Doris Kruse has been at The Odyssey Training Center since day-1. With her compassionate and creative methodology. Doris quickly become an icon in the addiction counseling industry. She is the 1991 recipient of the Bonnie Forquer award for outstanding contributions in prevention, treatment, intervention and education in substance abuse. Her work in prisons, hospitals, in/outpatient programs, mental health centers, Native American Reservations, colleges, DUI programs, and more, give her a well-rounded approach to successfully adapting new skills and ideas into her practice.
How did you know that this career path was right for you? Is there a specific example you can recall that solidified your choice?
My career in addiction counseling began as a response to my own healing and a desire to give back in a way that spoke to my gratitude for my recovery.
What is it about The Odyssey Center that makes it’s training unique?
I have taught for Odyssey Center since its beginning and it has now been seventeen years. I have loved the professionalism of all the staff at Odyssey, the desire to prepare counselor’s to work in this industry, the office management that makes everything easy to do and the management that is very supportive of all staff. I believe Odyssey has the best training staff in the state.
When you reflect on your long, decorated career, is there any single award that you received that you’re most proud of?
I am the 1991 recipient of the Bonnie Forquer award for outstanding contributions in prevention, treatment, intervention and education in substance abuse.
What was your favorite course to teach? Why?
While I have enjoyed teaching all the courses, my favorite is Clinical Supervision. My belief, backed up by some very good research is client success and care is directly related to how well supervised the staff providing the treatment is done. I have loved teaching students how to supervise using models that are proven to work.
Is there any advice you wish someone gave you before you became an addiction counselor?
I would encourage addiction counselors to continue to work for pay increases for the work as well as being aware of the dedication required to work in the addiction field.
Is there any part of this job that has carried over and made a positive impact on your personal life?
During my forty plus years as an addiction counselor I have worked in prisons, hospitals, private programs both in patient and out patient and have had the opportunity to learn a lot about people from many walks of life. I feel this has made me a more compassionate and caring person in all of my life.
What is the most important skill you learned in your career?
Patience and the importance of spirituality.
What is your favorite memory from working as an addiction counselor?
This is a difficult question to answer. I have many memories so to choose just one may not be possible. I have been fortunate to work in a number of Native American reservation treatment settings and loved being there and being able to learn so much about the Native American culture and belief system. I was blessed to be the founder and owner of an outpatient program for addiction and domestic violence that is still operating under a new owner. The many things learned starting and owning a program are amazing. I enjoyed teaching DUI classes and there are some experiences from the clients in those classes that would fill at least one book. I have been blessed to be an approved trainer for ADAD /OBH since 1988. In that time I have learned so much and been so impressed by all the students I have had. I have been blessed to teach for Odyssey Center for seventeen years. Those are just some of the memories.
Looking forward, I will be retiring from teaching the CAC classes in December, 2016. I have become involved in alternative health care and teach Reiki, Cherokee Body Work, Quantum touch etc. I will continue my private practice in Franktown and I am writing a book with the help of a ghostwriter. I continue to be interested in music, art and theatre. So it really just sounds like I am letting go of part of my work but not all of it. Special thanks to Michael and Robin for seventeen wonderful years.
Here at The Odyssey Training Center we truly believe in the quality of our amazing instructors, and no one exemplifies this mantra more than Doris Kruse. With her work experience, she has helped hundreds of students practically apply what they learn at Odyssey and launch successful careers as addiction counselors.
