Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Fairchild.
Hi Beth, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, I’m Beth Fairchild. I’m a Licensed Master’s Clinical Social Worker in private practice with over 25 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s challenges.
I grew up in St. Joseph, a beautiful small town along Lake Michigan, and always hoped to return after completing my education. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University and my Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, and was grateful for the opportunity to come back to the community that helped shape me.
For 25 years, I worked as a School Social Worker with St. Joseph Public Schools, supporting students and families from preschool through high school. My work focused on counseling, advocacy, and social-emotional learning, and it was incredibly meaningful to serve in the same district where I was once a student—and where my own children attended school.
St. Joseph is a wonderful place to raise a family, and my time in the schools allowed me to give back to a community that means so much to me.
After retiring from the school system in 2024, I transitioned into private practice, something I had long envisioned as the next step in my career. My professional experience, combined with my perspective as a parent, has equipped me to support individuals and families in a thoughtful and practical way.
As I settled into this new chapter, I felt inspired to take the next step and open my own practice starting this year. Doing so has given me the flexibility to shape my work in a way that aligns with my values and goals in this second phase of life. It has also allowed me to stay closely connected to my family, as my office is located in the same building as my father and brother’s law practice.
I feel grateful to continue doing meaningful work while deepening my roots in the community I call home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life is a journey—often with unexpected twists and turns. At this stage in my life, I wasn’t necessarily expecting new opportunities for growth, yet I’ve found myself both excited and, at times, overwhelmed by all I’ve been learning. Being open to these experiences has reminded me that growth can happen at any point along the way.
That belief inspired the name of my practice: Journey to Balance. At some point, we’re all seeking a greater sense of balance in our lives. When challenges arise, having support can make all the difference in helping you find your way and move forward with confidence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Journey to Balance?
Journey to Balance offers both counseling and space organization services to help you feel better—mentally and in your environment. I believe that when your space feels calm and organized, it’s easier to think clearly, reduce stress, and move forward with confidence.
My counseling style is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I provide a safe space where you can talk openly, feel understood, and develop practical tools for real-life change.
I specialize in: life transitions – helping teens/emerging adults and adults navigate change with clarity and confidence; parent support – guidance for parents adjusting to shifting roles, independence, and family dynamics; and home and space organization – decluttering, refreshes, and hands-on support to create spaces that feel calm, functional, and aligned with your life.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Most people’s work and life journeys aren’t a straight line—and that’s okay. In fact, it’s completely normal. Journey to Balance is built on the belief that life is full of unexpected turns, and growth often comes from how we respond to them.
Find something you truly enjoy, work hard, and remember to have fun along the way. Stay open to new people and unexpected opportunities, even when they don’t fit your original plan. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes—this is often where the most meaningful learning, growth, and connection happen.
And remember, people genuinely like to help people. It feels good to support others, so don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
At Journey to Balance, my goal is to support you in finding your own sense of clarity, confidence, and balance—wherever you are on your path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.journey-to-balance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fair_child_plc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beth.fairchild.856490
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-f-52ba29320
- Youtube: Journey-to-Balance with Beth Fairchild @Journey-to-BalancewithBethFair
