John Weber, photographed in St. John's, says helping individuals overcome challenges in their lives is 'how I want to spend the latter years of my life.'Ritche Perez
Many children dream of being heroes when they grow up. As a child, St. John’s resident John Weber wanted to be a firefighter. As a teen, he wanted to play professional basketball. As a young adult, he turned his attention to pharmacy – part of the appeal was that it was a well-paying job and a trusted profession.
Now, after more than 20 years as a pharmacy professor at Memorial University, he’s decided to pivot to a different way of helping people – as a counsellor.
In this series, Reimagining Wealth, we explore the evolving definition of wealth in today’s world.
Here, we speak with Dr. Weber about how salary has taken a back seat as he moves to a profession where he can more directly help people with their mental health.
When did you first start to think about changing careers?
It started just before the onset of the pandemic. I was becoming bored with giving scientific lectures, as I had been teaching the same courses for many years. I had also been conducting research in cells and mice for over 20 years, and I really wanted to work directly with people. A degree in counselling could be completed in about two years.
I remember my partner telling me at one point that when we met, I enjoyed going to work every day, but they didn’t see that in me any longer. I knew it was time to pursue a new path.
Are there ways that your first career and your current career align?
My background in neuroscience gives me a strong foundation for understanding mental health issues in general. As a pharmacologist, I have been teaching and studying addiction for many years and feel I can utilize this knowledge as an addictions counsellor. I have also thought that I might be able to conduct research in the field of therapy based on my academic background.
What are you hoping to achieve through counselling?
When I started the Master of Arts in counselling psychology at Yorkville University, I was interested in investigating psychedelic-assisted therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders and conducting research in this area. [But] I enjoyed the counselling experience so much that I can see myself being completely happy by exclusively providing counselling services, for example to those struggling from anxiety, depression and addictions issues.
Also, as a pharmacologist, I conducted some research on Parkinson’s disease in cellular and animal models. Now I have the chance to counsel Parkinson’s patients regarding their mental health.
Have you had any roadblocks along the way?
Finding a site to get set up to do counselling in person and building up a client base has been more difficult than I anticipated, especially since I completed my practicum in Vancouver and I am back in Newfoundland now.
What does your new career give you – emotionally and spiritually?
It enables me to connect with people. When a client comes for counselling, they are being vulnerable, and the fact that they are trusting you is emotionally rewarding.
A lot of people have had some very challenging and traumatic experiences in their lives, and when they open up to me, it’s humbling. It reminds me of my privilege and keeps me grounded.
Do you feel that intellectual and emotional fulfilment is more important to you than financial at this point in your life?
Financial stability is always a benefit, but I need to be intellectually and emotionally fulfilled to be truly satisfied and happy. I won’t make as much money in my new profession as I have the past several years, but it is worth it. Helping individuals feel better and overcome challenges in their lives is very fulfilling, and it is how I want to spend the latter years of my life.
Is there an aspect of your journey into this new career that has stood out so far?
The most important thing I learned when I started counselling during my practicum is that the strength of the therapeutic relationship between a client and therapist is the most important aspect contributing to a client feeling better and reaching their goals. Every person has a unique story, and as soon as you embrace that as a counsellor, you can treat them with compassion and respect.