. Why?? See the first part of the 'spare time' question, I think this would help. Otherwise, I would have a dog. I like having dogs because they are loyal and not as snobby as cats.
What would you choose as a career if you were not in this field?
It's hard to say. At one point in my life, I was going to go into law enforcement. I also thought about being a helicopter pilot, but I'm afraid of heights. This also made being an astronaut a difficulty. I would probably have to say a professional fisherman. Getting paid to fish, how do I get into that?
What is your favorite thing about working at CCC?
I enjoy the people I work with and the freedom to do my job my way. Some agencies are focused on one type of therapy and do not allow clinicians the freedom to be themselves. I think being too narrow-minded and focused on only one approach is detrimental to any agency. Being open and free to explore gives you the most opportunity to help clients.
What words of wisdom do you have to share?
When life is getting you stressed, just take a deep breath and remember: It's just life, no one gets out alive.
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