In a world that often seems fixated on youth and the idea of achieving success at a young age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that if you haven’t accomplished your goals by a certain age, you’ve somehow missed your chance. As a mental health counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how this belief can weigh heavily on individuals, leading to feelings of despair, inadequacy, and even depression.
But I’m here to tell you (and serve as an example—I started my second career as a counselor at age 40!) that you are not too old, and it is not too late to pursue your goals and find fulfillment in life.
I’ve always been a “practice what you preach” kind of person, especially now that I’m a counselor. Of all the suggestions I make for self-care, tracking emotions, coping strategies, and processing, the one that comes up the most is, without a doubt, journaling.
I’ve been keeping a journal since I was in sixth grade in every imaginable form—starting with spiral composition notebooks, graduating to leather-bound blank books, transitioning to digital with Notes on my phone, and my current go-to: the Day One journaling app (not sponsored, but highly recommend). No matter the vessel; it’s the act itself that holds the therapeutic power.
Welcome! My name is Rachel Rambach, board-certified music therapist and mental health counselor serving central Illinois. I practice from a strengths-based, solution-focused perspective and love working with individuals, couples and families who are navigating life transitions.
