Patricia Zerman, MS, LPC
Atlanta / Chattanooga Center for Attitudinal Awareness
770-953-3136
The Atlanta/Chattanooga Center for Attitudinal Awareness provides a safe environment for individuals seeking lasting personal independence. Using practical everyday tools experienced-based exercises teach participants to stand on their own and have independent identities. Patricia is the author of: "TWELVE GUARANTEED WAYS TO STAY MISERABLE (Or Change)!!!"
Q and A:
Tell us about yourself in 60 words or less: I began searching for answers to my life when I was 17 and never stopped. The catalysts of parental alcholism and emotional abandonment, murder and losing a sibling to AIDS inspired the foundation for the focus of my life's work. I've learned that life presents challenges... our work is to have the courage and will power to walk them through.
Tell us how you got started in your work? After my sister's murder I realized that living what I had studied took a great deal more courage than simply reading the books, listening to tapes or attending seminars.
How would you describe your business to someone? A safe environment where people can learn to release emotional baggage, find their own identity and risk practicing the necessary skills to successfully stand on their own two feet!
What services do you offer? One-on-one couseling and experienced-base classes. I am a therapist full time teaching classes and spending times with clients one-on-one.
What led you into this business and opening up your own place? My apparent ability to support other people in finding answers to emotional blocks and the lack of my sister's self-worth, which I feel led to the situation which caused her death. I wanted to support other's from getting into situations that can be avoided through learning to love themselves, value themselves and to attain self-importance.
Do you feel what you provide is holistic health care, alternative health care, complimentary health care services or do you care what it’s labeled? Complimentary Health Care. When one is healthy emotionally, then tend to be healthier physically and are afflicted with less ailments and health issues.
What advice do you have for people looking to get into this field? Follow your intution and do not ever give up!
What is your most proud accomplishment thus far with your business? Writing my book, "Twelve Guaranteed Ways To Stay Miserable (Or Change)" and have it been so well received.
If you had three wishes, what would they be in order of importance?
- That everyone muster the courage to love him/herself by standing up for who he/she is without fear.
- That people realize the only true enemy one ever has is the one seen in the mirror every day.
- That everyone realize the only true friend and everlasting companion one ever has is that Invisible Spirit within, which only wants the best for each person on the planet.
What is the one thing you would most like us to know about you? That I am extremely committed to making my own life work and therefore equally committed to supporting the genuine success of the lives of others.
If you could have lunch with any person, living or deceased, who would it be and why? Leonardo DiVinci... because he was extremely open to unlimited possibilities through what he invented and the creations he visualized through the countless drawings and writings left behind that were so far ahead of his time.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Watch movies, especially comedies. What do you do for fun? Walk outside when the weather permits, relax, breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on my face.
Are you married, have you ever been married, etc? Kids? Pets? Never been married. Dates many, many wonderful men for long periods of time. Just never had the desire to put on a wedding band. No children. Pets - yes, cats (5)! Which I never would have believed if someone would have told me years ago!
Where do you see yourself in five years? Living in Chattanooga with a scenic mountain-top view, supporting people in living happier more fulfilled lives.
How would you like to see CHEO grow, change or expand? I would like to see more events that draw residents to participate and become more involved in the outcome of their lives. Events that not only offer education but the necessary tools to put a higher quality of life into practice.
How would you like to see medical and alternative health in this country grow, change or etc. I would like to see people take back control of the government, not accepting or swallowing everything that is fed to us simply because it is delivered. Which then will support more honest communication throughout the country with regard to medicine, alternative health options, expanded awareness, prevention and continued support in self-maintenance in all aspects of one's life.
What brought you to CHEO? My friend Mary Ellen Cicganovic, who is a member, suggested I become involved with CHEO. I have had a successful practice in the Atlanta area for over 15 years teaching people how to risk living, the "how tos" so to speak, that therapists and most of the self-help material tell us needs to be done. Mary Ellen and I both want to see a Center, like the one in Atlanta expand to the Chattanooga area.
Where are you from? Originally, Sarasota, Florida. How long in the Greater Chattanooga area? I am presently still living in Marietta, GA and want to move to Chattanooga as soon as possible. I am touched by the approachability and friendliness of the residents and Chattanooga's beautiful scenic surroundings.
What is the one thing you want the public to understand about your services that you feel they don’t? That I am truly as genuine, supportive, giving and caring as I come across. I say what I mean and I mean what I say.